---
title: Lens Specifications in the Catalog
description: How this catalog records light transmission, lens category, lens material and UV statements as cited maker claims rather than test results.
updated: 2026-09-25
---
# Lens Specifications in the Catalog

The catalog has four lens fields besides `polarized`. Each one holds only what a source states, with a citation. This site doesn't test lenses.

## The fields

| Field | What it holds | Example |
|---|---|---|
| `vlt_percent` | Visible light transmission, in % | 12 |
| `lens_category` | Filter category (0-4) | "3" |
| `lens_material` | Lens material name as the maker prints it | "Plutonite" |
| `uv_claim` | The maker's UV statement, quoted | "100% UV protection up to 400nm" |

## Light transmission

VLT is the share of visible light that passes through the lens. A lower number means a darker lens. The catalog stores it only when the maker states it. The Oakley Holbrook (Low Bridge Fit) with Prizm Sapphire Polarized lists 12% ([Oakley](https://www.oakley.com/en-us/product/W0OO9244?variant=888392358240)). The Latitude Collection with Prizm Grey lists 17% ([Oakley](https://www.oakley.com/en-us/product/W0OO9244LT?variant=888392609885)). Because VLT depends on the lens, the same frame can have different values.

## Lens category

The category is a filter class from 0 to 4. The catalog copies it as the maker states it. Several Oakley pages state category 3, for example the Frogskins with Prizm Black Polarized ([Oakley](https://www.oakley.com/en-us/product/W0OO9013?variant=888392406996)). When a page is silent or two readings disagree, the field stays empty.

## Lens material

Makers often use trademarked names, and the catalog keeps them as printed. Examples are Oakley's "Plutonite" on the Holbrook XL ([Oakley](https://www.oakley.com/en-us/product/W0OO9417?variant=888392336491)) and Maui Jim's "MauiPure" ([Maui Jim](https://www.mauijim.com/US/en_US/shop/sunglasses/rectangular/red-sands?variantCode=432-15)) and "SuperThin Glass" ([Maui Jim](https://www.mauijim.com/US/en_US/shop/sunglasses/classic/%E2%80%98%C5%8Dpio?variantCode=616-02)). The catalog doesn't translate these names into generic materials.

## UV statements

The `uv_claim` field quotes the maker's wording exactly, because the wording varies. Oakley pages in the catalog use both "100% UV protection up to 400nm" ([Oakley](https://www.oakley.com/en-us/product/W0OO9102?variant=888392335920)) and "filtering 100% of all UVA, UVB up to 400nm" ([Oakley](https://www.oakley.com/en-us/product/W0OO9374?variant=888392326843)). No UV claim was found on the Maui Jim variant pages in the catalog, so `uv_claim` is null for them. A null value means the claim wasn't found. It does not mean the lens lacks UV filtering.

## Claims, not tests

Each value is a claim by the maker or a retailer, recorded with its source and status. This site hasn't measured any of them, and they aren't health or safety advice. For eye-protection questions, rely on the maker's own documentation or a qualified professional.

## Related

- [/guides/polarized-lenses-in-the-data](/guides/polarized-lenses-in-the-data)
- [/guides/data-scope-and-sources](/guides/data-scope-and-sources)
- [/docs/data-dictionary.md](/docs/data-dictionary.md)
- [/docs/sources-and-methodology.md](/docs/sources-and-methodology.md)
- [/docs/compare_sunglasses.md](/docs/compare_sunglasses.md)