Quality Sunglasses versus Fake Sunglasses: How to Spot the Difference

As you research the available sunglasses on the market, you’ll notice a major variation among prices. But does price dictate quality? And what about designer brands – are they any better for your eyes? Here is a brief primer on the fundamentals of buying sunglasses:

• Designer brands typically offer quality sunglasses. However – and this is a big “however” – there are some sunglasses at wholesale prices that offer the same quality or better. While expensive designer styles carry a lot of cachet, you are generally paying a serious premium for designer logos.

• Quality sunglasses offer benefits like full UV protection and stylish frames. Both cheap sunglasses and expensive designer styles can offer these same qualities. You will find quality sunglasses at all different price points; for consumers, a $20 pair could offer as much UVA and UVB protection as a pair of $200 shades.

• Beware of fake sunglasses or knock-offs that are exact imitations of designer brands. If the asking price is very low and you notice designer logos and trademarks, then the product is probably a counterfeit. Knock-offs and fake sunglasses violate copyright laws when they carry designer logos without the designer’s consent or knowledge. Some fake sunglasses are very good knock-offs, so it’s no longer easy for consumers to distinguish between expensive designer styles and illegal knock-offs.

• Cheap sunglasses that are designer-inspired are legal. They do not bear trademarked designer logos, but they will be similar in shape and style. The major motivation for purchasing cheap sunglasses that are modeled after designer brands is the serious price savings. Sunglasses at wholesale prices are a fraction of the price that you would pay for expensive designer styles with authentic designer logos.

Once in a while, you’ll find cheap sunglasses that actually offer superior UV protection over designer brands. Because there are no requirements for UV protection, you’re on your own to find out whether the lenses provide total protection from UVA and UVB rays.

Eye care professionals agree that you should look for quality sunglasses that block 98 to 100 percent of all UV rays for better eye health. UV 400 protection is your best bet, because UV 400 indicates that 100 percent protection is provided. (UV 400 simply refers to 400 nanometers.) Because of the risks for permanent eye damage, it’s important for everyone to don a pair of shades before venturing outside.