EN ISO 18527 Eye and Face Protection for Sports Purposes

The “ EN ISO 18527 Eye and face protection for sports” standard, which is a European standard and subsequently published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) , consists of the following sub-sections published under the same title:

• The standard "EN ISO 18527-1 Part 1: Requirements for downhill skiing and snowboarding goggles" applies to all flat-lens goggles designed to provide eye protection against hazards such as ultraviolet and visible solar radiation, rain, snow, and wind during downhill skiing, snowboarding, and similar activities. This standard applies to downhill skiing and snowboarding goggles equipped with an insert to accommodate prescription lenses. This standard specifies the requirements and test methods for materials, performance, goggle markings, and the information to be provided by the manufacturer.

Information on the selection and use of downhill skiing and snowboarding goggles is included in the annex to the standard (Annex A).

However, this standard does not apply to:

• Eye protection when working or traveling in a motor vehicle.
• Eye protection to protect against optical radiation from artificial sources such as those used in tanning beds.
• Eye protection for direct observation of the sun.
• Eye protection designed for sports involving unrelated hazards and risks.

In short, this standard covers:

• Protection against hazards such as UV and visible solar radiation, rain, wind and snow during alpine skiing or snowboarding.
• Material quality, optical performance, marking and labelling and manufacturer information requirements.
• Test methods such as lens permeability categories, headform fit, surface inspection zones, and strap retention testing.
• Material safety and physiological compatibility guidance to avoid allergenic or toxic effects.
• A user guide supplement on eyeglass selection and use (Appendix A).

This standard specifies requirements and test methods for eye protection materials, performance, marking, and the information to be provided by the manufacturer. Information on the selection and use of eye protection for squash, racquetball, and squash 57 is included in the standard's annex (Annex A).

This standard does not apply to:

• Sports eye protection designed for use over prescription glasses.
• Eye protection for other occupational applications.
• Eye protection without lenses.
• Eye protection for sports where the hazards are unrelated to, or greater than, those in squash, racquetball and squash 57.
• Eye protection with gradient tinted lenses as they are not suitable for squash, racquetball or squash 57.

This family of standards, comprising the ISO 16321, ISO 18526, and ISO 18527 series, was developed in response to global stakeholders' requests for minimum requirements and test methods for internationally traded eye and face protection. The ISO 4007 standard provides terms and definitions for all various product types. Test methods are provided in the ISO 18526 series. Requirements for occupational eye and face protection are provided in the ISO 16321 series. Eye protection for specific sports is primarily addressed by the ISO 18527 series.

In short, this standard covers:

• Design and structure: Lens and frame structure, strap, cleaning and disinfection requirements.
• Physiological compatibility: material safety to prevent skin/allergy reactions.
• Optical performance: Lens properties, including surface quality and transmittance categories.
• Fit and hold: Using headforms to assess fit, securing via headbands or strap systems.
• Mandatory and optional testing requirements depending on the preservative category.

Goggles designed for surface swimming that meet the requirements of this standard are suitable only for surface use and shallow dives (e.g., from the pool edge) and are not suitable for use during diving from a high board. This document applies to goggles with non-prescription, nominally plano or afocal lenses, non-prescription, mass-produced corrective lenses, and prescription lenses.

In short, this standard specifies the requirements and test methods for eye and face protection for use in surface swimming (recreational or competitive) and shallow diving (e.g., poolside entry). This standard is not suitable for use from high boards or for deep diving.

This standard covers spectacles used with:

• Non-prescription plano or afocal lenses
• Corrective mass-produced lenses
• Prescription lenses

The general and optical requirements are determined as follows:

• Materials and construction: Lens/frame durability, waterproof adhesion, corrosion resistance, headband hold and stability, comfortable fit on standard head shapes.
• Optical performance: Light transmittance and uniformity, light scattering, refractive/prismatic power, field of view requirements, and special considerations for photochromic or polarized lenses.

The following mechanical and safety tests are defined in this standard:

• Impact and pressure test, as well as leakage resistance test and headband slip/break test
• Minimum optical aperture, temporary flange provisions and optional fog resistance upon request.

This standard is required for:

• Manufacturers and importers of swimming goggles in regions seeking ISO-compliant consumer safety compliance.
• Sporting goods retailers, swimming clubs and academies looking for standardised, tested goggles.
• Consumers and professional swimmers who want goggles certified to recognized performance and safety criteria.

Consequently, the ISO 18527 standard is essential as it provides clear, harmonised and evidence-based requirements for protective eyewear used in sports where eye injuries pose a significant risk.

Our organization, which has been operating for many years and meticulously follows global developments in science and technology, employs a team of experienced professionals and a broad infrastructure to conduct testing, measurement, and analysis in a wide range of areas for businesses across all sectors. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the EN ISO 18527 standard for eye and face protection for sports.