[Evaluation of protective properties of sunglasses commonly available in the marketplace].

The optical properties of sunglasses common on the market were tested for UV radiation and visible light. Out of a large variety of sunglasses offered to customers, four types of sunglasses visually diversified, so they could suit mostly different tastes and requirements of customers, had been selected randomly. It was found that even not branded sunglasses satisfy the requirements of protective glasses. None of the sunglasses tested transmitted UV-B radiation (280-315 nm) and considerably limited UV-A radiation (315-400 nm). Moreover, radiation permeability in the visible range was good. UV-A transmission occurred mostly in the wavelength range above 380 nm. In order to evaluate the properties of protective sunglasses the ocular sun protective factor (OSPF) was defined and proposed.