Introduction
The other day, I was reading about how the eyewear market has been invaded by impostors selling counterfeit sunglasses. Such sunnies look like originals, but they are fake. The lenses may look dark, but they often don’t offer UV protection. Realising this, I ran to check the pair I own.
Thankfully, they’re the originals that I had purchased from Specscart a month ago. It was a pocket-friendly purchase with UV400 coating. But reading about the forgery made me curious about whether people wear fake sunnies & invite problems like dry eyes, fatigue, and increased risk of early cataracts?
Or do people still need help identifying fake sunglasses? To find out, I spoke with the opticians at Specscart to better understand what really sets genuine sunglasses apart. In this blog, I’ll share what I learned and the simple ways you can tell the difference.
Dark Lenses Don’t Mean Guaranteed Protection
This is the biggest misconception among people. Not every pair of sunglasses with dark lenses is polarised or ensures protection from UV rays. In reality, dark lenses ensure that the amount of light reaching the eyes is reduced. Without adequate UV protection, a false sense of security is created, and UV rays still reach the eyes.
If a pair of sunglasses is fake, it will have dark lenses, but it won’t guarantee 100% UV protection. The sunglasses with lenses that block 100% UV rays often mention it.
I’ve seen people wearing fancy sunglasses while driving or walking their mutt, but I’m afraid that these could be fake and harm the eyes without making much difference.
Why Exposure to UVA/B Rays Matters More?
Many people associate sunburn with UV damage. I wouldn’t call this funny but concerning. To them, the UV exposure is maximum at the beach, but the reality is entirely different. The longer we stay under the sun, the more our eyes remain exposed to the UV rays.
Repeated exposure invites different issues like dry eyes, retinal problems, and early cataracts. Even spending a lot of time near the coastal areas, where sunlight is reflected by water, is dangerous for the eyes.
What we do not realise, or ignore, is the fact that UV rays are present throughout the year, irrespective of weather conditions. So, cloudy conditions still do not stop UV rays. Wearing sunglasses with UV400 protection becomes a must to protect the eyes.
Different Situations Have Different Challenges
Since the UV rays are always around us, they impact our eyes in different ways. One of the most common & relatable scenarios that comes up is while driving. Being behind the wheel on a sunny day is equally dangerous as being at the beach.
Though the windshield blocks a significant amount of UV rays, it doesn’t repel the glare bouncing from metallic surfaces, wet surfaces, and snowy patches. Similarly, focusing on water-based sports becomes a challenge for participants and viewers alike because waves reflect glare that disrupts vision. The same happens while skiing.
All this leads to eye fatigue and discomfort. To avoid the glare from momentarily disrupting vision, wearing mirrored or polarised sunglasses can be helpful as they reduce the glare and ensure improved, uninterrupted vision.
Since I’ll be attending the Cowes Week 2026 Bicentenary in August, I’ll be carrying an additional pair of sunglasses.
How To Go Beyond UV Protection?
Protection against UV rays is just one part of comfortable vision outdoors. Other factors are equally vital for keeping the eyes safe outdoors.
Polarized lenses particularly reduce the glare that bounces back from different surfaces, as discussed earlier. Prescription sunglasses with UV400 coating can be worn by individuals who wear prescription glasses. This helps them see clearly by blocking UV rays up to 400 nm, covering the full spectrum of the radiation.
Photochromic lenses can be another great option for all those who want to carry a single yet dual-purpose pair of glasses. Such glasses turn dark under UV light and revert to a clear state when indoors.
Personally, I wear prescription glasses with photochromic lenses. It remains helpful for the maximum number of times, as I don’t need a secondary pair of sunnies with a prescription.
How To Identify Authentic Sunglasses?
The modern-day buyer is smart, but a bit ignorant. When ignorance is avoided, purchasing becomes simplified. Anyone may fall for the deals that look too good to be true on expensive but fake sunglasses. Here’s how to identify the real ones:
- They guarantee protection against the UV rays
- They’re sold by verified sellers only
- Check for manufacturer/retailer details
- Avoid deals that seem unrealistic
UV Protection Is A Daily Habit
Before stepping out, we ensure to carry the mobile, apply sunscreen to prevent a tan, and drink water to stay hydrated, but avoid picking up the right eyewear to protect the eyes. This habit should be changed for the better.
Wearing sunglasses is beyond accessorising; it should be a part of the routine whenever stepping out. They help in reducing the ill effects of the UVA/B rays and keep eyes healthy as long as you remain outdoors, whether you’re hiking, driving, or playing a sport.
So, the next time you’re purchasing a pair of sunglasses, just don’t fall for aesthetics alone. Remember to check if they are polarised or guarantee protection against UVA/B rays for enhanced visual comfort. One major understanding can preserve the vision for a long time.
This article was written for WHN by Mistu Ghosh, who is a versatile writer with a strong ability to craft content across a wide range of subjects. She excels at tailoring her style to suit different audiences and themes, consistently producing engaging, insightful, and well-researched work. Whether exploring complex topics or presenting simple ideas, Madhuri’s adaptability enables her to connect with readers and communicate with clarity and impact.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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