ISO 8980-3-2022 PDF

Full title and description

Ophthalmic optics — Uncut finished spectacle lenses — Part 3: Transmittance specifications and test methods. This International Standard specifies transmittance requirements and the corresponding test methods for uncut and unmounted finished spectacle lenses, including requirements related to attenuation of solar radiation.

Abstract

Specifies requirements for spectral transmittance (UV, visible and near-IR), measurement conditions, test procedures and classification criteria for uncut finished spectacle lenses. The standard excludes lenses prescribed for specific medical reasons, products covered by personal protective equipment transmittance standards, and items intended for direct observation of the sun (e.g., eclipse viewers).

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: June 2022 (Edition 4; commonly cited as 23 June 2022).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 11.040.70 (Ophthalmic equipment / ophthalmic optics).
• Edition / version: Edition 4 (2022).
• Number of pages: 34 pages (ISO published text).

Scope

Applies to uncut, unmounted finished spectacle lenses and — by reference to relevant mounting standards — to lenses mounted in spectacles. Defines the spectral transmittance requirements, test methods for measuring transmittance (including apparatus, reference conditions and sample handling) and classification limits (including solar attenuation). Not applicable to spectacle lenses with specific medical transmittance/absorption prescriptions, products covered by PPE transmittance standards, or lenses intended for direct solar observation.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and classification of transmittance properties for uncut finished spectacle lenses.
• Specified measurement methods for spectral transmittance across UV, visible and near-IR bands, including reference geometry and equipment requirements.
• Requirements and limits for solar attenuation and shading/filtering categories.
• Procedures for sample conditioning, preparation and handling prior to testing.
• Conformance criteria, reporting formats and tolerances for measured transmittance values.
• Exclusions and notes on applicability (medical prescription lenses, PPE, solar-observation products).

Typical use and users

Used by spectacle lens manufacturers, optical laboratories, quality and compliance teams, test laboratories, eyewear designers, optometrists involved in lens specification, safety/regulatory bodies and standards committees to ensure consistent measurement, classification and labeling of lens transmittance properties.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 8980 series for uncut finished spectacle lenses; closely related to ISO 8980-1 (dioptric and geometrical properties) and ISO 8980-2 (power-variation lenses). Requirements for mounted lenses are referenced via ISO 21987 (mounted spectacle lenses). The 2022 edition of ISO 8980-3 replaces the 2013 edition.

Keywords

transmittance; spectacle lenses; ophthalmic optics; spectral transmittance; solar attenuation; UV protection; test methods; uncut finished lenses; ISO 8980-3.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 8980-3:2022 is an International Standard that specifies transmittance specifications and test methods for uncut finished spectacle lenses (spectral transmittance, solar attenuation and related measurement procedures).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers spectral transmittance measurement methods (UV, visible, near-IR), classification limits for transmittance and solar attenuation, sample conditioning and reporting requirements for uncut and unmounted finished spectacle lenses. It explicitly excludes lenses prescribed for specific medical transmittance/absorption needs, PPE-covered products and lenses for direct solar observation.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Lens manufacturers, independent test laboratories, product compliance teams, optical engineers, optometrists specifying lenses, national standards bodies and regulators use this standard to ensure consistent measurement and classification of lens transmittance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current. ISO 8980-3:2022 (Edition 4) is the published and active edition (published June 2022) and supersedes ISO 8980-3:2013.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 3 of the ISO 8980 series (uncut finished spectacle lenses) and is intended to be used alongside ISO 8980-1 (dioptric and geometrical properties), ISO 8980-2 (power-variation lenses) and related mounting guidance such as ISO 21987 for mounted spectacle lenses.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Transmittance, spectacle lenses, spectral transmittance, solar attenuation, UV protection, ophthalmic optics, test methods, uncut finished lenses.