Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
With the Arrival of Summer in Brazil, Organizations in the Optical Sector and Doctors Warn That the Use of Irregular Sunglasses Exposes the Eyes to Ultraviolet Rays, Accelerates Ocular Damage, and May Bring Forward Diseases Such as Cataracts
With the arrival of summer, sun exposure increases significantly at beaches, pools, and outdoor activities. In this scenario, eye health is in a state of alert, as ultraviolet radiation begins to continuously act on the eyes. When there is no adequate protection, the damage accumulates silently over the years.
Buying sunglasses outside the regulated optical retail represents a direct risk to vision. The warning comes from Abióptica, which monitors the growth in the sale of pirated and counterfeit products in the informal market. These glasses, although they may appear to provide protection, do not block ultraviolet radiation, leaving the eyes vulnerable.
According to Ambra Nobre Sinkoc, executive director of Abióptica, irregular sunglasses do not fulfill their basic protective function. As a result, UV radiation directly impacts the internal structures of the eyes. Over time, severe eye diseases can develop, even without immediate symptoms.
-
Giant marine crocodile fossil found in the Sahara may change theories about extinctions in the Jurassic period
-
Synthetic turf banned: United States, Netherlands, and Australia tighten rules after artificial lawns increase urban flooding and release microplastics
-
Research with more than 470,000 people reveals the paradox of the Brazil brand: a country admired for tourism, culture, and economic opportunities, but still needing to overcome insecurity, political distrust, and lack of continuity to strengthen its image in the world.
-
Iran authorizes the passage of about 30 vessels through the Strait of Hormuz while Trump visits Beijing, according to an Iranian agency, the transit of Chinese ships was resumed after an understanding between Tehran and China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil.
Ultraviolet Radiation and the Silent Progression of Cataracts
Among the main risks is cataracts, considered the leading cause of treatable blindness in the world. Data from the World Health Organization indicate that 51% of global blindness cases are associated with cataracts. Furthermore, WHO estimates suggest that up to 20% of cases of the disease are caused or aggravated by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, especially without adequate eye protection.
Cataracts cause clouding of the lens, the natural lens responsible for focusing images on the retina. This process occurs progressively and gradually impairs vision. Therefore, continuous prevention is considered essential by specialists.
Cumulative Effect of the Sun Brings Forward Damage to Vision
According to Leôncio Queiroz Neto, ophthalmologist and executive director of the Instituto Penido Burnier, the sun’s effect on the eyes is cumulative. That is, the damage does not occur immediately. They appear after years of exposure without adequate protection.
Typically, cataracts affect people over the age of 60. However, solar exposure without adequate filters can bring forward the onset of the disease, accelerating the aging of the ocular structures. Thus, care should begin in youth.
Informal Sales Increase Risks to Consumers
In this scenario, Abióptica emphasizes that sunglasses should be purchased exclusively at optical stores. In states such as São Paulo and Paraná, state laws prohibit the sale of prescription glasses and sunglasses by street vendors, precisely to protect public health.
Sector numbers highlight the magnitude of the problem. Approximately 106.5 million glasses are sold annually in Brazil, including 44 million sunglasses. However, only 7.88 million of these products are considered legal, according to data consolidated until 2024.
Economic and Social Impacts of the Optical Sector
In addition to the risks to visual health, piracy undermines the entire production chain. Currently, the Brazilian optical sector employs around 180,000 people, distributed among 71,226 active sales points. Just in the last year, 5,885 new sales points were opened, reinforcing the expansion of formal commerce.
In financial terms, the optical sector recorded R$ 27 billion in sales in 2024, representing growth compared to the R$ 26 billion recorded in 2023. Thus, choosing legal products protects vision, strengthens the economy, and reduces impacts on public health.
Given this data, the warning is clear: sunglasses are not just fashion accessories, but essential protective eyewear. Saving today can mean compromising vision irreversibly in the future.
Do you believe that the Brazilian population understands the real risks of irregular sunglasses or still underestimates the silent effects of ultraviolet radiation on eye health?
Be the first to react!