What are the US Sunglasses Standards

 What are the US sunglasses standards?

In the United States, sunglasses are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must comply with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z80.3 standard. This standard sets forth requirements for the optical quality, impact resistance, and labeling of sunglasses. Here are some key aspects of the U.S. sunglasses standards:

• UV Protection: Sunglasses sold in the U.S. must provide sufficient protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. They should block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays, with UV 400 protection being a common standard. Look for labels or markings indicating the sunglasses' level of UV protection.
• Visible Light Transmission: The standard also addresses the amount of visible light that sunglasses should allow to pass through. Most sunglasses have a visible light transmission (VLT) of 8-20%, meaning they block 80-92% of visible light. This helps reduce glare and eye strain in bright conditions.
• Impact Resistance: While sunglasses are primarily designed to protect the eyes from UV radiation and glare, they should also have a certain level of impact resistance. ANSI Z80.3 requires sunglasses to pass specific impact tests to ensure they can withstand certain forces and protect against flying objects.
• Prescription Sunglasses: Prescription sunglasses that are intended to correct vision impairments must meet the same standards as regular sunglasses. They should provide the necessary UV protection and meet specific optical requirements for visual acuity.
• Labeling Requirements: Sunglasses sold in the U.S. must be labeled with relevant information such as manufacturer's name, lens category (e.g., general purpose, special purpose), lens material, UV protection level, and compliance with ANSI Z80.3.

It's important to note that compliance with the ANSI Z80.3 standard is voluntary, but adherence to these standards ensures that sunglasses meet specific criteria for UV protection, impact resistance, and optical quality. When purchasing sunglasses, look for products that are labeled as meeting or exceeding ANSI Z80.3 to ensure they provide the necessary protection for your eyes.