Best Magnetic Clip-On Frames for Prescription Wearers

What Are Magnetic Clip-On Frames?

It’s a regular frame that holds your prescription lenses, plus a separate clip-on lens that attaches to the front with magnets. Indoors, you wear the glasses on their own. Outdoors, the clip snaps on and works as sunglasses. Take it off and you’re back to normal.

Worth knowing: your prescription goes in the main frame, not the clip. The clip is a tinted layer that sits over it. That’s what makes it practical for prescription wearers, since you only pay for one set of prescription lenses. If you want the mechanics, we explain them in how magnetic clip-on sunglasses work.

Are Magnetic Clip-On Glasses Good for Prescription Wearers?

For a lot of people, yes. They suit you if you:

• Switch between indoors and outdoors all day, like commuters and drivers.
• Don’t want to carry two pairs.
• Have a stronger prescription, where a second pair of prescription sunglasses costs a lot.
• Want glare control without committing to permanently tinted lenses.

They’re less ideal if you’d rather not handle a separate piece, or if you spend most of the day outside and just want one pair of tinted lenses. For that, read our guide on choosing sunglasses with prescription lenses.

Clip-On Frames vs. Prescription Sunglasses vs. Photochromic Lenses

Magnetic clip-on frames: one prescription, two looks. You carry the clip, and it can be lost or scratched in a bag.

Prescription sunglasses: one clean look and nothing to clip, but it’s a whole second pair with a second prescription cost.

Photochromic lenses: they darken on their own, so nothing to carry. They don’t always get as dark as a dedicated sunglass lens, and many don’t darken much behind a car windshield. Our post on photochromic glasses goes deeper.

What to Look for in Magnetic Clip-On Frames for Prescription Glasses

• Frame size. The clip has to cover your lenses, so compare lens width and height to your current pair. Our frame size finder helps.
• Lens type compatibility. If you wear progressives, check that the frame has enough lens height for them.
• Polarization. Polarized lenses cut glare off roads, water and pavement. They don’t add UV protection, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology advises looking for a 100% UV or UV400 label on any sunglasses you buy.
• The hinge. Some frames use screwless hinges, which means no tiny screws to loosen.
• Material. Check whether it’s titanium or an alloy. They aren’t the same thing.

The Best Magnetic Clip-On Frames for Prescription Wearers

1. FOCAL: Best Rimless Clip-On Frame

FOCAL is a rimless rectangle frame made from titanium with IP plating, supplied with three interchangeable lens attachments. The clips are listed as polarised. Lens height is 41mm, temple length 142mm, and the frame is classed as medium width (130 to 139mm). It comes in gray, black or silver, and the frame is $169 before prescription lenses. Pick it if you want the cleanest look and the most flexibility in the clips.

2. MIRO: Best Full Rim Clip-On Frame

MIRO is a full rim rectangle frame in titanium with IP plating and regular hinges. Overall width is 145mm, lens height 36mm and temples 148mm, so it’s a wider fit. The page lists a photochromic lens finish and says the frame accommodates progressive prescriptions. It doesn’t list polarization, so check the lens details before you order. Colors are black silver, black and brown, from $129 for the frame. A full rim holds the lens firmly, which suits stronger prescriptions.

3. IZIS: Best Screwless Clip-On Frame

IZIS is a semi-rimless rectangle frame, and it’s the one that is not titanium: the listed material is alloy with IP plating. It has a screwless, interlocking hinge and polarised clip-ons. Size is 58mm lens width, 36mm height, 18mm bridge and 143mm temples, with a 145mm overall width. It comes in gray or black, from $129 for the frame. Choose it if you want to skip hinge screws and don’t need titanium specifically.

How to Order Magnetic Clip-On Frames With Your Prescription

1. Pick your frame and color.
2. Choose your lens type: single vision, progressive or bifocal.
3. Enter your prescription. Not sure what the numbers mean? Try the prescription decoder.
4. Add your PD, or measure it with the PD calculator.
5. Choose a lens index. Stronger prescriptions usually look better in thinner lenses. The lens index estimator helps.

The prescription lenses cost extra on top of the frame. As listed at the time of writing, single vision adds $149, progressives $199 and bifocals $189, with a 12-month warranty on the frame. You can order straight from Titanium Optix, and the same page lets you add tint, photochromic or blue-light options. Policies and prices change, so confirm on the product page before you buy.

FAQ: Magnetic Clip-On Frames for Prescription Glasses

Can I put prescription lenses in magnetic clip-on frames?

Yes. The prescription goes in the main frame. The clip-on is a tinted layer that sits over it.

Do magnetic clip-ons work with progressive lenses?

They can. Check that the frame has enough lens height for progressives. MIRO’s page says it accommodates progressive prescriptions.

Do magnetic clip-on sunglasses fall off?

They’re held by magnets, and a snug fit is what keeps them in place. Try yours with some movement before you rely on it for running or sport.

Are the clip-ons polarized?

FOCAL and IZIS list polarised clips. MIRO doesn’t list polarization on its page, so check before ordering.

Do polarized lenses protect from UV?

Not by themselves. Polarization reduces glare. For UV, look for a 100% UV or UV400 label, as the American Academy of Ophthalmology advises.

Are magnetic clip-ons better than prescription sunglasses?

It depends on your day. Clip-ons save money and a second pair. Prescription sunglasses are simpler if you’re outside most of the time.