Are Cheap Sunglasses Harmful?

Cheap sunglasses contain a number of dangerous chemicals, which are not good for our eyes. They can cause cancer if we're not careful. According to some studies, about one in fifteen people will develop cancer from wearing them. Other health problems caused by cheap shades include cataracts and eye damage from UVB rays. It is important for your health to invest in high-quality and sometimes expensive sunglasses. 

Impact Resistance

Cheap sunglasses can often lack impact resistance due to their poor optical quality. This leads to strain on the eyes. They may also have warped or non-uniform lenses. This is a red flag that they aren't made with high-quality glass. This can lead to a variety of eye health problems.

When looking for cheap sunglasses, choose ones with durable polycarbonate lenses and pay attention to markup on shades. These are 10 times more impact resistant than plastic lenses and offer 100% UV protection. They're also lightweight, flexible, and inexpensive. If you're planning to use them for high-impact sports, you may want to go for a higher-end model with lenses made of stainless steel or titanium. Other materials to consider include acetate and nylon, which are both inexpensive and lightweight. However, they're not as durable as polycarbonate and can lead to image distortion.

Another consideration when buying cheap sunglasses is the frame material. Some cheap sunglasses are made of an alloy of copper and nickel. While this material is durable, it can also cause skin reactions and discoloration. Also, it's not flexible enough to fit most people's faces. Another option is memory metal, an alloy of titanium and 50 percent nickel. Memory metal is flexible and hypoallergenic.

Another important factor when buying sunglasses is UV protection. Although most cheap sunglasses offer UV protection, they may not offer the full protection you need. An optician can perform a simple test for you. This won't take long and shouldn't cost you anything. In any case, make sure to take your sunglasses to a store that provides free eye exams.

Quality

Sunglasses are a vital part of sun protection, but not all types are created equal. You need to choose your sunglasses carefully, and look for UV 400 protection, 99 percent UVB, and 95 percent UVA protection. They should also have an ANSI Z80.3 sticker, which means they have been tested and are made by a reputable manufacturer. If they don't have this sticker, then they aren't a quality brand and likely made by a less reputable vendor.

Poor quality sunglasses are dangerous, since they can let UV rays reach your eyes. The UV rays can damage your eyes, causing sunburn and even cancer of the eyelids. Exposure to UV light on a regular basis can lead to eyelid cancer, cataracts, and macular degeneration. You also run the risk of muscle fatigue and wrinkles. Buying quality sunglasses is an investment worth making.

Quality sunglasses should also have an anti-reflection and scratch-resistant lens coatings. This helps eliminate 99.5% of the harmful UV rays and improves your vision. Moreover, sunglasses with anti-scratch coating are more durable and can be worn for years without fading.

In mid-summer, UV levels are high and correspondingly increase with altitude. Snow and sand also reflect considerable UV, increasing the damage risks. Therefore, protecting your eyes from the UV rays is essential, whether you're at sea or at high altitudes.