A TikToker’s warning about purchasing cheap sunglasses that did not protect against harmful UV rays has prompted a renowned ophthalmologist to offer advice on selecting and wearing sunglasses. The TikToker shared her diagnosis of pinguecula, a harmless yellow growth on the whites of her eyes, after wearing black, oversized sunglasses with plastic lenses. While she acknowledged that the sunglasses alone did not cause the condition, her eye doctor pointed out that the poor quality of the sunglasses contributed to damaging her eyes.
Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, the founder of the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute, emphasized the importance of buying sunglasses that have excellent protection, even if they are cheap and made in the US. He warned that cheap sunglasses purchased on platforms like Amazon could be made in other countries with lower quality standards. The American National Standards Institute has established guidelines for UV protection in nonprescription sunglasses, advising consumers to look for labels that indicate the glasses block at least 99% of UV rays.
Boxer Wachler brought a UV meter to measure sunglasses at various shops and found that some pairs made in China had almost no UV protection despite being tinted. This lack of proper protection could lead people to believe they are being shielded from UV rays when they are at risk of eye damage. He recommends wearing sunglasses outdoors at all times, even on cloudy days, as UV rays can still penetrate clouds. Symptoms of permanent sun damage include redness, bloodshot eyes, or yellow spots that do not go away after sleep, and adults should have an eye exam annually.
While the TikToker did not disclose the manufacturer of her sunglasses, she shared her experience to caution others about the potential consequences of wearing cheap sunglasses. Boxer Wachler advises looking for labels on sunglasses that meet UV requirements and block at least 99% of UV rays. He also developed a cosmetic procedure called WhiterEyes conjunctivoplasty, which can restore the white color of the sclera in cases of sun damage. Proper eye protection is essential to prevent long-term damage from UV exposure, and regular eye exams are recommended to monitor eye health.
Sunglasses labeled as “cosmetic” typically block around 70% of UV rays, which may not provide adequate protection against harmful UV rays. Boxer Wachler’s experience measuring UV protection in sunglasses found discrepancies between the claimed level of protection and the actual protection offered. Consumers should be cautious when purchasing sunglasses without a clear label indicating UV protection and opt for reputable brands that comply with established standards. Taking proper precautions when selecting and wearing sunglasses can help prevent eye damage and maintain eye health in the long run.
