ASTM F659-10(2018)

Standard Specification for Ski and Snowboard Goggles

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the material, design, optical, and strength requirements, and associated test procedures for goggles and faceshields used by alpine skiers, to provide a reasonable degree of protection against foreign objects that strike or lodge the eye or surrounding soft tissue causing eye irritation or damage, as well as to minimize fogging and vision restrictions that distract or handicap the skier, thereby causing accidents. Contact lenses, sunglasses, and corrective dress eye wear are not included within the scope of this specification. When tested by the methods provided herein, these eye protective devices shall adhere to specified optical requirements in terms of field of view (temporal, nasal, superior, and inferior fields), luminous transmittance, refractive tolerances, astigmatism, refractive power imbalance, prismatic deviation and imbalance (vertical and horizontal imbalances), optical defects, and physical lens defects. The protective eyewear shall also meet light-transmitting ability requirements such as clearness, ultraviolet and infrared filtration, and resistance to fogging. Furthermore, lens strength shall be examined as well by means of basic impact resistance and higher impact resistance tests.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the minimal requirements of ski and snowboard goggles (intended for nonmotorized use) to provide a reasonable degree of protection against snow and moisture striking or lodging in the eye or surrounding soft tissue.  
1.2 The scope of this specification shall include requirements for materials, optical properties, lens strength and retention, labeling, identification, and testing procedures.  
1.2.1 Contact lenses, sunglasses, and corrective dress eye wear are not included within the scope of this specification. (Warning—Impact resistant prescription spectacles that conform to the standard specifications of ANSI Z87.1 should be used if spectacles are to be worn under goggle-type eyewear as covered by this specification.)  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. Metric units of measurement in this specification are in accordance with the International System of Units (SI). If a value for measurement as given in this specification is followed by an equivalent value in other units, the first stated is to be regarded as the requirement. A given equivalent value may be approximate.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Nov-2018
• ICS: 13.340.20 - Head protective equipment
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.57 - Eye Safety for Sports

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F659-10 - Standard Specification for Ski and Snowboard Goggles
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1003-11 - Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1003-11e1 - Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1003-07 - Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1003-00 - Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2000

Overview

ASTM F659-10(2018): Standard Specification for Ski and Snowboard Goggles, published by ASTM International, outlines essential safety and performance requirements for goggles used in nonmotorized snow sports such as alpine skiing and snowboarding. This standard ensures a minimum level of protection against snow, moisture, and foreign objects potentially impacting the eyes or surrounding tissue, and also addresses optical quality and fogging resistance. By adhering to these specifications, manufacturers and users promote greater safety and optimized visibility in snow sport environments.

Key Topics

• Material and Design Requirements: Specifies that all components in contact with the wearer must not cause skin irritation or physical changes under exposure to perspiration, oils, or environmental conditions. Goggles must lack sharp edges and maintain durability in sun, cold, or moisture.
• Optical Performance: Mandates strict criteria for field of view, refractive tolerances, astigmatism, prismatic imbalance, haze, and transmittance, ensuring undistorted, clear vision and minimal restriction.
• Impact and Mechanical Strength: Sets impact resistance benchmarks for both the frame and lens, with testing procedures to prevent lens dislodgement or fractures that could compromise eye safety.
• Fogging Resistance: Establishes test methods for antifog coatings and ventilation effectiveness, verifying that goggles marked as "fogging-resistant" meet minimum requirements for safe, unobstructed vision.
• Labeling and Identification: Requires that each product includes clear manufacturer identification, sizing, care instructions, and warning labels specific to cleaning, antifog treatments, and lens replacement.

Applications

• Protection from Environmental Hazards: Goggles manufactured under ASTM F659-10(2018) provide physical defense against snow, ice, wind, and debris, reducing the risk of eye injury and irritation.
• Sports Performance: By assuring a wide, clear field of view and resistance to fogging, the standard enhances athletes’ visual performance and concentration during skiing and snowboarding activities.
• Product Quality Assurance: Adoption and compliance with the standard support consistent production quality, boost consumer confidence, and align with international safety expectations for sports eyewear.
• Retail and Brand Compliance: Retailers and manufacturers benefit from clear product marking and robust testing guidelines, ensuring that only eyewear meeting the standard’s requirements reaches consumers.

