Prescription Glasses with a Magnetic Sun Clip-On - How They Work and What to Look For

Updated: 7 July 2026 - by the Eye-Shop optical team

If you wear prescription glasses and are tired of swapping pairs every time you step into the sun, glasses with a magnetic clip-on are the most practical - and most affordable - 2-in-1 solution. This guide shows exactly how they work, when they beat prescription sunglasses and photochromic lenses, and what to check before you buy.

What glasses with a magnetic clip-on are

They are a normal eyeglass frame supplied together with a second, very light sun front in the exact same shape. Inside the frame and the clip there are small magnets in matching spots: you bring the clip close, it settles into the right position on its own and locks. You take it off with one move and store it in its case - it weighs just a few grams.

How the magnetic mechanism works

• Built-in magnets: located inside the front rim (usually at the edges or the bridge) - invisible and rust-free.
• Automatic alignment: the clip is pulled into the correct position by the magnets, no aiming required.
• It does not touch the lenses: the clip rests only on the rim, so your prescription lenses are not scratched.
• Stable in motion: walking and driving it does not move; only for intense sport should you prefer a sports frame.

See it in action - video

In the Eye-Shop video below you can see up close an Emporio Armani set with 2 clip-ons: how the clip snaps on with the magnets, how it sits on the rim without touching the lenses, and what the case includes.

Clip-on vs prescription sunglasses vs photochromic - what pays off

There are three ways to have sun plus prescription. Each has its place:

	Magnetic clip-on	Prescription sunglasses	Photochromic lenses
Cost	Low - the clip is included in the frame price	Higher - a second full prescription pair	Moderate - a surcharge on the prescription lenses
Convenience	One pair everywhere, clip in the case	You carry two pairs	One pair, zero effort
For driving	Instant switch, often polarized	Best feel, any tint you like	They darken less behind the windscreen
Ideal for	Daily use with the best cost/use ratio	Long hours in sun, sea, mountains	Those who want no switching at all

What to check before you buy

• Polarized clip: good clip-ons (e.g. all Polaroid) have polarized lenses that cut reflections - ideal for driving and the sea.
• Factory-made, not universal: prefer a frame designed together with its clip. Universal one-size-fits-all clips rarely fit properly and may scratch the lenses.
• UV protection: the clip should offer 100% UV400 - all our branded models do.
• Storage: the clip always travels in its case; do not leave it loose in a bag or on the dashboard.

Prices and brand options

At Eye-Shop you will currently find dozens of models with a factory magnetic clip-on, with the clip included in the price:

Category	Indicative brands	Approx. prices
Kids	Polaroid Kids, NanoVista (unbreakable), Emporio Armani Kids	78-126 EUR
Everyday adult	Polaroid (polarized clip), Emporio Armani, Arnette	88-178 EUR
Sport & lifestyle	Carrera, Polaroid Sport, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren	95-185 EUR
Premium	David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford	213-552 EUR

Start from the full glasses with magnetic sun clip-on collection - for children it is perhaps the smartest choice, since one pair covers school and the playground.

Free prescription lenses in your power

Whichever model you settle on, standard prescription lenses are fitted free of charge to your prescription - you pay only for the frame (with its clip). If your prescription is strong, ask us about thinning options too, and the full cost is easier to plan with our eyeglasses collection.