Updated on 11 November 2026 · by the Sticklens team
Short answer
You turn your sunglasses into bifocals by sticking a silicone reading lens to the bottom of the inside of the lens. The lens holds with water, no glue, and keeps the upper part of the lens clear for distance vision.
Why a reading area in your sunglasses?
From your forties, reading up close gets harder. You notice it most when you are wearing glasses other than your reading glasses: you want to read something quickly while you read your phone, a menu or a book in the sun. Sunglasses with prescription lenses are expensive, and you cannot swap them in a moment.
With a stick-on lens you simply keep using your own sunglasses. You look straight ahead for distance, and down through the lens to read.
How to fit the lens in your sunglasses
- 1Make the lens grease-free. Wash the inside with a drop of washing-up liquid and rinse well.
- 2Cut the lens to size. Hold it against the glass and cut the bottom to follow the shape of your sunglasses.
- 3Stick it at the bottom, on the inside. Wet the glass, place the lens on it and slide it to the spot where you look down to read.
- 4Smooth out the water. Press the lens from the centre outwards until there are no air bubbles left.
Which strength should you choose?
Choose the same strength as your reading glasses. In doubt between two strengths? Choose the lower one. Use the strength finder if you do not have reading glasses.
Frequently asked questions about bifocal sunglasses
Will the lens stay put in my sunglasses?
The lens sticks with water. Press it firmly onto the inside of the lens and it stays in place, even during sports.
Which strength should I choose?
The same strength as your regular reading glasses. In doubt between two strengths? Choose the lower one.
Can I take the lens off again?
Yes. Peel it off gently, rinse it and keep it in the case. You can reuse it on another pair of glasses.