Ultraviolet windows in commercial sunglasses.

The optical transmission of a random selection of nonprescription sunglasses was measured from 0.3-microm to 0.85-microm wavelength. Several models were found with uv windows that may increase the probability of cataract formation on the eye lens. More than half of the twenty-five models tested had ir windows that may cause eye discomfort with prolonged usage. In the tested glasses, there appears to be no correlation between lens color or cost and the amount of shielding given to the eyes from the radiation not contributing to the visual response.