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We’re often asked what the difference is between a lens class and a lens category and it is easy to confuse the two. The following should help clarify the difference:

LENS CLASS
The Class of the lens refers to the refractive properties of the lens – these must be exceeded to meet the required optical level. Another way of looking at it is the level of distortion of the lens. There are also different optical distortions that give rise to various distortion effects. There are spherical, prismatic, cylindrical and astigmatic distortions. Lenses can be sub-divided into three classes.

Optical Class 1 is the best visual experience with minimal, if any distortion.
Optical Class 2 provides an ‘average’ visual experience with some level of distortion

Both Classes are perfectly good for every-day wear and necessary to meet CE/UKCA standards.

Optical Class 3 is rarely seen and provides a low-quality visual experience. A cheap, poor-quality sunglass sold by a street market vendor might be an example.

LENS CATEGORY
The lens 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, and conversely the lower the VLT the darker the lens tint will be, blocking more light coming through to the eye. The majority of sunglass/eyewear lenses fall within one of five lens categories:

Category 0: 80-100% VLT
Category 1: 43-80% VLT
Category 2: 18-43% VLT
Category 3: 8-18% VLT
Category 4: 3-8% VLT

The lens category VLT can cover quite a wide spectrum such as Category 1 which is 43-80%. Some lens colours are right on the “border” e.g. a yellow lens can have 78% VLT which is on the border between Category 0 and Category 1. The following is a general guide to the categories that apply to different lens colours:

Category 0 – Clear, Light Yellow, Yellow, Pale Orange
Category 1 – Orange, Rose & Vermilion
Category 2 – Purple, Red, Amber & Light brown
Category 3 – ‘Standard’ Grey & Brown
Category 4 – Dark Grey & Dark Brown

We have just launched 3 terrific looking new unisex polarised models, all made with super strong TR90 frames. Ultra-lightweight, they also have spring hinges to the temples making them ideal for all-day wear. The distortion-free lenses feature a subtle graduation, are UV400 rated and 100% polarised to block glare. They are supplied with a cleaning cloth, soft carry pouch and hard case – all for just £19.95 each!

The 3 new models are:

Torino – Dark Brown frame with Brown polarised lenses

Genoa – Matte Black frame with Grey polarised lenses

Rivoli (2 colour options) – Matte Black frame with Grey polarised lenses & Dark Brown frame with Brown polarised lenses

See them on our Polarised Sunglasses page.

If you’re confused about what different sunglass lens categories mean here is a simple guide: 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, and conversely the lower the VLT the darker the  lens tint will be, blocking more light coming through to the eye. The majority of sunglass/eyewear lenses fall within one of five lens categories:

Category 0: 80-100% VLT

Category 1: 43-80% VLT

Category 2: 18-43% VLT

Category 3: 8-18% VLT

Category 4: 3-8% VLT

The lens category VLT can cover quite a wide spectrum such as Category 1 which is 43-80%. Some lens colours are right on the “border” e.g. a yellow lens can have 78% VLT which is on the border between Category 0 and Category 1. The following is a general guide to the categories that apply to different lens colours:

Category 0 – Clear, Light Yellow, Yellow, Pale Orange

Category 1 – Orange, Rose & Vermilion

Category 2 – Purple, Red, Amber & Light brown

Category 3 – ‘Standard’ Grey & Brown

Category 4 – Dark Grey & Dark Brown

All Evolution grey and brown lens models are Category 3 sunglasses and suitable for use in strong sun conditions. Shop Evolution leisure sunglasses.

Lens materials

We like to keep things simple and for lenses we only use two different materials.

For almost all our sports styles including shooting and cycling models we use polycarbonate. This is the ideal lens material for sports eyewear. It has up to 10 times more impact resistance than regular plastic lenses. We use a minimum thickness of 2mm which means the lenses will withstand the impact test requirement of EN166F. Historically the image transferred to your eyes with polycarbonate was poorer quality than plastic but with the advent of Class 1 Optical Grade polycarbonate the difference is now much less significant. All our polycarbonate lenses are Class 1 optical quality. Additionally, polycarbonate naturally blocks most UV light and do not need the application of a UV coating although we always apply a UV filter coating to all our lenses to ensure our eyewear can be UV400 rated.

