As the UK enjoys spring sunshine, experts are warning against wearing fake designer sunglasses, which they say could cause more harm than good. The College of Optometrists highlights that sunglasses not only reduce glare but also protect eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light.
Health Risks of UV Exposure
UV rays are linked to several eye conditions. Short-term exposure can cause photokeratitis, a painful condition akin to sunburn on the cornea. Long-term exposure is associated with early-onset cataracts, pterygia (non-cancerous growths on the cornea), some eyelid cancers, and potentially age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to sight loss.
Why Counterfeit Sunglasses Are Dangerous
Alex Day, a consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, warns that counterfeit sunglasses often have dark-tinted lenses with no UV protection. This causes pupils to dilate, allowing more UV radiation into the eye. “Wearing them is actually significantly worse than wearing no sunglasses at all,” he says.
James Wolffsohn, professor of optometry at Aston University, explains that without sunglasses, natural protections like squinting and pupil constriction limit UV exposure. But with fake sunglasses, these mechanisms are bypassed, increasing risk.
Prevalence of Counterfeit Sunglasses
A recent report from the Intellectual Property Office shows sunglasses are a popular counterfeit accessory in the UK. Seizures include fake Chanel, Ray-Ban, and Prada sunglasses valued at £38,000 at the Appleby horse fair, and a £6m stash in Rochdale.
How to Spot Fakes
Opticians advise looking for poor-quality packaging, flimsy hinges, logo errors, cheap cases, and lack of branded cleaning cloths. A low price is also a red flag.
Ensuring UV Protection
Experts recommend checking for CE, UV400, or UKCA marks. Dr. Paramdeep Bilkhu, clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists, notes that darker tints do not mean better protection. “It’s not about the depth of the tint, it’s whether or not it carries that mark,” he says.
Bilkhu advises buying sunglasses from reputable optometrists or well-known department stores. He also suggests monitoring the UV index (3 or above) to know when to wear sunglasses, even in overcast conditions or winter when snow reflects UV.
