Monday 8 August 2022 12:49 PM Fake designer sunglasses lack adequate UV protection and can result in ... trends now
Fake designer sunglasses are often ill-equipped to protect eyes from harmful UV rays, optometrists have warned.
A recent survey found that nearly two in five social media users have purchased cut-price designer sunnies through online advertisements.
But experts from the College of Optometrists in London have said many of these pairs are counterfeit, and lack proper ultraviolet (UV) protection.
Exposing your eyes to the sun's rays puts you at risk of serious eye conditions, like cataracts and macular degeneration, which can lead to sight loss.
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney, clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists, said: 'While fake designer sunglasses might look good, they often provide no protection against dangerous UV rays.
'You don't need to buy expensive sunglasses to get the necessary protection.
'A budget pair of sunglasses from a reputable high street shop can offer as much UV protection as a designer brand.'
Adverts on social media often claim to sell legitimate Ray Bans and other designer brands at a reduced price. However optometrists claim these are often fake and the lenses do not contain the UVA and UVB-blocking material required to protect the wearer's eyes (stock image)
A quarter of respondents said they buy shades from an online retailer and a fifth said they would pick them up from a beach seller, where counterfeit goods are often sold (stock image)
A survey of 2,001 UK consumers revealed that the cost of living crisis has prompted a third to look for a cheaper sunglasses now their budget has reduced.
Adverts on social media often claim to sell legitimate Ray Bans and other designer brands at a reduced price.
However optometrists claim these are often fake and the lenses do not contain the UVA and UVB-blocking material required to protect the wearer's eyes.
Mr Hardiman-McCartney said: 'It's really important you know what to look out for to ensure your sunglasses provide the appropriate levels of UV protection.
'Always purchase sunglasses that have the UV mark, either the British Standard (BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013), CE or UKCA mark.
'Your local optometry practice is also a great place to go if you need advice on the health of your eyes, and to find the perfect pair of fitted sunglasses.'
Exposure to UV light can increase your risk of several eye diseases, including cataracts, macular degeneration and ocular melanoma.
Cataracts occur when the lens inside your eye develops cloudy patches that obscure vision.
The macula is the part of the eye that controls sharp, straight-ahead vision, and when damaged it may result in blurred or no vision in the centre of the visual field.
If the pigment-producing cells in the eyes divide and multiply too rapidly they can cause the development of a dangerous tumour in the eye.
