ISO 8980-5:2005

Overview

ISO 8980-5:2005 - Ophthalmic optics - Uncut finished spectacle lenses - Part 5 specifies minimum requirements and a test method for spectacle lens surfaces claimed to be abrasion-resistant. The standard covers both uncoated and coated lens surfaces and requires that abrasion-resistance claims apply to both front and back surfaces. It defines a repeatable laboratory abrasion test and acceptance criteria for a basic level of abrasion resistance; it does not attempt to characterize performance beyond those minimum criteria.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Applies to uncut finished spectacle lenses and lens surfaces claimed to be abrasion-resistant. Test results are applicable to lenses with identical properties except lens power or surface radius.
• Test specimen limits: Lens optical power between −3.00 D and +3.00 D; surface radius of curvature ≥ 75 mm.
• Acceptance criterion: Under the prescribed test conditions the tested surface shall be free of visible abrasion. For type testing, 10 consecutive surfaces must pass.
• Abrasion test method:
  • Abrasion tool applies (5 ± 1) N normal force using an eraser wrapped in cheesecloth.
  • Test consists of 25 cycles (one cycle = forward stroke + return stroke) at 1 ± 0.1 cycles/s.
  • Stroke length (30 ± 5) mm; abrasion track centre within ± 2 mm of geometric centre.
  • Tool must follow curvature within ± 5° of surface normal.
• Eraser and cloth specifications:
  • Eraser contains ≥ 15% pumice, fine-ground abrasive (100% <45 µm), and IRHD hardness 75 ± 5.
  • Cheesecloth: unbleached, specified warp/weft yarn counts (total 76–84 yarns per 25 mm²) folded to 12 layers.
• Environment & inspection:
  • Test site conditions (23 ± 5) °C, 50 ± 20% RH; fluorescent inspection lighting ≥ 400 lm, ambient ≈ 200 lx.
  • Cleanliness verification uses 10 uncoated ADC lenses as described in Annex B.
• Mechanization: Manual or mechanized test allowed; mechanization improves repeatability (Annex C).

Applications and users

ISO 8980-5 is practical for:

• Spectacle lens manufacturers and coating suppliers to verify abrasion-resistance claims.
• Quality control and compliance testing labs performing batch or type testing.
• Product development and R&D teams comparing formulations or coatings.
• Regulatory bodies and purchasers specifying minimum durability for lenses.
• Opticians and eyewear brands that need to substantiate marketing claims about abrasion resistance.

Using this standard helps ensure repeatable, defensible testing and supports accurate product labeling and quality assurance for abrasion-resistant spectacle lens surfaces.

Related standards

• ISO 8980 (series) - Uncut finished spectacle lenses (Parts 1–4)
• ISO 8980-4 - Specifications and test methods for anti-reflective coatings
• ISO 13666 - Ophthalmic optics vocabulary

Keywords: ISO 8980-5, abrasion-resistant spectacle lenses, ophthalmic optics, spectacle lens surfaces, abrasion test method, eraser and cheesecloth, lens surface testing.