Are Changeable Magnetic Frames for Glasses Safe?

Key TakeawaysSnap-on magnetic frames for glasses are easy to use, stylish, and versatile.Even though some people are concerned that the changeable frames contain magnets, experts say that the glasses are safe to wear. The magnets in them are small and only produce a relatively weak magnetic field.If you want to try TikTok’s favorite “snap-on” magnetic frames, talk to an eye care specialist.Snap-on magnetic frames for glasses are trending in the eyewear industry, and you’ve probably been seeing ads for them all over social media apps like TikTok.Several users on the platformclaim that snap-on magnetic frames are affordable, stylish, versatile, and extremely easy to use. Take this video, for example, with over 2.2 million views.“They are magnets for my glasses,” said user Isa Kristen. “All you have to do to change them depending on how your mood is[snaps on the frame]boom—done!”According toYuna Rapoport, MD, MPH, a board-certified ophthalmologist and the founder ofManhattan Eye, snap-on frames work like clip-on magnetic sunglasses. Both products use a magnetic attachment system that usually includes a primary frame and magnetic add-on frames.According to Rapoport, the primary frame is the base frame of your glasses and the magnetic add-on frames are additional pieces that attach magnetically to the primary frame.It’s easy to see why the frames are so popular on social media, but some people are worried that the magnets on the frames may not be safe to wear. Here’s what eye health experts say about whether the viral magnetic glasses frames could have any risks to your eyes or health.The Best Reading Glasses of 2023Are Snap-On Magnetic Frames for Glasses Safe to Wear?Rapoport said that snap-on magnetic frames for your glasses are safe and convenient to wear. One upside to magnetic frames is that they typically do not use screws or hinges to attach to the primary frame—fixtures that could cause discomfort or irritation for the wearer.But what about the magnets? Could they cause any problems?“There is no evidence to suggest that they are not safe,” said Rapoport, adding that the magnetic frames “are safe to use as long as they are the right prescription.”Laura Di Meglio, OD, instructor of Ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, told Verywell that the magnets on the snap-on frame attachments do not pose a health risk to eyeglass wearers. The magnets used in the frames are small and only put a relatively weak magnetic field.“There is really no concern with the magnetic factor of it because these magnets are pretty small in general and have no chance of causing any issues really at all,” said Di Meglio. “I’ve never heard or seen any issues with having magnets close to the eye or it causing any changes to structures or permanent effects on any cells in the eye.”Rapoport said that since most of the frames contain lightweight magnets, they do not produce electromagnetic fields (EMFs) like those used in microwave ovens or radar.“The strength of the field of these tiny magnets is so small that they don’t cause any harm to the cornea, retina, or any other parts of the eye,” said Rapoport. “A very strong magnet if it was that close would, but this is so mild that it doesn’t cause any damage.”Rapoport said some examples of magnets thatcouldbe harmful to eye health are direct exposure to specific equipment in radiology or high amounts of neodymium magnets that are found in certain machines like motors of electric vehicles.“Some people confuse magnetic fields with stronger kinds of fields that exist with MRIs and radiology—things like that,” said Rapoport, adding that the magnet on a magnetic frame “is not the same path, it’s not the same wavelength and it’s a completely different technology, so they’re not comparable.”According to Di Meglio, magnetic frames could potentially cause a problem if a wearer got a foreign body made of metal in their eye—however, even then, Di Meglio said the chance of the tiny magnets causing issues is unlikely.Do Eye Experts Recommend Snap-On Magnetic Frames?While using snap-on magnetic frames are generally safe to use, experts say that whether or not you choose to wear them is a personal choice.“If they are comfortable and you like the way they feel and look, then it’s definitely not harmful to wear them,” said Rapoport. “In the end, it’s a personal preference and less so a medical decision.”Di Meglio said that there are some benefits to snap-on magnetic frames, including how easy and convenient they are to use, that they come in many different styles, colors, and patterns; and that they can be more affordable than purchasing more than one pair of glasses in different styles.“They’re fun for people to get different looks out of one pair of glasses rather than having to buy multiple pairs,” said Di Meglio. “You can also get different shapes and colors which gives people a lot of diversity and freedom to change things up without having to spend money on getting multiple pairs.”Yuna Rapoport, MD, MPHIf they are comfortable and you like the way they feel and look, then it’s definitely not harmful to wear them.In addition, since most snap-on glasses allow you to attachsunglassesto the primary frame, you can protect your eyes from the sun and save money without having to get a second prescription for a pair of sunglasses.Rapoport added that “putting on a pair of UV-protecting lenses is also very helpful for preventing issues like early cataract formation ormacular degenerationor blurred vision.”How to Read Your Glasses PrescriptionWhat to Consider Before Trying Magnetic FramesIf you decide to use snap-on magnetic frames for your glasses, experts say there are a few tips to keep in mind:Choose frames/glasses from reputable brands.Trusted brands follow safety regulations and industry standards. Buying from these brands will help make sure that you are getting a safe and quality product.Check that the glasses and frames fit properly to your face.If your glasses and frames are too loose or tight, it can cause discomfort or irritation. You may also need more frequent adjustments and it could affect how clearly you can see through the lens.Be gentle when putting on and removing frames. If you’re too aggressive when you put on or take off the frames, it can cause them to break or snap. Not being gentle with your glasses or frames can also cause them to crack or get flimsy over time.Rapoport said that people who are very active, compete in sports, or frequently lose their glasses may not be the best candidates for snap-on magnetic frames. However, you can talk with an eye care professional to find the best option for you.“The point of these is that you’re able to have the flexibility and interchange them a little more frequently,” said Rapoport. “So, they might wear down a little bit more but that’s sort of what they’re meant for.”What This Means For YouIf you are looking to add some variety and customization to your eyewear, experts say that it is safe to use snap-on magnetic frames for your prescription glasses. If you have any questions or concerns about which brand or style to get, talk to an eye health specialist.The Best Places to Buy Glasses Online in 2023

