Overview - ISO 8980-3:2022 (Ophthalmic optics, transmittance)
ISO 8980-3:2022 specifies transmittance specifications and test methods for uncut, unmounted finished spectacle lenses, including attenuation of solar radiation. It defines how to measure and classify how much light (visible and ultraviolet) passes through lenses and sets test procedures for spectral transmittance, luminous transmittance, UV filtering, photochromic behaviour and polarizing performance. The standard applies to lenses mounted in spectacles by reference to ISO 21987 and ISO 14889, and complements optical/geometric requirements given in ISO 8980‑1 and ISO 8980‑2.
Note: ISO 8980-3:2022 does not apply to lenses with medically prescribed transmittance, products covered by PPE transmittance standards, or lenses intended for direct solar observation (e.g., eclipse viewing).
Key technical topics and requirements
- Classification of lenses by transmittance: clear, uniformly tinted, gradient-tinted, photochromic, and polarizing.
- Luminous transmittance categories (0–4) with defined tolerances (categories 0–3: ±2% absolute; category 4: ±20% relative to stated value).
- Spectral transmittance requirements for general use and for driving/road use, including specific provisions related to detection of incandescent traffic signals (relative visual attenuation quotient).
- Ultraviolet (UV) transmittance and resistance - methods to determine solar UV transmittance and UV filtering performance; includes normative calculation methods (Annex B) and a cut‑on UV filter (Annex C).
- Photochromic lens testing: conditioning, darkened/faded states at specified temperatures and irradiation, and characteristic luminous transmittances (τv0, τv1, τvW, τvS, τvR).
- Polarizing lens tests: mean luminous transmittance, polarizing efficiency and plane of transmission.
- Test methods and apparatus: spectral transmittance measurement, luminous transmittance calculations, UV test procedures and reference apparatus (Clause 7 and Annexes).
- Normative and informative annexes with spectral data, calculation formulas, and examples.
Practical applications - who uses this standard
- Lens manufacturers and R&D teams (product design, formulation and tinting control).
- Independent test laboratories and quality assurance teams performing certification and batch testing.
- Eyewear brands, opticians and distributors for product claims, labeling and compliance.
- Regulators and procurement specialists specifying safety or visibility requirements for sunglasses and driving lenses.
- Standards developers and conformity assessors aligning product requirements with ophthalmic optics regulations.
Related standards
- ISO 8980‑1, ISO 8980‑2 - optical and geometric requirements for finished lenses
- ISO 21987 - mounted lens requirements and test methods
- ISO 14889 - fundamental requirements for uncut finished lenses
- ISO 13666, ISO 11664 (colorimetry) - referenced terminology and colorimetry methods
Keywords: ISO 8980-3:2022, spectacle lenses, transmittance, UV transmittance, spectral transmittance, photochromic lenses, polarizing lenses, ophthalmic optics, test methods, sunglasses standards, driving safety.