Are cheap sunglasses bad for your eyes? What you actually pay for

Short answer: No – cheap sunglasses aren't bad for your eyes as long as they have proper UV protection (UV400) and a CE mark. Protection comes from the lens filter, not the price tag. The real risk is dark lenses without a UV filter: your pupils open wider behind the tint and let more UV in. Beyond that, a higher price buys comfort, durability and materials – not safety.

Do cheap sunglasses have UV protection?

Many do. A UV filter isn't expensive to build into a lens, so plenty of affordable sunglasses offer full UV400 protection. The problem is that you can't see UV protection – and a pair with no label, from a seller who doesn't state any specifications, gives you nothing to go on. Look for:

• "UV400" or "100% UV protection" on the label, product page or inside the temple.
• A category number (0–4) – category 3 is the classic choice for bright sun.
• The CE mark, which sunglasses sold in the EU must carry, showing the maker declares they meet the European standard EN ISO 12312-1.

Not sure what the labels mean? Our guide explains what UV400 and category 3 mean.

Can dark sunglasses without UV protection damage your eyes?

They can be worse than wearing no sunglasses at all. Behind a dark lens, your pupils widen to let in more light. If the lens doesn't block UV, more UV reaches the inside of the eye. That's why darkness alone is never a sign of protection.

Why are some sunglasses so expensive?

A large part of the price of many sunglasses has nothing to do with protection. It can include brand licensing and marketing, retail margins, and extras such as glass or specially coated lenses. Some of it does buy real quality – better optics, sturdier hinges, nicer materials – but a high price is no guarantee of better UV protection.

What do you actually pay for with a better pair?

• Optical quality: lenses without distortion, with an even tint. Look at a straight line through the lens and move your head – if the line bends or waves, the optics are poor.
• Build: multi-barrel hinges and screws that stay tight, so the frame doesn't loosen after a season.
• Materials and finish: a frame that keeps its shape, feels good on the skin and doesn't pinch.
• Fit: the right size for your face, which affects both comfort and how much light gets in from the sides.
• Warranty and service: someone to contact if something goes wrong.

How can you check an affordable pair before you buy?

1. Check for UV400, a category number and the CE mark.
2. Do the straight-line test for distortion.
3. Open and close the temples – the hinges should move smoothly, without play.
4. Look at the finish: no sharp edges, rough seams or uneven colour.
5. Check who sells it and what warranty you get.

What do ECO SHADES sunglasses cost – and what's in them?

At the time of writing, sunglasses from our recycled collection cost $39.95 (€29.95 or 199 kr, depending on where you shop), and our plant-based acetate sunglasses cost $49.95 (€39.95 or 299 kr). Here's where the money goes:

• Lenses in recycled PMMA, listed as certified UV400 on every product page – the plant-based acetate models are also listed as category 3.
• Frames in 100% recycled plastics on the recycled styles, with a stainless steel core in each temple.
• 5-barrel optical hinges and friction-lock screws on the recycled styles.
• A 2-year warranty and a protective pouch.

Popular starting points: the slim, classic Venturi Black, the square Morello Black, the round Zanon Grey and the rectangular Gallina Olive. Or browse our bestsellers and the new 2026 collection.

FAQ

Are cheap sunglasses as good as expensive ones?

For UV protection, they can be – as long as they're labelled UV400 and CE-marked. Expensive pairs may offer better optics, materials or build, but not automatically better protection.

Do cheap sunglasses have UV protection?

Many do, but not all. If there's no UV400 or 100% UV label and no CE mark, don't assume they protect you.

Can I test UV protection at home?

Not reliably. Home tricks with banknotes or phone torches aren't a substitute for proper labelling. Many opticians can measure UV transmission with a UV meter.

Is it OK to buy sunglasses online?

Yes, if the seller states the UV protection, category and CE marking, and offers returns and a warranty.