Blue Fin Vision® Featured in RTÉ: Five Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Sunglasses
- Posted
- Medically Reviewed by: Mr Mfazo Hove, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: August 18, 2026
- Last Updated: August 18, 2026
TL;DR: Mr Mfazo Hove, consultant ophthalmic surgeon and founder of Blue Fin Vision®, spoke to RTÉ about five common mistakes people make when buying sunglasses. He explains why dark or expensive lenses do not necessarily provide better UV protection, and why protective markings, fit and coverage should guide your choice.
What Makes Sunglasses Protective?
RTÉ’s lifestyle feature examines why choosing sunglasses involves more than finding a flattering frame. Sunglasses should reduce glare while also helping to protect the eyes and surrounding skin from ultraviolet radiation, commonly called UV light.
Mr Hove explains that appearance and price cannot reliably tell you how much protection a pair provides.
Darker Does Not Mean Safer
Dark lenses block visible light, but darkness alone does not show whether the lenses filter UVA and UVB rays.
Mr Hove told RTÉ:
“Many people think that the darker the sunglasses, the more protective they are, but this isn’t true.”
He explains that ultraviolet rays are outside the visible spectrum. A person cannot determine the level of UV protection simply by looking at the colour of the lenses.
Check the Protection Markings
Mr Hove advises shoppers to look for recognised UV protection information, including UV400 markings. These details may appear on the sunglasses, their label or the original packaging.
If a shop cannot confirm the UV protection offered, Mr Hove recommends looking elsewhere rather than compromising for a particular style.
Price Is Not Proof
Designer branding and a higher price do not automatically mean that sunglasses offer more effective UV protection. Equally, affordable sunglasses can be a suitable option when they carry the appropriate markings and provide sufficient coverage.
As Mr Hove explains:
“Buying cheap isn’t necessarily bad. It’s more about making sure that they offer good protection.”
Fit and Coverage Matter
Frames that slide down or leave large gaps can allow light to reach the eyes and surrounding skin. Mr Hove recommends considering whether the lenses cover the upper and lower eyelids and a substantial area at the sides of the face.
Larger lenses and wraparound styles can provide more coverage, particularly during activities such as skiing, where UV light can reflect from the snow.
Read the Full Coverage
RTÉ: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Sunglasses, published 18 August 2026.
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