Wearing sunglasses is stylish, but more importantly, it’s essential to protect your eyes from UV rays and glare. But as always, it’s better to choose quality for real protection!
There are quite a few criteria to consider when choosing the right glasses. You should avoid counterfeit ones with questionable protection, choose the right lens category for the intended use, and also make sure you get a comfortable pair that looks great on your little nose!
So, are sunglasses dangerous? Can you find the perfect pair without breaking the bank? And how do you choose? Follow the guide!
The Dangers of Poor Quality Sunglasses
Low-quality sunglasses don't just peel off in fifteen days. The protection also goes out the window, especially in the case of counterfeit glasses, which don’t care about standards.
⚠️ Little or no UV protection
The main danger of buying counterfeit glasses is that they're just getting plain tinted lenses with no UV protection. Not only are they useless, but they can also damage your eyes, which is super insidious because you might think you're protected...
Because tinted lenses reduce brightness, your pupils dilate to let in more light. And boom, you also let in more UV rays, which hit your retina, lens, and cornea hard.
The risks: cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), corneal damage, premature eye aging... Ouch.
😵💫 Optical distortion
What is it?
Broadly speaking, optical distortion is “a geometric aberration that manifests itself as a deformation of images, notably straight lines that appear curved at the edges of the visual field.”
In the case of counterfeit sunglasses, it is often related to the manufacturing process and the materials used. The lenses are not uniform, as they are roughly molded, which will cause image distortion. The lenses are poorly calibrated, which leads to this famous distortion, in addition to visual fatigue.
Add to that the fact that, in addition to providing poor protection against UV rays, these lenses do not effectively protect against glare and reflections. Avoid them at all costs when driving!
🧪 Polluting materials, questionable ethics
Let's face it: buying counterfeit goods is not ethical, and most of the time it means buying products made on the other side of the world with less than ideal materials and methods.
Low-quality plastics, toxic metals... these cheap glasses are not only bad for your eyes, but also for the planet. Not only is the production of these glasses extremely polluting, but the materials are neither recyclable nor healthy for your skin or eyes.
Good sunglasses, but misused: beware, danger!
But it’s not just counterfeits that can harm your beautiful eyes. We often don’t think about it, but it’s also important to use your sunglasses properly. A few tips:
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In the morning, no sunglasses when exposed to sunlight. The blue light from the morning sun helps your body sync with your internal clock. Your circadian rhythm will thank you!
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Choose the right lens category for the intended use. The basic rule is simple: category 3 is the most versatile and will effectively protect you from glare and discomfort caused by the sun shining directly into your eyes. Below that, the protection is not sufficient. Category 4, on the other hand, is designed for extreme lighting conditions, like in the mountains or out at sea, and is forbidden for driving.
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Polarized lenses or blue light filter? Polarized lenses are very comfortable in the sun, but they can block reading on screens. They’re great for the beach and everyday use but not for using your phone. If you’re hooked on your screen, you can go for blue light blocking lenses, which will protect you from UV rays and filter harmful screen wavelengths.
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Good sunglasses? Sure, but only if they fit you. This is not about how they look on you but about a frame that fits properly according to the size and shape of your face. Too tight or poorly adjusted arms can be uncomfortable (think of the classic example of glasses slipping off all day) and can even give you a headache. So, take your time trying them on, and if you’re buying online, choose a shop that lets you try on the glasses virtually.
Cheap, quality sunglasses: yes, it's possible
So avoid all genuine fake glasses, counterfeits are actively dangerous for your little eyes, and besides, you'll look like a hick when your fake Gucci logo starts to peel off.
But all this doesn't mean that you'll have to sell your firstborn to protect your eyes as they deserve!
The market is overflowing with quality models, designed with protection and durability in mind, which meet rigorous standards to filter 100% of harmful UV rays.
We've even prepared our selection of the best inexpensive sunglasses, which combine quality and style to accompany you on all your adventures in the sun, without costing you an arm and a leg.
How to choose your future sunglasses
To help you choose the right sunglasses, we have prepared a checklist for you to follow before making any purchase:
- 🕶️ UV 400 rating : This rating indicates that your lenses will provide protection against UV rays up to 400 nanometers, which covers both UVA and UVB rays. Basically, UV 400 lenses = lenses that protect your eyes 100% from UV rays.
- ☀️ Sunglasses category: Sunglasses are divided into 4 categories, depending on the light filtration rate. We forget category 0, which is decorative. Categories 1 and 2 do not effectively protect against glare. For us, category 3 sunglasses remain the best choice, category 4 being reserved for bright light conditions (sea, mountains) and prohibited for driving.
- 🙏 Compliance with standards : Manufacturers are required to indicate the CE standard on their models. This mandatory standard will guarantee that the product meets the requirements defined by European legislation: UV protection, quality of frames and lenses, safety criteria, and category designation.
- 🪞 Lens coating : For even greater visual comfort, opt for anti-reflective, anti-blue light, or polarized lenses, depending on your intended use. You can also request scratch-resistant lenses.
- 🌍 Sustainable, even recyclable materials : Say goodbye to unhealthy and polluting materials and opt instead for quality materials like acetate, aluminum, titanium, or polycarbonate. You can even choose glasses made from castor oil for a truly eco-responsible approach. Also, check that the glasses you choose can be recycled when you're done wearing them.
- 👍 Brand ethics : Buying good glasses is good, choosing a brand that matches your values is even better! Find out about their commitments, philosophy, and ethics to be sure you're making the right choice.
- 💶 Good value for money : if the product ticks all the above criteria and is also affordable, bingo! You can say you've found the Holy Grail and can go for it (almost) with your eyes closed.
- ✅ Lifetime Money-Back Guarantee : The final bonus feature is the return and refund policy, as well as the warranty conditions. Check this point too to make your purchase with complete peace of mind.
And yes, Horus X sunglasses tick all these boxes : models with effective protection (100% anti-UV, category 3, CE standard), anti-reflective treatment, anti-scratch, polarized or anti-blue light lenses, patented technologies, sustainable materials. And the icing on the cake: a brand committed to the environment, unbeatable value for money and a lifetime guarantee !
You can even try on our sunglasses online to make sure they're perfect for you (even though we already know that).
The final word: why are counterfeit sunglasses not a good idea?
- Are counterfeit sunglasses dangerous? Yes, because the lenses of these glasses are often simple tinted plastic without UV protection, which exposes your eyes even more to harmful rays. In addition, the optical quality is poor, causing eyestrain and increased risk of accidents. Not to mention the ethical and ecological aspects of counterfeits, which are so-so.
- Are cheap sunglasses less effective? Not necessarily. You can definitely find quality sunglasses with good sun and UV protection (category 3, UV400, CE standard) without having to break the bank. This is definitely the case with Horus X sunglasses, affordable, effective and stylish!
- Is it dangerous to wear glasses without UV protection? Oh yes! Exposing yourself to the sun without adequate protection increases the risk of developing cataracts or AMD (age-related macular degeneration), not to mention damage and burns to the cornea.
- How do I know if my glasses are protecting my eyes properly? Check the CE standard, UV400, and the lens category (opt for category 3, for your information). To learn more, don't hesitate to consult our complete guide: how do I know if my glasses are anti-UV?
- Much more than a fashion accessory, sunglasses are essential for the health of your little ones' eyes. So take the time to choose them carefully, making sure to respect the criteria of conformity, safety and durability of materials, value for money, and guarantees!