Let’s be clear,
Nobody wants sunburnt eyes.
Which is why major global institutions have made their own rulebooks for sunglasses to keep your peepers safe from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Thankfully, there are three main sunglasses standards, each set by the European Union, Australia, and the USA.
This guide will walk you through each, helping you know what to look for when purchasing new sunglasses or checking your existing ones.
Sunglasses standards are designed to ensure that eyewear provides adequate protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation and meets certain quality criteria. These standards are crucial for consumer safety, as they help prevent eye damage caused by exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. Compliance with these standards guarantees that sunglasses offer you the protection they claim.
European Union Sunglasses Standards
In the European Union, non-prescription sunglasses must meet the safety requirements set by the EU in compliance with standard: BS EN 1836:2005.
Prescription sunglasses have their own separate standard: BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013.
ISO 12312 is considered as the international sunglasses standard.
All sunglasses that comply with these standards must bear the official CE mark on the frame itself (usually printed or engraved on the interior surface of the temple arms).
This standard signifies that the lenses provide protection against invisible UV light up to 380nm (nano metres) across five categories ranging from 0 to 4. These categories are determined by the amount of visible light they absorb, measured as a percentage, abbreviated as ABS%.
|
Category |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
ABS% |
0% - 10% |
10% - 20% |
20% - 43% |
43% - 85% |
85% – 92% |
|
Tint |
Very light |
Light |
Marginal |
Dark |
Very dark |
|
Sun use |
Overcast |
Low |
Moderate |
Strong |
Very strong |
|
Driving suitability |
Day & night |
Day only |
Day only |
Day only |
Never |
Additionally, the European standard covers requirements for impact resistance and optical clarity. To identify compliant sunglasses, always look for the CE mark on the frame.
It’s worth mentioning that CE marked sunglasses only protect your eyes to a maximum of 380nm. However, UV400 rated sunglasses protect up to 400nm, providing slightly greater ultraviolet protection.
What does UKCA mean on sunglasses?
UKCA is an acronym for UK Conformity Assessed – a new product marking resulting from Britain’s exit from the European Union in January 2020. From 2021 onwards, sunglasses distributed and sold in the UK must bear the official UKCA marking.
The UKCA sunglasses standard is currently very similar to the requirements of the European Union CE marking. Therefore, you are likely to see both of these markings on sunglasses frames from January 2023 onwards.
Australian Sunglasses Standards
In Australia and New Zealand, the official sunglasses standard is AS/NZS 1067.1:2016 specifying sufficient UV protection levels and categorises lenses similarly to the EU standard:
- Category 0: Fashion spectacles, not sunglasses.
- Category 1: Fashion spectacles with some protection.
- Category 2: Sunglasses providing some protection.
- Category 3: Sunglasses providing high protection.
- Category 4: Sunglasses providing very high protection, not suitable for driving.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) enforces these standards for all Australian and New Zealand-made sunglasses. To identify compliant sunglasses, look for the label indicating they meet AS/NZS 1067.1:2016.
USA Sunglasses Standards
In the USA, sunglasses standards are outlined in the ANSI Z80.3-2018 standard. This standard requires sunglasses to provide sufficient UV protection and meet criteria for lens impact resistance and optical quality. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates sunglasses, ensuring they meet these standards.
To identify compliant sunglasses in the USA, check for labels indicating they meet ANSI Z80.3-2018 and FDA requirements.
Comparing Sunglasses Standards
While the EU, Australia, and the USA have their own specific standards, they share common goals: ensuring adequate UV protection and maintaining lens quality. All three standards categorise lenses based on ultraviolet protection levels, visible light absorption and include requirements for impact resistance and optical clarity. The main differences lie in the specific criteria and labelling practices for each region.
Tips for Consumers
Choosing the right sunglasses involves more than picking a stylish pair. Here are some tips:
- Check the Labels: Ensure the sunglasses comply with relevant standards (CE for EU, AS/NZS for Australia, ANSI/FDA for USA).
- Buy from Reputable Sources: Purchase from established retailers to avoid counterfeit products.
- Understand the Categories: Select lenses appropriate for your needs, considering the level of UV protection and visible light absorption.
- Test UV Protection: Some opticians offer tests to check if sunglasses block UV rays effectively.
Common Misconceptions about Sunglasses Standards
#1: Darker lenses provide better UV protection
Lens darkness plays no role in the UV protection. Darker lenses simply absorb more visible light to control visual comfort, which is why most sunglasses lenses are category 3. They absorb between 43%-85% of visible ‘white light’ which is perfect for most people, most of the time.
UV light, however, is invisible to the human eye. This is why sufficient UV protection is crucial, regardless of lens darkness (ABS%). To learn more about the five sunglasses categories click here.
#2: All sunglasses offer UV protection
Illegitimate or ‘black market’ sunglasses may not offer sufficient UV protection. Ironically, their dark tinted lenses cause your pupils to dilate, thus leaving them even more exposed to damaging UV light.
This is why it’s important to check for proper CE or UV400 markings to ensure they meet the official sunglasses standards.
Myth #3: CE marking confusion
The CE mark can be easily confused with the Chinese Export marking which, annoyingly, looks nearly identical. In the image below, you can see the slight difference between these similar-looking marks.
If you suspect your sunglasses (new or old) have the wrong marking, I’d suggest you stop wearing them until you can have them checked for proper UV protection with an optician. Alternatively, you can check them yourself with a UV pen as described in this blog post.
Conclusion
As you’ve discovered, sunglasses standards are simple but crucial for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. By knowing what to look for and recognising the various standards, you can make informed decisions and ensure your sunglasses offer the protection you need.
Like always, you should prioritise your eye health and safety by choosing sunglasses that meet these established standards.
Hopefully, you found this article helpful.
Thanks for stopping by.