There are a number of good fit over sunglasses in the market today. Cocoons, Vistana and Solar Shield fit over sunglasses are just a few of the brands that have recognized the market demand and are striving to fill it. But one must ask: what are the advantages that these glasses have over clip-ons? Moreover, what are their disadvantages? This information would help a discriminating buyer be more aware of what kind of shades he or she would need; would a clip-on, a fit-over, or a full-blown pair of shades be best?

Clip-ons and fit-overs compete in the market because they share one major factor for desirablity: they are both easy to wear over prescription lenses. Prescription lenses are notorious for being hard to convert into shades; you need clear lenses in order to be able to see clearly in any kind of lighting. After all, one opts for prescription lenses in order to better see things. But when the glare hits your eyes, your concern is no longer so much clarity, as glare protection.

This is where fit-overs and clip-ons come in. Of course, the point of contention is actually if the build of your face can handle either fit-overs or clip-ons. Either one may be inconvenient, depending on the design and how the upper area of your face is shaped. If you have a prominent nose, you may do better with a fit-on, which would fit perfectly on the lower part of your nose while allowing you to wear your prescription lenses underneath. However, if the bridge of your nose is more prominent, clip-on lenses may be more advisable.

Most fit-over lenses are lightweight, so the issue of whether or not clip-ons are actually heavier than fit-overs is quite moot. However, fit-overs may take up more space than clip-ons. So if you're after lighter luggage, and both types of sun shades would be good for you, you may wish to consider clip-ons. Bear in mind, though, that the selling point of most fit-overs is that they are able to protect your eyes at a 360-degree angle: you can wear them over your close-fitting prescription eyewear and enjoy the benefits of 100% UV protection. Ill-fitting clip-ons may post more health risks than bad if you are not able to find a pair of clip-ons that fit well onto your prescription lenses.

One may ask: why not just get contact lenses, not prescription glasses, if one must have UV protection? There are a couple of very valid reasons for people not to opt for contact lenses. For one thing, a person may have a health issue that may prohibit this person from coming into contact with foreign substances applied onto the eyes, such as contact lenses, or contact lens solutions. For another, putting on contact lenses takes up so much time. Opt for clip-ons or Cocoons, Vistana, or Solar Shield fit-over sunglasses instead.