Saving with 6abc: Designer sunglasses vs. $20 pair

We're saving you some big bucks on shades!

Some sunglasses run into the hundreds of dollars, but can you get the same UV protection for a fraction of the price?

ABC News investigated!

They tested sunglasses from mall kiosks, pharmacies and street vendors, that all cost less $20.

Then they tested sunglasses from Coach, Ray Bans, and Smith, all high end retailers that all cost over $100.

All claim to block UV rays, but do they?

To assess the true UV protection an optometrist used a spectrophotometer.

All of the expensive glasses offer 100% UV protection.

And so did every single one of the discount sunglasses, all 11 pairs.

But, Dr. Dennis Fong does explain that expensive glasses have more durable frames, higher end design and a more comfortable fit.

But the protection is the same, no matter what you pay.