One of the questions we are asked from time to time is what do sunglass lens categories mean. The category number equates to a percentage of the VLT (Visible Light Transmission) that is, how much light the lens lets through. The higher the VLT the lighter the lens, conversely the lower the VLT the darker the tint will be, blocking more light coming through to the eye
| VLT |
Category |
Lens Tint |
| 80-100% |
0 |
None or very light tint |
| 43-80% |
1 |
Light tint |
| 18-43% |
2 |
Medium tint |
| 8-18% |
3 |
Dark tint |
| 3-8% |
4 |
Very dark tint |
Not all our brands provide this information and in reality almost all brown and grey (or ‘smoke’) lenses are Category 3. Primarily, sports sunglasses categories signify the density of the lens tint and there are five categories in total:
- Category 0 is a clear or very light tint lens – mainly used for impact protection. Many Safety Eyewear glasses have a clear lens.
- Category 1 is typically a yellow or pale / light tint. Not ideal for sunny conditions but OK in overcast conditions.
- Category 2 is typically the orange, rose, blue and red lenses. Fine for partially sunny conditions giving a good amount of protection against sunglare.
- Category 3 is for strong sunlight and the most common category because almost all brown and grey (or ‘smoke’) lenses are Category 3.
- Category 4 is typically a very dark grey or brown lens – ideal in mountains or desert where the sun is intense and there are high glare conditions. They are not to be used when driving as the density of tint can make it dangerous to do so.
