Are Sunglasses Sold on the Street Harmful to Your Eyes?
Glasses sold on the street can be harmful: many sunglasses lack an adequate UV filter, and ready-made reading glasses are not made for the individual. Your prescription should be set by an eye doctor and your glasses bought from an optician.
UV protection and lens quality in sunglasses
Cheap, stylish street sunglasses can be harmful to your health. Many lack proper UV filtering. Dark lenses widen the pupil, so without a UV filter more harmful rays may reach the eye.
A good sunglass lens should:
- offer full UV protection (UV400)
- be non-prescription, clear, uniform and colour-neutral
- be of the same quality across its whole surface
Quality, UV-protective sunglasses are especially important for children.
Ready-made reading glasses
Reading glasses sold on the street are not made for you:
- The two eyes often have different prescriptions.
- The prescription may include astigmatism.
- The lens centres should match the distance between your pupils (PD).
Choosing by trial often leads to a stronger prescription than needed, eye strain and headaches. Your prescription should be set by your eye doctor and your glasses bought from an optician.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use street-bought reading glasses?
Not recommended; they ignore differences between the eyes, astigmatism and PD.
What makes good sunglasses?
UV protection, no prescription, clear and colour-neutral lenses.
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This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Anatomy and treatment plans differ from patient to patient.