You know the feeling: you're sitting on the terrace, book in hand, sun on your face, and then your eyes start to strain. The bright light hits the page and reading becomes a struggle. Leaving your reading glasses at home in favour of your sunglasses doesn't work either: you can't see the text clearly. And carrying two pairs on holiday? That's a hassle. Luckily, there's a smart solution that combines both: the sun reader. In this article you'll find out what it is, who it's for, and what to look for when choosing one.
What is a sun reader?
A sun reader combines the benefits of sunglasses and reading glasses in a single frame. The lenses are tinted for UV protection and fitted with reading magnification. You get sharp close-up vision while protecting your eyes from harmful UV light, with no need to carry two pairs.
It's not the same as clip-on reading lenses or bifocal glasses. A sun reader is a ready-to-wear pair, available to order directly in your strength, without a prescription or optician.
Who are sun readers for?
Sun readers are ideal for anyone who already uses reading glasses and spends time outdoors. From around age forty, the eye's lens gradually becomes less flexible, and reading small print on a menu, your phone, or a book gets harder. In bright sunlight, that challenge grows even bigger
Do any of these sound familiar?
• You pick up a book on the beach but your eyes hurt from the bright light
• You sit on a terrace and can't read the menu without your reading glasses
• You're on holiday constantly swapping between your reading glasses and sunglasses
• You work outside and want to quickly check something on your phone
Then sun readers are exactly what you need. They're available for both women and men, in a wide range of frame styles, colours, and strengths.
Where can you use sun readers?
Sun readers aren't just for the beach. Anywhere you're outside and want to read or focus on something up close, they make a real difference. A few situations where you'll be glad you have them:
• On the beach or by the pool. Dive into a book without straining your eyes or constantly switching pairs. The coloured lenses filter the bright light and the reflection off the water.
• On a terrace. Whether you're reading the menu, sending a message, or browsing a magazine, sun readers make it effortless.
• In the park. A quiet spot in the sun with a good book or e-reader. Especially useful in spring and summer when the sun sits low and bright.
• On holiday. Browsing a market, reading a travel guide, or checking the information board at a museum: sun readers are the perfect travel companion for anyone who needs reading glasses.
• In the garden. Reading a plant label, going through the newspaper, or checking a recipe on your phone while sitting outside.
What strength do I need?
The strength of your sun reader is the same as your regular reading glasses. Already using +1.5 at home? Go with that same strength.
Not sure of your strength, or never worn reading glasses before? Try a simple home test: hold a piece of text about 35-40 centimetres away. Can't see it sharply? Start at +1.0 or +1.5 and work up until it's clear. Not sure what strength you need? Take our online eye test
Common strengths
Sun readers are generally available from +1.0 to +3.0, in steps of 0.5. At Looplabb you'll find all standard strengths, so there's always a pair that suits your eyes.
Women's vs. men's sun readers - is there a difference?
In terms of function, none at all. In terms of style, quite a lot. Women's sun readers often feature wider, more feminine frames: round lenses or frames with colour accents. Men's styles tend to be more angular, rectangular, or in classic shapes like the aviator or wayfarer.
At Looplabb you'll find both, clean and minimal or bold and expressive. All models are available in multiple strengths, so you never have to compromise on style
What to look for when choosing sun readers
• Strength: Choose the same strength as your current reading glasses. Not sure? Start low and work up.
• UV protection: Always go for full UV400 protection. This gives your eyes the best defence against harmful UV light.
• Lens tint: Category 2 (lightly tinted) works well on overcast days and changeable weather. Category 3 (darker) is ideal in bright sunshine and on holiday.
• Frame shape: Choose a frame that suits your face shape. Not sure what suits you? Check our face shape guide below
• Fit: Good sun readers should sit comfortably on the nose bridge without pinching behind the ears.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear sun readers while driving?
No. Sun readers are made for reading up close and are not suitable for distance vision. For driving you need regular sunglasses, or prescription distance glasses.
Do I need a prescription?
No. Sun readers are off-the-shelf reading glasses, no optician or prescription needed. Just pick the strength that works for you. Read more about the difference between sun readers and prescription sunglasses
What if I have astigmatism?
Standard sun readers don't correct for astigmatism. If you have a cylindrical correction, it's best to visit an optician for a custom pair.
Shop sun readers at Looplabb
At Looplabb you'll find a wide range of sun readers for women and men, in all strengths, frame styles, and designs. From classic and understated to colourful and bold. Order easily online and receive your glasses quickly at home.