Key Takeaways

Snap-on magnetic frames for glasses are easy to use, stylish, and versatile.Even though some people are concerned that the changeable frames contain magnets, experts say that the glasses are safe to wear. The magnets in them are small and only produce a relatively weak magnetic field.If you want to try TikTok’s favorite “snap-on” magnetic frames, talk to an eye care specialist.

Snap-on magnetic frames for glasses are trending in the eyewear industry, and you’ve probably been seeing ads for them all over social media apps like TikTok.

Several users on the platformclaim that snap-on magnetic frames are affordable, stylish, versatile, and extremely easy to use. Take this video, for example, with over 2.2 million views.

“They are magnets for my glasses,” said user Isa Kristen. “All you have to do to change them depending on how your mood is[snaps on the frame]boom—done!”

According toYuna Rapoport, MD, MPH, a board-certified ophthalmologist and the founder ofManhattan Eye, snap-on frames work like clip-on magnetic sunglasses. Both products use a magnetic attachment system that usually includes a primary frame and magnetic add-on frames.

According to Rapoport, the primary frame is the base frame of your glasses and the magnetic add-on frames are additional pieces that attach magnetically to the primary frame.

It’s easy to see why the frames are so popular on social media, but some people are worried that the magnets on the frames may not be safe to wear. Here’s what eye health experts say about whether the viral magnetic glasses frames could have any risks to your eyes or health.

The Best Reading Glasses of 2023

Are Snap-On Magnetic Frames for Glasses Safe to Wear?

Rapoport said that snap-on magnetic frames for your glasses are safe and convenient to wear. One upside to magnetic frames is that they typically do not use screws or hinges to attach to the primary frame—fixtures that could cause discomfort or irritation for the wearer.

But what about the magnets? Could they cause any problems?

“There is no evidence to suggest that they are not safe,” said Rapoport, adding that the magnetic frames “are safe to use as long as they are the right prescription.”

Laura Di Meglio, OD, instructor of Ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, told Verywell that the magnets on the snap-on frame attachments do not pose a health risk to eyeglass wearers. The magnets used in the frames are small and only put a relatively weak magnetic field.

“There is really no concern with the magnetic factor of it because these magnets are pretty small in general and have no chance of causing any issues really at all,” said Di Meglio. “I’ve never heard or seen any issues with having magnets close to the eye or it causing any changes to structures or permanent effects on any cells in the eye.”

Rapoport said that since most of the frames contain lightweight magnets, they do not produce electromagnetic fields (EMFs) like those used in microwave ovens or radar.

“The strength of the field of these tiny magnets is so small that they don’t cause any harm to the cornea, retina, or any other parts of the eye,” said Rapoport. “A very strong magnet if it was that close would, but this is so mild that it doesn’t cause any damage.”

Rapoport said some examples of magnets thatcouldbe harmful to eye health are direct exposure to specific equipment in radiology or high amounts of neodymium magnets that are found in certain machines like motors of electric vehicles.

“Some people confuse magnetic fields with stronger kinds of fields that exist with MRIs and radiology—things like that,” said Rapoport, adding that the magnet on a magnetic frame “is not the same path, it’s not the same wavelength and it’s a completely different technology, so they’re not comparable.”

According to Di Meglio, magnetic frames could potentially cause a problem if a wearer got a foreign body made of metal in their eye—however, even then, Di Meglio said the chance of the tiny magnets causing issues is unlikely.

