The ANSI Z80.3 eyewear standard is designed for manufacturers and consumers of nonprescription sunglasses. This standard outlines refractive properties, transmittance properties, and physical and mechanical properties requirements, ensuring eyewear meets aesthetic expectations and upholds safety and quality.
ANSI Z80.3 is a standard developed by the American National Standards Institute, specifying nonprescription sunglasses' performance criteria. Managed by the Vision Council and approved stakeholders, these standards are periodically revised to incorporate the latest scientific advancements and consumer safety expectations. The ANSI Z80.3 standard was last updated in 2018, which mainly clarifies the testing of photosensitive lenses, making requirements in this standard consistent with international standards.
ANSI Z80.3 establishes standards for sunglasses based on their manner of use and design safety. The sunglasses must:
This standard specifically excludes products covered by ANSI Z87.1, ANSI Z80.1, and those covered within the ASTM F08.57 committee.
The ANSI Z80.3 standards encompass several critical areas: refractive properties, transmittance properties, and physical and mechanical properties, each crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of eyewear.
Under ANSI Z80.3, refractive properties is stringently regulated to ensure that nonprescription eyewear does not inadvertently affect vision. Here are the key components:
Physical and mechanical properties under ANSI Z80.3 is critically assessed to ensure that eyewear withstands physical stresses without failure. One of the tests is the 'drop ball test,' designed to meet or exceed the stringent requirements of 21 CFR 801.410. In this test, a steel ball is dropped from a height onto the convex surface of the lens to evaluate its impact resistance. This ensures that the lens does not fracture upon impact, which confirms its ability to withstand everyday usage accidents.
ANSI Z80.3 includes specific protocols for testing flammability and frame corrosion, enhancing the eyewear’s safety and longevity:
Given that ANSI Z80.3 is designed explicitly for sunglasses rather than prescription eyewear, safety goggles, or any other types of glasses, it is essential to effectively shield the eyes from sunglass glare, ultraviolet (UV) radiation to prevent damage or impairment to vision. One of the tests is ultraviolet (UV) requirement. The standard explicitly mandates ultraviolet mean transmittance, where lenses must meet defined limits for UV mean transmittance across critical UV bands. The lenses block a substantial amount of UV radiation for UVB (280 nm to 315 nm) and UVA (315 nm to 380 nm).
The standard requires that the UV transmittance values for these bands be within the limits outlined in the ANSI Z80.3 guidelines. If a product claims to offer enhanced UV protection beyond these standards, the specific UV mean transmittance values must be reported, especially for the UVA range of 315 to 380 nm.
ANSI Z80.3 plays a crucial role in the regulatory landscape of eyewear manufacturing by aligning closely with FDA regulations, particularly those concerning the safety and durability of eyewear products. Here's a detailed exploration of how this alignment impacts manufacturers and the broader implications for the eyewear industry:
ANSI Z80.3 standards are intricately aligned with the FDA's requirements under 21 CFR 801.410, which focuses on the impact resistance of eyewear. This regulation mandates that all nonprescription eyewear sold in the U.S. must be able to withstand a significant impact. The 'drop ball test' that simulates real-world impacts to ensure lenses do not shatter provides a direct pathway to compliance with FDA safety standards.
At PEL, we uphold the rigorous standards of ANSI Z80.3 to ensure the highest quality and safety of sunglasses. Our laboratory is equipped with specialised testing equipment that evaluates everything from transmittance properties and refractive properties to physical and mechanical properties. By adhering to comprehensive quality and compliance regulations such as EU 2016/425 and FDA's 21 CFR 801.410, we help eyewear manufacturers ensure their products meet global regulatory requirements.