The other lens material we use is TAC (Triacetate) for our polarised models. In common with Evolution it’s used on virtually all lower priced polarised sunglasses. This multi-layer material has the polarised film applied to the front of the lens. Even though it’s multi-layer, a TAC lens is thin, usually no more than 1.2mm providing little impact protection and they can shatter, so Evolution polarised sunglasses should not be used if impact protection is important.

Frame materials

Historically, we used polycarbonate to make our frames (a different grade of polycarbonate to that used for lenses). About 2 years ago we switched over to TR90 and all current production now uses TR90. TR90 Grilamid is a type of nylon and the one of best materials available to make eyewear frames. It’s super strong, flexible and lightweight for all-day wear. It’s more resistant to extreme temperatures and has high chemical resistance. As the material is pliable, TR90 frames are far less likely to break or bend from impact. TR90 is more expensive to use and so not not normally found on less expensive eyewear. Another good reason to buy Evolution!

Our high quality Evolution cap, made by cap specialists Beechfield, is black with a grey trim and features an embroidered Evolution colour logo. Made with 100% cotton in a contrast panel design with red piping. It has stitched ventilation eyelets, a pre-curved peak and is universal sizing/fitting with a quick Rip-Strip™ size adjuster. The normal price is £6.95 but it’s yours FREE when you spend at least £20 on anything on the website – just use voucher code ECAP to claim at checkout. Offer ends 31.10.21.

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is the new UK product marking used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking. The requirement for UKCA marking came into effect on 1 January 2021 but to allow businesses time to adjust to the new requirements, products made after this date can still use CE marking alone until 1 January 2023.

UKCA marking applies to most goods previously subject to the CE marking. The technical requirements products must meet are largely the same as they were for the CE marking.

The vast majority of manufacturers (including ourselves) will use self-declaration for conformity to UKCA just as we have for CE marking: providing of course that the product has been made to the relevant standard (in the case of sunglasses and most eyewear that’s BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013). The new requirement does not apply to existing stock; if it was manufactured and CE marked before 1 January 2021 it can still be sold in Great Britain with a CE mark, even after the 1 January 2023.

The UKCA marking is not recognised on the EU market. For that reason, unless a product is only going to be sold in GB, you will likely see both CE and UKCA marks applied to products including sunglasses and eyewear. From January this year we started to apply the UKCA mark on all Evolution sunglasses and eyewear and, as we also export to many EU countries, we will also apply CE marking too.

We’re often asked about small fit sunglasses to suit teenagers and the many adults (men & women) with smaller faces. To meet this demand we’ve just added the new Spin model. It features a matte black frame and grey (category 3) lenses with blue flash mirror finish. Spin has classic, timeless styling and Class 1 optical quality lenses. The frame is made from super strong TR90 that’s lightweight for all-day wear. The polycarbonate lenses are impact resistant, shatterproof and UV400 Rated. Supplied with a soft carry pouch it’s just £14.95. View Spin (Small Fit).

We have some fantastic offers in our Clearance section: most are under half their original price. Every one is brand new and has never been on display anywhere (not ‘returned stock’) so exceptional value. They are in Clearance because they’re older models and it’s the last of our stock. However, as with all Evolution models they all have high quality frames and distortion-free lenses that are UV400 rated. Each one is supplied with a soft carry pouch and our two year “no quibble” guarantee still applies. Prices start at just £3.95! Check them out here.

Lots of reports in the UK media about people, including children, getting sunburned – underestimating the power of summer and especially midday sun, when the risk of risk of sun burn is ever present. It really is essential to have sunscreen on and wear sunglasses when you’re out and about.

One in five people will get skin cancer in their life time and that includes cancer of the eyelids. It is estimated that 90% of the new cases of skin cancer each year are preventable if people just took sensible safety measures. According to the charity Cancer Research UK, apart from the immediate pain, a sun burn can double your risk of skin cancer. Those with lighter skins and children are more at risk.

So, here are our top tips to avoid highly damaging UVR:

– Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days. Sunscreen protects the skin from burning – select a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 and 50 for children and those with lighter skins.

– Always use UV400 rated sunglasses, not just to protect you from damage to your eyes; the eyelid skin is very thin and this puts it at high risk of UV damage. All Evolution sunglasses & eyewear are UV400 rated.