Related Standards

• ANSI Z80.3 Ophthalmics – Nonprescription Sunglasses and Fashion Eyewear: Provides additional guidance on luminous transmittance and UV protection.
• ANSI Z87.1 Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection Devices: Offers important references for impact-resistant prescription spectacles.
• ASTM D1003 Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics: Used in evaluating lens clarity and haze for ski and snowboard goggles.
• EN 168 Personal Eye Protection – Non-optical Test Methods: Presents test forms and procedures referenced in assessing mechanical performance and durability.

For manufacturers, retailers, and athletes seeking reliable, protective, and high-performance snow sport goggles, compliance with ASTM F659-10(2018) serves as a mark of quality, safety, and professional assurance. Utilizing products certified to this standard helps reduce injury risk and improves user experience for winter sport enthusiasts.

Keywords: ASTM F659, ski goggles standard, snowboard goggles requirements, snow sport eyewear safety, optical performance, impact resistance, antifog goggles, eye protection standards, ASTM International

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F659 −10 (Reapproved 2018) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Ski and Snowboard Goggles
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF659;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoptionor,inthecaseofrevision,theyearoflastrevision.Anumberinparenthesesindicatestheyearoflastreapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification covers the minimal requirements of
D1003Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance
ski and snowboard goggles (intended for nonmotorized use) to
of Transparent Plastics
provide a reasonable degree of protection against snow and
2.2 ANSI Standards:
moisture striking or lodging in the eye or surrounding soft
ANSI Z80.3Opthalmics—Nonprescription Sunglasses and
tissue.
Fashion Eyewear
1.2 The scope of this specification shall include require-
ANSI Z87.1Occupational and Educational Eye and Face
ments for materials, optical properties, lens strength and
Protection Devices
retention, labeling, identification, and testing procedures.
2.3 CEN Standard:
EN 168Personal eye protection—Non-optical test methods
1.2.1 Contact lenses, sunglasses, and corrective dress eye
wear are not included within the scope of this specification.
3. Terminology
(Warning—Impact resistant prescription spectacles that con-
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
form to the standard specifications of ANSI Z87.1 should be
3.1.1 astigmatism, n—condition in a lens that creates two
usedifspectaclesaretobewornundergoggle-typeeyewearas
axially separated line foci of each object point, the lines being
covered by this specification.)
mutually perpendicular; in other words, the lens has two
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
different refractive powers in meridians that are 90° apart.
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
3.1.2 base-down,adj—referstothetypeofprismthatcauses
only. Metric units of measurement in this specification are in
a horizontal beam of light to bend down causing objects to
accordance with the International System of Units (SI). If a
appear higher than their true position.
valueformeasurementasgiveninthisspecificationisfollowed
3.1.3 base-in, adj—refers to the type of prism imbalance
by an equivalent value in other units, the first stated is to be
that tends to cause parallel rays of light passing through a
regarded as the requirement.Agiven equivalent value may be
protector, spaced apart by the interpupillary distance, to con-
approximate.
verge.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.4 base-out, adj—refers to the type of prism imbalance
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
that tends to cause parallel rays of light passing through a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
protector, spaced apart by the interpupillary distance, to di-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
verge.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.5 base-up, adj—refers to the type of prism that causes a
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
horizontal beam of light to bend upward causing objects to
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
appear lower than their true position.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.6 binocular, adj—relating to the field of view that is
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
shared by both eyes simultaneously; also, any simultaneous
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
activity of the two eyes.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F08 on Sports Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of the ASTM website.
Subcommittee F08.57 on Eye Safety for Sports. Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2018. Published December 2018. Originally 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as F659–10. DOI: Available from European Committee for Standardization (CEN), 36 rue de
