Slough Borough Council’s trading standards is warning residents to be careful when choosing their sun glasses for their holidays, here or abroad.
Don’t get caught out in the sun without good shades.The main points when buying sun glasses are:
* Look for the CE mark. This show’s the glasses meet European safety standards.
* Don’t buy cheap counterfeit sunglasses as they will have no protection from the sun.
* Look for the special labels which state the shades block out 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays, which are harmful to eyes. Wearing sunglasses that don’t block out these rays can be worse than not wearing any at all.
* Look for sunglasses that are close fitting, as they help stop light getting round the edges – wraparound shades and large lenses are good.
* Plastic lenses are often better than glass ones and are harder to break.
* Don’t be fooled by the price – more expensive shades might be more fashionable but don’t usually give any more protection.
* Brown, amber and grey lenses usually give better protection – dark coloured sunglasses don’t necessarily protect you better. It’s a special coating on the lens that makes them safe, not their darkness.
Keith Eaglestone, Slough Borough Council’s trading standards manager, said: “Consumers should choose their sunglasses carefully, and not always go for a certain pair because they are fashionable or cheap.
“Wearing shades that don’t block out 99 or 100 percent of harmful sun rays can be dangerous for your eyes.
“It’s always better to invest in a good pair of sunglasses and keep your eyes safe.”
Commissioner for community and leisure, Cllr Shafiq Chaudhry, added: “Some sunglasses don’t offer any protection from ultra violet rays and eyesight can be damaged.
“It’s very important that residents take the advice given by trading standards to protect their sight.”
People should never look directly at the sun and should always wear their sunglasses, particularly in the middle of the day when the sun is stronger.
Strong light can penetrate clouds and when out swimming in the sea, people should wear their sunglasses as sunlight bounces off water.
Wearing a hat with a brim is also a good idea to keep you cool and out of the sun.
Slough Borough Council
