Comprehensive eye safety is essential for long-term optical health. This feature ensures eyewear lenses block the full spectrum of harmful ultraviolet radiation, providing a benchmark for high-performance functionality.
The Science of UV Filtration
In the eyewear industry, UV 400 protection is the measure of a lens's ability to filter out light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers (nm). This range includes both UVA and UVB rays, which are invisible but carry enough energy to cause cumulative damage to the eyes, such as cataracts or retinal issues. For sunglasses and high-quality clear lenses, this performance is achieved by adding specialized UV-absorbing chemicals directly into the lens monomer during manufacturing or by applying a potent UV-blocking coating. Unlike a simple tint that just makes things darker, UV 400 protection acts as a total shield, ensuring that the most energetic and damaging light is intercepted before it can reach the sensitive tissues of the eye.
Validation through the High Performance Mark
By meeting selected technical benchmarks, your eyewear products become eligible for the Intertek High Performance (HP) Mark’s UV 400 Protection. We apply the applicable section of EN ISO 12312-1, assessing the transmittance across the wavelength range below 400nm. Less than 0.5% of light shall be transmitted.
This mark serves as a ‘proof of performance’ by validating that your product meets the High-Performance Mark standards. You can display the mark on product tags, brochures, packaging, websites, and in both online and offline stores across multiple channels, confidently signal to consumers that the performance claims of your products are verified.