10.1520/F0659-10R18. Stassart, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium, http://www.cenorm.be.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F659 − 10 (2018)
3.1.7 central viewing zone, n—that part of the eye of a 3.1.22 spherical power, n—average of the maximum merid-
protector that has its center in line with the wearer’s normal ian astigmatic power and the minimum meridional astigmatic
line of sight. power of a lens.
3.1.7.1 Discussion—The zone is circular and 40 mm in
3.1.23 test head form, n—for the purpose of this
diameter. The center of the central viewing zone shall be the
specification, the reference head forms shall conform to EN
point of intersection of the line of sight with the lens as
168 (current revision).
mounted on the head form.
3.1.23.1 Discussion—The two sizes of head forms are
medium,whichapproximatesa50thpercentileadultmale,and
3.1.8 coverage, n—characteristic of a protective device that
small, which approximates a 60th percentile twelve-year-old
obstructs straight line paths that are coincident with the
child, and both should be of the polyurethane-covered version.
wearer’s eyes.
3.1.24 vertical imbalance, n—difference in prismatic devia-
3.1.9 cleanable, adj—ability of a protective device to be
tion between parallel light beams incident on the two eyes of a
made readily free of dirt or grime without being damaged with
protective device in the vertical meridian.
a cleaning process, such as the use of soap and water.
3.1.10 eye, n—relating to the eye of a test head form or the
4. General Requirements
eye of a person wearing a protector.
4.1 Materials and Design:
3.1.11 eye of the head form, n—all structures contained
4.1.1 Materials coming into contact with the wearer’s face
within the orbital rim of the head form.
shall not be of a type known to cause skin irritation.
3.1.12 fracture, n—separation, as a result of impact, of a 4.1.2 Materials coming into contact with the wearer’s face
shall not undergo significant change of hardness, loss of
lens or frame into two or more separate pieces.
strength or flexibility, or other physical change as a result of
3.1.13 haze, n—fraction of the total transmitted light from a
perspiration, oil from the wearer’s skin and hair, or sunscreen
normally incident beam that is not transmitted in a focused
lotion.
condition but scattered by inclusions or surface defects.
4.1.3 Gogglesshallbefreeofsharpedgesorprojectionsthat
3.1.13.1 Discussion—Excessive haze will reduce contrast
could cause harm or discomfort to the wearer.
and visibility.
4.1.4 Facial contact surfaces shall be of sufficient softness
3.1.14 horizontal imbalance, n—difference in prismatic de-
and flexibility to minimize body surface injury in case of hard
viation of incident parallel light beams on the two eyes of a
impacts.
protective device in the horizontal meridian (see base-in and
4.1.5 Headbands shall be capable of holding the goggle
base-out).
securely under normal operating conditions and be capable of
ease adjustment.
3.1.15 impact resistance, n—ability of a device to afford
4.1.6 Materials shall be of durable quality and shall not
protection from impact as required by this specification.
undergo appreciable alterations under the influence of aging
3.1.16 lens, n—transparent part or parts of a protective
and environmental conditions as occur in the intended field of
device through which the wearer normally sees.
use (sun, moisture, or cold).
3.1.17 normal lines of sight, n—straight ahead horizontal
4.1.7 Goggles shall be capable of being cleaned to the
lines that intersect the center of the eyes of the appropriate
degree that, when cleaned in accordance with the method
head-form.
described in 9.1, they shall remain compliant with the require-
ments of this specification.
3.1.18 power imbalance, n—relates to the condition in
4.1.8 Thegoggleshallbeconstructedinsuchamannerasto
which the refractive power of the lens or lenses of a protector
prevent components of the protector from contact with the eye
is different as presented to the two eyes.
of the head form, detachment, or dislodgment when tested in
3.1.19 prism, prismatic effect, n—prism bends a beam of
accordance with Section 8 of this specification.
lightasaresultofthelackofparallelismofthetwosurfacesof
4.1.9 Finishesandcoatingsasusedontheprotectorshallnot
a lens through which the beam of light traverses and the
delaminatefromthebasesurfaceoftheprotectorsuchthatthey
amount of bending is a function of the curvatures, thickness,
dislodge,detach,ordelaminatewhentestedinaccordancewith
and index of refraction of the material and the angle of
Section 8 of this specification.
approach of the line of sight to the optical surface.
3.1.19.1 Discussion—In this specification, the word prism
5. Performance Requirements
refers to the amount of bending that is imposed upon the line
5.1 Optical Requirements:
ofsightofawearerofaneyeprotectorforthestandardviewing
