Consider function and setting when choosing sunglasses

  Sunglasses are popular not only as a means to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful ray while enjoying outdoor sports/activities and driving, but also as a fashion item. Consumers tend to choose sunglasses based on design rather than its quality.

  In order to provide information to help consumers make rational product choices, the Korea Consumer Agency (www.kca.go.kr) tested/assessed 18 popular sunglass brands on UV protection rating, visible light transmission rating, and scratch and high temperature resistance; reviewed labeling and claims; and compared domestic and overseas prices.

  ※ Testing/assessment of visible light transmission rating and reviewing labeling and claims jointly carried out with the Korea Agency for Technology & Standards (KATS) in line with the Korea Government 3.0 initiative.

  All 18 brands tested scored fairly in UV protection rating but scores varied in the remaining categories. Therefore, consumers should choose sunglasses based on different environments.

■ High UV protection among all brands, visible light transmission varied

- All brands offered 99.9% or above UV protection.

- Brands differed in visible light transmission (9%~24%); lower visible light transmission better reduces glare.

■ Scratch resistance differed among brands, abrasion resistance similar among brands

- In testing scratch resistance, 12 brands including “GUESS” (GU1068 NBLK3) fared well by scoring 6.0 points (out of 10.0 points), while “RENOMA” (RS9872D C4M) showed weak resistance (3.0 points).

- In testing abrasion resistance, all brands passed requirements for KS accreditation.

■ Deformity observed when left at high temperature

- In testing high temperature resistance, sunglasses were left at a temperature of 70℃ and were found to be wearable among all brands. When left at a temperature of 85℃, deformity was observed in 15 brands except for “GUCCI” (GG3659 FS D28ED), “OAKLEY” (OO9244-07), and “CALVIN KLEIN” (CK3138S 004).

- In testing perspiration resistance, 17 brands fared well while color change in metal ornament was seen in “TOM FORMD” (TF58 B5).

■ Insufficient labeling in most brands

- As to labeling and claims, in accordance with the Quality Control and Safety Management of Industrial Products Act, product information labeling is required based on the safety and quality labeling standard. Of the 18 sunglass brands, inadequate labeling was found in 15 brands. Relevant importers/sellers need to take measures to include all necessary product information (such as on quality and warranty policy).

■ Prices cheaper on domestic online malls

- In comparing the prices of 6 of the 18 sunglass brands sold on domestic online malls and overseas online malls, domestic prices were 45.2% cheaper

- In the case of imported brands, consumers tend to think that prices are cheaper on overseas online malls. However, noting that sunglass designs often change with the latest trend and preferences differ between Korean and foreign consumers, sunglasses (including imported brands) can be purchased at a much affordable price via domestic online malls. Therefore, the KCA advised consumers to carefully compare prices before making a purchase.