• Driving blind - over half a million people swap their prescription glasses and contact lenses for ordinary sunglasses when driving in sunny conditions   
• More than one third (35 per cent) of sunglasses purchased from beachside sellers in destinations ranging from Thailand, to the Canary Islands and mainland Spain offered zero UV protection 
• Fake pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses purchased in Lanzarote had zero UV protection despite the label claiming otherwise

Holidaymakers returning with sunglasses purchased from beachside sellers abroad could risk blindness, as scientific testing reveals many of these shades provide no UV protection.  New analysis¹ by Direct Line Motor Insurance reveals more than a third (35 per cent) of sunglasses purchased from beachside sellers in destinations ranging from Thailand, to the Canary Islands and mainland Spain offered zero UV protection.

Researchers tested a range of sunglasses purchased abroad including those mimicking designer brands, given names such as ‘Ray-Bon’, fake designer glasses and cheap non-branded shades.  A pair of fake Ray-Ban sunglasses were found to offer zero UV protection despite stating they offered this protection on the attached labels.  In contrast, a pair of sunglasses purchased from an online retailer in the UK for just £1.50 offered UV400 protection, equivalent to almost 100 per cent UV protection and protection from UVA and UVB radiation. 

The World Health Organisation highlights that UV radiation exposure can cause Photokeratitis and photoconjunctivitis², inflammatory reactions similar to sunburn of the eyeball or eyelid.  People have an increased risk of developing cataracts as a result of UV overexposure, which can lead to blindness and evidence also suggests it can result in eye cancer.  It is, therefore, important everyone wears lenses that protect their eyes when exposed to strong sunlight.  Research³ shows that 3.1 million people think all sunglasses have UV protection, so could risk serious health implications by wearing shades that don’t protect their eyes at all.          

Over nine million (18 per cent) people purchasing sunglasses don’t check whether they offer UV protection.  More than one in ten (11 per cent) say they would check the UV protection of sunglasses, but might buy them anyway, because they may not understand the associated risks to their eye health.      

Researchers found it was not only eye health that is being put at risk in sunny conditions, as motorists are risking lives by getting behind the wheel without appropriate eyewear on sunny days.  Over half a million Brits swap their prescription lenses for ordinary sunglasses when driving in sunny conditions.  These motorists could fail the government’s ‘standards of vision for driving’⁴ test and risk being prosecuted for dangerous driving because they can’t see to drive safely.  A further half a million Brits don’t wear their prescribed lenses when driving in sunny weather and don’t wear prescribed sunglasses or sunglasses, posing an additional hazard because not only can they not see sufficiently but they risk being dazzled by the sun.         

Steve Barrett, head of motor insurance at Direct Line, commented: “We urge all motorists to wear appropriate eye protection and prescribed lenses including prescription sunglasses whilst driving. If people cannot see to drive safely, either through not wearing the correct prescription lenses or sunglasses to protect from glare, they pose a real danger to themselves and everyone else on our roads.”

Alisdair Buchanan, voted Optometrist of the year at the UK Optician Awards, 2017 said: "Sunglasses purchased from beachside sellers abroad or from some internet sites, can put you at more risk than not wearing any sunglasses. Buying from a reputable shop or opticians ensures you get the protection you are paying for to help protect you from skin melanomas, early onset cataracts and macular degeneration. A good optician can also recommend a UV inhibiting anti-reflection coating on the back of your sunglasses as a lot of the damage to the eyes is from reflected UV. Don't risk your sight, trust your local optician who is regulated by the general optical council." ⁵

Advice for motorists:

• Eyesight can deteriorate without noticing, it is recommended everyone has a professional eye test at least every two years, or immediately if a problem arises
• Think carefully about the sunglasses you drive in – is the tint too dark to offer good visibility are the frames designed so you can still use your peripheral vision?
• Always wear the correct prescribed lenses whilst driving, and in the sun wear prescription sunglasses
• Consider wearing sunglasses when driving on a bright day – they protect against glare and can protect against too much light reaching the retina, which can cause squinting that is known to cause headaches and squint constantly
• Keep a spare pair of glasses in the car – even on winter days there can be significant glare

 

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

1. Glasses tested using a GOLDENWALL Optical Lens Anti-radiation Ultraviolet Ray UV Tester Detector
   
2. https://www.who.int/uv/faq/uvhealtfac/en/index3.html
3. Research conducted by Opinium among 2008 UK adults between 30^th July and 1^st August 2019
4. https://www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules
5. Alisdair Buchanan was voted as Optometrist of the year in the 2017 UK Optician Awards and runs his award winning practice Buchanan Optometrists in Snodland, Kent.

 

For further information please contact:

Emma Cava
PR Manager
Direct Line Group
Tel: 01651 831 715
[email protected]

Samantha Stewart
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Tel: 0207 025 6497

[email protected]

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com/car-cover