While using snap-on magnetic frames are generally safe to use, experts say that whether or not you choose to wear them is a personal choice.

“If they are comfortable and you like the way they feel and look, then it’s definitely not harmful to wear them,” said Rapoport. “In the end, it’s a personal preference and less so a medical decision.”

Di Meglio said that there are some benefits to snap-on magnetic frames, including how easy and convenient they are to use, that they come in many different styles, colors, and patterns; and that they can be more affordable than purchasing more than one pair of glasses in different styles.

“They’re fun for people to get different looks out of one pair of glasses rather than having to buy multiple pairs,” said Di Meglio. “You can also get different shapes and colors which gives people a lot of diversity and freedom to change things up without having to spend money on getting multiple pairs.”

Yuna Rapoport, MD, MPHIf they are comfortable and you like the way they feel and look, then it’s definitely not harmful to wear them.

Yuna Rapoport, MD, MPH

If they are comfortable and you like the way they feel and look, then it’s definitely not harmful to wear them.

In addition, since most snap-on glasses allow you to attachsunglassesto the primary frame, you can protect your eyes from the sun and save money without having to get a second prescription for a pair of sunglasses.

Rapoport added that “putting on a pair of UV-protecting lenses is also very helpful for preventing issues like early cataract formation ormacular degenerationor blurred vision.”

How to Read Your Glasses Prescription

What to Consider Before Trying Magnetic Frames

If you decide to use snap-on magnetic frames for your glasses, experts say there are a few tips to keep in mind:

Rapoport said that people who are very active, compete in sports, or frequently lose their glasses may not be the best candidates for snap-on magnetic frames. However, you can talk with an eye care professional to find the best option for you.

“The point of these is that you’re able to have the flexibility and interchange them a little more frequently,” said Rapoport. “So, they might wear down a little bit more but that’s sort of what they’re meant for.”

What This Means For YouIf you are looking to add some variety and customization to your eyewear, experts say that it is safe to use snap-on magnetic frames for your prescription glasses. If you have any questions or concerns about which brand or style to get, talk to an eye health specialist.

What This Means For You

If you are looking to add some variety and customization to your eyewear, experts say that it is safe to use snap-on magnetic frames for your prescription glasses. If you have any questions or concerns about which brand or style to get, talk to an eye health specialist.

The Best Places to Buy Glasses Online in 2023

3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute.Electromagnetic fields and cancer.Yuksel C, Ankarali S, Yuksel NA.The use of neodymium magnets in healthcare and their effects on health.North Clin Istanb. 2018;5(3):268-273. doi:10.14744/nci.2017.00483Loganovsky KN, Marazziti D, Fedirko PA, et al.Radiation-induced cerebro-ophthalmic effects in humans.Life (Basel). 2020;10(4):41. doi:10.3390/life10040041

3 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute.Electromagnetic fields and cancer.Yuksel C, Ankarali S, Yuksel NA.The use of neodymium magnets in healthcare and their effects on health.North Clin Istanb. 2018;5(3):268-273. doi:10.14744/nci.2017.00483Loganovsky KN, Marazziti D, Fedirko PA, et al.Radiation-induced cerebro-ophthalmic effects in humans.Life (Basel). 2020;10(4):41. doi:10.3390/life10040041

National Cancer Institute.Electromagnetic fields and cancer.Yuksel C, Ankarali S, Yuksel NA.The use of neodymium magnets in healthcare and their effects on health.North Clin Istanb. 2018;5(3):268-273. doi:10.14744/nci.2017.00483Loganovsky KN, Marazziti D, Fedirko PA, et al.Radiation-induced cerebro-ophthalmic effects in humans.Life (Basel). 2020;10(4):41. doi:10.3390/life10040041

National Cancer Institute.Electromagnetic fields and cancer.

Yuksel C, Ankarali S, Yuksel NA.The use of neodymium magnets in healthcare and their effects on health.North Clin Istanb. 2018;5(3):268-273. doi:10.14744/nci.2017.00483

Loganovsky KN, Marazziti D, Fedirko PA, et al.Radiation-induced cerebro-ophthalmic effects in humans.Life (Basel). 2020;10(4):41. doi:10.3390/life10040041

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Key Takeaways#

Are Snap-On Magnetic Frames for Glasses Safe to Wear?#

Do Eye Experts Recommend Snap-On Magnetic Frames?#

Yuna Rapoport, MD, MPH#

What to Consider Before Trying Magnetic Frames#

What This Means For You#

Key Takeaways

Are Snap-On Magnetic Frames for Glasses Safe to Wear?

Do Eye Experts Recommend Snap-On Magnetic Frames?

Yuna Rapoport, MD, MPH

What to Consider Before Trying Magnetic Frames

What This Means For You