Health officials have issued a warning to people who choose sunglasses based on style. The message comes as Britain basks in record-breaking temperatures, with the Met Office confirming a sweltering 35.1°C was recorded at Kew Gardens on Tuesday.

With more sunny spells forecast, shoppers are being urged to check for UV protection before buying sunglasses. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised that this check should be carried out whenever purchasing a new pair, cautioning that not every style provides adequate protection against UV sun damage.

In a recent post on X, UKHSA said: "Looking good shouldn’t come at the expense of your eye health. Some sunglasses are designed purely for style, so if you want real protection, always check for a UV rating. You can usually find it on the inside arm or as a sticker on the lens."

The post added: "Not all sunglasses offer UV protection. Take a look at their protection before you buy them." The NHS recommends that people choose sunglasses with wraparound lenses or wide arms that carry the CE Mark and the British Standard Mark 12312-1:2013 E.

Moorfields Private Eye Hospital has warned that excessive sun exposure can cause irreversible damage and blindness. Mr Raj Das-Bhaumik, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, said: "It’s extremely important to protect your eyes in the sun to reduce the risk of developing cataracts and a common type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma. You should buy sunglasses from a reputable retailer and check that they carry the CE mark to ensure that they will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

When temperatures soar, practising sun safety is crucial, reports the Mirror. As the NHS explains: "Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn does not just happen on holiday.

"You can burn in the UK, even when it's cloudy. There's no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan does not protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects." The NHS says to:

The guidance explains: "The sun protection factor, or SPF, is a measure of the amount of ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) protection. SPFs are rated on a scale of two to 50+ based on the level of protection they offer, with 50+ offering the strongest form of UVB protection."

The NHS adds: "Make sure the sunscreen is not past its expiry date. This is marked by a symbol of an open jar, an M and a number, which shows how many months the sunscreen will last once it's been opened. Do not spend any longer in the sun than you would without sunscreen."