Sunglasses markings

When we buy sunglasses, what do we pay attention to first? That's right, on the price, the shape of the glass, the fit of the frame. And few people look at the row of letters and numbers on the arms. What they mean and why you need to understand this at all, read on.

Deciphering the markings on sunglasses

Sunglasses should perform several useful functions at once - protect from sunlight and provide protection from ultraviolet radiation. If you can still navigate with light protection “by eye,” then the second parameter can only be found out by reading the label correctly. In addition, the markings can tell a lot of other interesting things to the owner of the glasses:

• who is the manufacturer;
• what is the size (length) of the temples, what is the width of the lenses and other parameters of the glasses;
• degree of eye protection from ultraviolet radiation;
• what is the protection from light?

Translating the main text

Almost every model has letters indicating quality standards:

• EC - product compliance with European standards;
• GOST - Russian;
• ANSI - American;
• JIS - Japanese.

Next we find an indication of the country of origin. Moreover, the standard “made in” or even better — “hand made in” — on high-quality glasses cannot be replaced with “produced” or “design in”. Such inscriptions can only be on a fake (if there are any inscriptions there at all)! In addition to the country, the brand may also be indicated.

Another group of numbers - model serial number and year of manufacture (not everyone indicates it).

It's easiest with numbers around a small rectangle (@□&#). This is a designation of glass and frame parameters:

• @ – maximum lens width;
• & – distance between lenses (along the bridge of the nose);
• # – length of the temple in the frame.

Additional characters

Not always, but the frame may also contain an indication of the degree of protection against UV rays. Indicated by the inscription UV *** (UltraViolet). If this indicator is 400, then the glass will not allow 100% of ultraviolet radiation to pass through to the eyes. When marked UV380 – 95%. The letters may also be accompanied by an indication of the type of ultraviolet rays B or A. The first type is the most dangerous.

Important! An indication of the quality standard already says that glasses must protect the eyes from excessive radiation!

The sign – P (Polarized) means that the lenses are capable of anti-glare protection. A very useful lens feature, especially for drivers. A polarizing filter completely removes glare that occurs when sunlight reflects off flat, shiny surfaces.

Another useful indicator is shading. On the inside of the arm you can see the Cat marking and a number indicating the degree of light transmission:

• if it is equal to 1, then the glasses are only slightly darkened and will let in up to 80% of sunlight;
• Grade 2 means that the glasses will transmit up to 43% of light.Such glasses are suitable for average sun;
• Level 3 will provide sun protection in bright summer sun. Only 8–18% of light will pass through;
• Grade 4 will only let through 3% of the rays. Such glasses are needed for extreme sun, usually at high altitudes.

Important! It is prohibited to drive while wearing glasses with level 4 light protection!

Interesting! A number of manufacturers may include additional properties of glasses in the labeling - S - strength; K - protection against scratches; T – protection against fogging; T – shock resistance.

Example of marking and its explanation

For example, on the temple of your glasses there will be the inscription “RB5232 2017 40□23 140”. It means that in front of you are glasses from the RAY BIN brand (famous American manufacturer); 5232 – model number, year of production of glasses – 2017; 40 – lens width; 23 is the width of the bridge between the lenses and 140 is the length of the temple itself (in mm).

The inscription “Chanel made in Italy CE” indicates that Chanel glasses made in Italy according to European quality standards.

The symbols “UV400 cat.3” indicate that glasses will provide its owner with complete protection both from ultraviolet radiation and from bright sun. Just right for the beach!