Mer än bara ett modefiasko: de dolda farorna med falska solglasögon
Granskad av Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGPAuthored by Victoria RawUrsprungligen publicerad 4 May 2026
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The days are getting sunnier, and let’s be honest - while many of us reach for sunglasses to shield our eyes from the sun’s glare, we’re also drawn to them for their style. All too often, we sacrifice eye health in favour of a designer logo - hoping someone will spot the brand name on the frame.
If the real thing is out of reach, it’s tempting to opt for knockoffs. But as Mr Alex Day warns, wearing fake designer sunglasses could lead to permanent, lasting harm to your sight.
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When you buy a counterfeit designer bag, piece of clothing, watch, or pair of shoes, the worst outcome is usually minor - perhaps a sole comes loose, or a watch hand falls off. These faults are frustrating, but they don’t pose a health hazard in the way counterfeit sunglasses can.
Mr Alex Day, a leading Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Private Eye Hospital, cautions that buying fake sunglasses is effectively gambling with your sight - an act that could lead to irreversible, long-term damage to your vision.
"Counterfeit eyewear is uniquely dangerous because it usually features dark-tinted lenses with absolutely zero UV protection,” he says. “From a medical perspective, wearing them is actually significantly worse than wearing no sunglasses at all."
Mr Alex Day
Why is UV protection so important?
While getting a healthy amount of sunlight can be good for you, it’s important to protect yourself when spending time outdoors. Beyond the well-known dangers of sunburn, your eyes are also highly vulnerable to sun exposure. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage both your eyes and the delicate skin surrounding them.
Wearing sunglasses with proper UV protection helps shield your eyes from this harm. When choosing a pair, always check that they meet recognised UV safety standards.
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The connection between fake sunglasses and ‘dilation danger’
It’s not always true that higher-priced sunglasses guarantee superior UV protection. However, established brands are more likely to meet safety regulations and clearly display appropriate certification.
According to Day, buying imitation designer sunglasses can expose you to a physiological risk known as ‘dilation danger’.
"When you step into bright sunlight, your pupils naturally constrict to reduce the amount of light entering the eye,” he explains. “When you put on dark sunglasses, your brain is tricked into thinking you are in a dark room, causing your pupils to dilate and open up.
"If those sunglasses are counterfeit and lack UV filters, you are effectively opening the floodgates, allowing a massive, unfiltered dose of harmful UVA and UVB radiation to penetrate straight through to the lens and retina."
Day adds that, over time, this intense UV exposure causes cumulative cellular damage.
Long-term exposure to unfiltered sunlight can increase your chance of developing:
Cataracts - where the usually clear lens of your eye becomes cloudy.
Pterygium - growths of tissue over the clear cornea of your eye.
Eyelid cancers.
Retinal issues - such as age-related macular degeneration.
Choosing the right sunglasses
Tillbaka till innehållThe most reliable way to choose a safe pair of sunglasses this summer - whether designer or not - is to carry out a simple 'safety check' before you buy.
Day offers some quick tips to making a safe choice:
Look for the certifications - if you’re buying sunglasses in the UK, they need to meet proper safety standards. Make sure they block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. You’ll usually see this marked as CE, UV400, or the newer UKCA label.
Do a quick price sense-check - if you spot £200 designer frames going for £25 on a beach, a market stall, or an unverified online marketplace, they are almost certainly fake and lack proper UV protection.
Polarisation is not protection - do not confuse polarised lenses with UV protection. Polarised lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces such water or wet roads, which makes things easier to look at, but they don't automatically block UV rays. Ideally, your sunglasses should offer both.
"Ultimately, your sunglasses should be seen as safety equipment first and a fashion accessory second," concludes Day. "A £15 pair of pharmacy sunglasses with the correct safety marks will protect your eyes infinitely better than a £30 fake 'designer' pair."
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Vanliga frågor
What is 'dilation danger' and how do fake sunglasses cause it?
'Dilation danger' is a physiological risk associated with wearing fake sunglasses. When you wear dark, counterfeit sunglasses that lack UV filters, your brain is tricked into thinking you are in a dark environment, causing your pupils to dilate and open. This allows a large, unfiltered amount of harmful UVA and UVB radiation to enter your eyes, as the fake lenses offer no protection.
What are some of the long-term health problems associated with not protecting my eyes from UV radiation?
Long-term exposure to unfiltered sunlight can lead to several serious eye conditions. These include cataracts, which cause the lens of your eye to become cloudy; pterygium, which are growths of tissue over the clear cornea; various types of eyelid cancers; and retinal issues, such as age-related macular degeneration.
Are expensive sunglasses always safer or better for my eyes?
No, a higher price doesn't automatically guarantee superior UV protection. While established brands are often more likely to meet safety regulations and display appropriate certification, even a £15 pair of pharmacy sunglasses with the correct safety marks can offer better protection than a £30 fake 'designer' pair. The key is to look for the correct certifications, not just the price or brand name.
Can I trust sunglasses that claim to be polarised to protect my eyes from UV light?
You should not confuse polarised lenses with UV protection. Polarised lenses are designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water or wet roads, which can make things easier to see. However, they do not automatically block UV rays. Ideally, choose sunglasses that offer both polarisation and proper UV protection, clearly marked with certifications such as CE, UV400, or UKCA.
How can I quickly check if a pair of sunglasses might be fake before buying them?
A quick price sense-check can help. If you see expensive designer frames being sold for a significantly low price, for example, £200 frames for £25, especially at places like a beach, market stall, or an unverified online marketplace, they are almost certainly fake and will likely lack proper UV protection. Always look for official certifications if you're buying in the UK.
Why is UV protection for eyes as important as protecting my skin from the sun?
Just like your skin, your eyes are highly vulnerable to sun exposure. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can damage both your eyes and the delicate skin around them, similar to how it can cause sunburn. Protecting your eyes with sunglasses that offer proper UV protection is crucial to prevent this harm and safeguard your long-term eye health.
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About the authorView full bio
Victoria Raw
Feature Writer
BA (Hons), English Literature
Victoria is a content writer with Patient whose special interests focus on mental wellbeing, societal trends and the impact of technology on our health.
About the reviewerView full bio
Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
General Practitioner, Medical Author
MBBS, MRCGP, MRCP (Paediatrics), DCH
Dr Colin Tidy is an NHS Doctor, based in Oxfordshire.
Artikelhistorik
Informationen på denna sida är granskad av kvalificerade kliniker.
Next review due: 4 May 2029
4 May 2026 | Ursprungligen publicerad
Författad av:
Victoria RawGranskad av
Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
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