Transmittance Spectrum of Unbranded Sunglasses Using Spectrophotometer

Huseyin Gursoy^1*, Hikmet Basmak¹, Hamza Esen², Ferhan Esen²

¹Eskisehir Osmangazi University Medical Faculty, Department of Ophthalmology, Eskisehir, Turkey.
²Eskisehir Osmangazi University Medical Faculty, Department of Biophysics, Eskisehir, Turkey.

DOI: 10.4236/ojoph.2015.51001                

Abstract

Background: The sunglass standards are not strictly implemented in many countries except Aus-tralia. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the optical properties of unbranded sunglasses for light transmittance. Methods: Unbranded sunglasses with no information about their specifications were included. They were allocated to two groups based on their prices; the ones > 25 US$ (Group A) and the cheaper ones (Group B). Their transmittance spectrum was measured between 190 nm and 900 nm using a double beam scanning spectrophotometer. The European standard for sunglasses was used to evaluate their compliance regarding ultraviolet radiation (UVR) transmittance and minimum requirement for wearing when driving. Results: Thirty-eight sunglasses (Group A = 20 and Group B = 18) were evaluated. Four sunglasses in each group were non-compliant. Percentage transmittance of visible light was <8% in five sunglasses of Group A and in three of Group B, so these were not appropriate to wear when driving. Totally six sunglasses of Group A and five of Group B were non-compliant and/or inappropriate to wear when driving. Conclusions: Based on our findings about their UVR protection and visible light transmittance %, eye care professionals must warn people against the use of unbranded sunglasses without any information about their specifications.

Keywords

Sunglass, Spectrophotometer, Transmittance Spectrum, Ultraviolet Radiation, Visible Light

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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