Due to the pandemic we last did an exhibition in September 2019. This year only one of the usual events we do is taking place but as it happens it’s the biggest and best! We’re delighted that the 2021 Game Fair is going ahead. If you’ve not been to one before it’s a fantastic celebration of the countryside and a ‘must attend’ event for everyone that loves fields sports. It’s taking place at the wonderful Ragley Hall near Alcester, B49 5NJ (and close to Stratford Upon Avon) over the weekend of Friday 23 – Sunday 25 July (3 days). 120,000 visitors are expected and around 850 exhibitors will be there; including us! Look for the stand of our sister company, Sunglasses For Sport (stand no. K728) near to The Gunmakers’ Pub. We’ll have a full range of Evolution shooting eyewear on the stand, along with a large selection of Evolution polarised sunglasses – all at special show prices!

Hot on the heels of our new Pace model comes two more brand new models.

Evolution Latitude is unisex sports style polarised sunglass available in Black or Tortoise. The full wrap fit keeps out wind and glare and the frame is made from lightweight but super strong grimalid TR90. It has non slip nose pads and slim profile temples. The glare blocking lenses are UV400 rated.

Evolution Lugano is a fab looking leisure style sunglass with round frame & keyhole bridge detail. The dark tortoise TR90 frame is lightweight but super strong. It has brown polarised lenses that are UV400 rated.

Both models come with a cleaning cloth, soft pouch and hard case for just £19.95 – terrific value.

Just launched – the brand new Pace, with features you would expect on cycling sunglasses costing at least twice the price. Available with either a black or white frame, both having a Smoke lens with Blue mirror finish. The frame is made from lightweight but super strong TR90 and features non-slip, adjustable nose pads. The Class 1 optical quality lenses have Hydrophobic (water) & Oleophobic (oil) lens coatings that repel water, dust, oil, fingerprints smudges and dirt. Additionally, the lens has an anti-scratch coating. The 10 base curve frame provides a complete wrap to keep out wind & glare whilst the slim profile, straight temples are ideal for wearing with a cap or helmet. The impact resistant, shatterproof polycarbonate lenses are also UV400 rated. Supplied with cleaning cloth, soft carry pouch & hard case all for just £19.95 including free delivery within the UK.

Shop Evolution Pace (Black) or Evolution Pace (White)

We have just reduced the price of our Evolution Flight 4 (4 Lens Interchangeable Set). It can be used for a variety of sports including shooting & cycling. The Class 1 optical quality lenses are made from shatterproof, impact resistant polycarbonate. The full wrap fit keeps out wind & glare. The 4 interchangeable lenses are Grey (optional blue mirror), Yellow, Rose & Orange. All 4 are are UV400 rated. The normal retail is £39.95 but it’s on offer now at just £24.95: £15 off! And it gets better! If you use voucher code CORD at check out we’ll include our Evolution adjustable frame cord worth £1.45 completely free! See Flight 4 Lens Set.

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new safety eyewear range. Manufactured especially for us, there are two models:

• Evolution Guard safety spectacle
• Evolution Cover, a dual purpose safety spectacle / over glass (will fit over prescription glasses)

They are available in 3 colours: Grey, Yellow & Clear. Both models comply with BS EN166:2001, ANSI Z87.1, EN170:2002 & EN172:1994. They have been independently tested & certified by SATRA Technology Europe Ltd (European Notified Body number: 2777). All lenses are Class 1 optical quality and UV400 rated. Amongst the many other features is an anti-fog coating to both sides of the lenses. This is ‘high spec’ safety eyewear but at very competitive prices. See them on our Safety Eyewear page.

We’ve just introduced this Strike model with category 4 lenses. In total we now have 5 sunglasses with these dark lenses. Category 4 lenses let in less than 8% of light – in the case of the new Strike model it’s 4.4% so the lens blocks just over 95% of visible light reaching the eye.

Category 4 lenses are ideally suited to mountain climbing and high altitude skiing and hiking where intense sun glare can be experienced. They can also be used for desert trekking – again where there is intense sun. Such lenses will also help anyone that suffers from sensitivity to light especially strong sun – a fairly common condition known as photophobia.

One important factor to bear in mind with category 4 lenses is that they should not be used for driving as they are too dark and potentially dangerous for driving. That’s why the frame or lens should be clearly marked that the model is category 4.

See this new model and our other Category 4 & Ski Eyewear