Winter is here, and even with shorter days, many consumers understand that sunglasses aren’t just for summer. But why do non-prescription sunglass wearers like to challenge eyecare professionals by asking if there really is a difference between expensive and inexpensive sunglasses? The question is almost always accompanied by that “gotcha” look. It seems as though they think that because they don’t need vision correction, they can spend as little as possible, and gain a bargain unavailable to prescription lens wearers. I’ve found, however, that precisely because they don’t wear glasses, emmetropes know very little about sun lenses.
Invariably, our first response to the question is that sunglasses at any price should offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. That response is often countered by, “They have a sticker on them that says so.” Consumer tests have shown that especially in the case of unknown brands of inexpensive sunglasses, a sticker is no guarantee of UV protection. Then there’s the issue of lens quality. Optical quality, warpage and impact resistance can be unknown factors with inexpensive sunglasses. While all products sold as sunglasses in the United States must meet FDA standards, those standards don’t apply to products sold as “novelty items” or toys. Although those items must have warning labels that they aren’t intended for use as sunglasses for eye protection, the labels can be removed by unscrupulous sellers, or ignored by bargain hunters. (See Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff - Impact-Resistant Lenses: Questions and Answers). What’s more, importers need only submit batch samples for testing to ensure FDA compliance. Each and every item isn’t tested, leaving a loophole for fraud.
The last argument for buying inexpensive sunglasses is usually, “I lose them all the time.” Because we can’t help people keep track of their belongings, it’s a more difficult argument to counter. Are people less concerned about the glasses because they can replace them inexpensively, and so it’s also OK for them to lose them more easily? I’ve heard more than one person say, “I finally spent more on a better pair of sunglasses, and I haven’t lost them.” Is it the money, or do they like the comfort and clarity better? Hopefully, it’s the realization that you get what you pay for.
When asked about the choices “rhinestone shades or cheap sunglasses” as described in the lyrics of ZZ Top’s song, “Cheap Sunglasses,” we need to be ready to educate consumers not only about the importance of eye protection from the sun, but the quality of the lenses providing that protection. Our CE, “Polarized Sunglasses: Everyone's Most Important Piece of Equipment Outdoors,” will help you learn more. You’ll find it at www.2020mag.com/ce. And don’t forget our special CE sale – three courses for only $25 with the code CEHOLIDAYSALE at checkout!
