Are dollar store sunglasses as good as expensive ones? You asked | Expert answers (2024)

Readers often ask questions that we don’t know the answers to. But we know where to go (and if not we will find out) to get the facts they seek. And that’s what the “You asked | Expert answers” series is all about — tracking down the information you are looking for from reliable experts.

Whether it’s details on a new kitchen appliance or picking the best out of a plethora of product options, no question is silly. And if it is something you are curious about, chances are others will benefit from a deeper dig into the details.

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The question: Sunglasses – are dollar store glasses as good as expensive sunglasses?

We recruited Dr. E. Anderson Penno, owner of the Calgary-based Western Laser Eye Associates and author of several books including Laser Vision Correction: What You Need To Know to help us.

Trained at the Mayo Clinic, the medical doctor and her team provide everything from health screenings and prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses to careful monitoring of eye conditions from glaucoma to diabetes. Penno has performed thousands of refractive and other eye surgeries since 1996.

The answer: It’s both yes and no. For sunglasses that are labelled as having broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, price doesn’t matter as far as protecting the eyelids and eyes from harmful UV light.

Sunglasses without a UV protection label will not protect from these harmful rays and it is possible that extremely inexpensive sunglasses may or may not be verified to be protective.

On the other hand, there can be big differences in the optical clarity between more and less expensive sunglasses, and some people will be more sensitive to these differences than others.

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Other features such as polarization can also make a difference in glare reduction and may increase the price of the sunglasses. Finally, there are fashion and frame features such as wrap-around sport style sunglasses that can improve protection against wind and dust, but that also may raise the cost.

Bottom line: It’s safe to wear dollar store sunglasses as long as they carry a UVA/UVB protection label, but more expensive sunglasses can offer better optics and other features including more fashion choices that some buyers are looking for.

What to buy: Our picks

Tifosi unisex Swick ($35.99): These offer 100 per cent UVA/UVB protection. They are lightweight with shatterproof, scratch-resistant lenses. Hydrophilic rubber nose piece ensures a slip-free fit even on more sweaty days.

Tifosi gets great reviews and Shopping Essentials has taken a pair out for a trial run. They are super durable (left them on the driver’s seat in the car where I sat on them and they survived) and are a comfortable, secure fit that doesn’t ride around when we work out. Fans, for sure.

Goodr OG Sunglasses ($49.99): Gord Hobbins, owner of Gord’s Running Store in Calgary, says people love these polarized but affordable shades which offer UV/UVB protection. They are known to not slip even on sweaty faces and are affordable enough that some buy a spare pair.

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MEC Larkin unisex Sunglasses ($59.95): These have a bit of a wrap for those who want a closer fit. They offer all the protection and are said to be ideal for everything from mountain biking to the daily urban commute. The makers say they protect your eyes from driving rain and trail grit and are treated with military-grade, anti-fog material. Scratch-resistant lenses and a curvature designed to protect you from light coming in at all angles.

Have something you want us to look into? Email us at shoppingessentials@postmedia.com.

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Shopping Essentials is a new category that features highly-researched products, new and exciting launches or behind-the-scenes info — learn more. All prices are accurate on the day of publication.

NMoharib@postmedia.com

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