Quality of sunglasses available in the Iranian market; a study with emphasis on sellers′ license

Abstract

Context:Sunglasses should follow minimum requirements to sufficiently protect eyes. It is not known whether all items obtainable from the market are appropriately designed.Aims:To compare ultraviolet (UV)-protective properties of commercially available sunglasses obtained from authorized and unauthorized Iranian sellers.Settings and Study Design:An analytic-descriptive study performed in a metropolitan area (Tehran).Materials and Methods:Using a UV-visible standard spectrophotometer, the percentage transmittance was scanned between 280 and 400 nm in 348 pairs of nonprescription sunglasses (price range: 20–80 US$) obtained anonymously and randomly from authorized (permitted by the Ministry of Health, 189 pairs) and unauthorized (159 pairs) sellers in the Iranian capital city, Tehran. The Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) and the American National Standards Institute [ANSI] standards were followed.Statistical Analysis:Chi-square test, independent samples t-test or Mann–Whitney U-test.Results:UV-protective properties of the sunglasses obtained from authorized sellers complied with AS/NZS and ANSI guidelines in 92.6% and 95.2% of items, respectively. The corresponding rates for sunglasses obtained from unauthorized sellers were 0% and 8.2%, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). The rate of defective polarizing capability of lenses was 27.4% in sunglasses obtained from authorized sellers versus 90.4% in sunglasses obtained from unauthorized sellers (P < 0.001). Neither brand nor price played significant contributions to UV protection/lens polarizing capability of sunglasses obtained from authorized sellers.Conclusions:Sunglasses provided by unauthorized sellers are alarmingly unreliable and could be potentially hazardous for the eye. Brand and price do not guarantee optimal protection against UV radiation or polarizing performance of the lens.

Are Nonprescription Sunglasses in Ethiopian Market Protective for Ultraviolet Radiation?

“…But the remaining 27.0% of nonprescription sunglasses available in the Ethiopian market failed to protect the harmful ultraviolet radiation up to 400 nm. This result was lower as compared to 92.6% protection of nonprescription sunglasses determined by Bazzazi N. 20 Poor regulation of nonprescription sunglasses during importation, distribution and dispensing to users might contribute for bulk availability of substandard nonprescription sunglasses in the study area. Relaying on brands of nonprescription sunglasses and dispensing before test for UVR protection may likely contribute to poor compliance.…”

“…Thus, sunglasses provided by unauthorized sellers were alarmingly unreliable and could potentially hazardous for the eyes. 20,21 Manufacturers lack to explicit the characteristics of sunglass products and simply advertise as UVR absorbing. 22 The cost of sunglass is not always an indication of good quality in protecting UVR.…”

“…This phenomenon maximizes the entrance of harmful UVR to the eyes and even causes damage more than being necked eyes. 1,20,25 Fewer fake branded and unbranded sunglasses have a poor blocking capacity of UVR. Hence, it is recommended to assess the ultraviolet radiation protection quality of sunglasses before dispensed to users.…”

Photokeratitis induced by ultraviolet radiation in travelers

“…[ 73 ] More expensive brand-name sunglasses do not guarantee optimal protection against UVR. [ 74 ] To prevent UV damage to the eyes, people should wear sunglasses for outdoor activities such as driving, participating in sports, or taking a walk.…”

Review of the Global Solar UV Index 2015 Workshop Report

“…The Australian and New Zealand standard (AS/NZS 1067) and the South African Standard (SANS 1644) require a stricter transmittance of up to 400 nm as defined by ICNIRP (ICNIRP 2004). Standards for manufacture and sale of sunglasses may not exist or be applied in low- and middle-income countries ( Bazzazi et al 2015 ). Unfortunately, to date there are no clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of sunglasses in cataract prevention to support the common-sense guidance on the use of sunglasses in the Global Solar UV Index guidance.…”