5.1.1 Refractive Tolerances—When tested in accordance
position. Prism is expressed in diopters. The deviation of the
with 7.7, the refractive power in any meridian shall not exceed
line of sight by 1 cm/m is 1 prism diopter.
0.12 diopters.
3.1.20 protective device (or protector), n—device that pro-
5.1.2 Astigmatic Power—When tested in accordance with
videsprotectiontothewearer’seyeagainstsnowandmoisture
7.7, the astigmatic power (absolute power difference in ex-
encountered in non-motorized snow sports.
treme meridians) shall not exceed 0.12 diopters.
3.1.21 refractive power, n—focusing effect of a lens ex- 5.1.3 Prismatic Power—When tested in accordance with
pressed in diopters. 7.6, prismatic power shall not exceed 0.50 prism diopters.
F659 − 10 (2018)
5.1.4 Prismatic Imbalance—When tested in accord with 5.2.4.2 When tested in accordance with 8.1, a single lens
7.6, prismatic imbalance shall not exceed 0.25 ∆ base-in or goggle that allows the frame or lens to fracture shall constitute
vertical and 0.75 ∆ base-out. a failure.
5.1.5 Ultraviolet Transmittance—Ultraviolet A (UVA) and 5.2.4.3 Whentestedinaccordancewith8.1,athermal(dual)
lens goggle that allows the missile to penetrate or fracture the
ultraviolet B (UVB) transmittance of lenses shall comply with
ANSI Z80.3 for both clear and tinted protectors when mea- inner lens shall constitute a failure.
sured at any point within the central viewing zone. 5.2.4.4 When tested in accordance with 8.1, any displace-
5.1.6 Haze—Whentestedinaccordancewith7.5,totalangle ment or dislodgment of any lens by more than 25% in single
or thermal (dual) lens goggles from its original position within
forward scattered light (haze) shall not exceed 3%.
the frame constitutes a failure.
5.1.7 Optical Quality—When tested in accordance with
7.2.2, striae warpage, surface ripples, lenticulations, or abrupt
5.3 UV Stability—Goggle lenses shall be conditioned in
opticalchangesthatarediscernibleunderthetestconditionsof
accordance with 8.3. Luminous transmittance of conditioned
7.2 shall constitute a failure.
lensesshallnotvarybymorethan20%oftheiroriginalvalue.
5.1.8 Surface and Internal Defects—Pits, scratches,
In addition, the product shall meet the requirements of 5.1.7
bubbles, grayness, specks, cracks, and watermarks that are
after conditioning.
discernible under the test conditions of 7.2 shall constitute a
5.4 Water and Snow Protection—The goggle shall be de-
failure.
signed to limit snow or water from entering the goggle and
5.1.9 Resistance to Fogging—Agoggle that is described as
contacting the eyes. When tested in accordance with 8.2 the
beingresistanttofoggingshallpassthetestspecifiedinAnnex
goggleshallnotallowliquidtoenterandcontacttheeyeofthe
A1.
head form.
NOTE 1—To claim or describe a goggle as being resistant to fogging is
optional.
6. Specimen Preparation
5.1.10 Field of View—As tested in accordance with 8.4.
6.1 Only new and complete eye protectors as offered for
5.1.10.1 Temporal Field—50°.
sale shall be tested.
5.1.10.2 Nasal Field—30°.
6.2 Protectors shall be preconditioned at 23 6 2°C (73 6
5.1.10.3 Superior—30°.
3.5ºF) and 50 6 5% relative humidity for a minimum period
5.1.10.4 Inferior—30°.
of 24h before the commencement of any test or further
5.2 Mechanical Requirements:
temperature preconditioning.
5.2.1 All interchangeable lenses recommended by the
7. Test Methods
manufacturer shall pass the mechanical strength requirements
as specified in this specification when tested in the specified
7.1 Samples Quantity—Unless otherwise stated, a sample
protector.
quantity of three devices shall be tested for each requirement
5.2.2 Allgogglesthatpermitinterchangeablelensesshallbe
and corresponding test method as defined in this section.
tested with plano interchangeable lenses, made of the same
7.2 Optical Quality, Surface, and Internal Defects—Ahigh-
material, with the same coatings, of the specified minimum
contrast illuminated grid pattern of dark and white lines shall
thickness, and with the same edge configuration as the inter-
be viewed through the lens, scanning it area by area and
changeable lenses recommended by the manufacturer.
moving it about. The grid pattern should be at least 46 by 46
5.2.3 Mechanical Strength:
cm (18 by 18 in.) and constructed of high-contrast black lines
5.2.3.1 When tested in accordance with 8.1, any displaced
on a white background (the white separations being equal to
fragments,separateddelaminations,orcompletefractureofthe
theblacklines,bothbeingapproximately0.6cm( ⁄4in.)wide).
frame or lenses constitute a failure.
The target should be at least 1.8 to 2.4 m (6 to 8 ft) from the
5.2.3.2 When tested in accordance with 8.1, any displace-
observer, and the lens should be held at least 46 to 61 cm (18
ment or dislodgment of the lens from its original position
to24in.)fromtheeye.Duallensgogglesshallbemeasuredas
within the frame constitutes failure.
complete devices assessing the combined effect of both lenses.
5.2.3.3 Whentestedinaccordancewith8.1,nocontactwith
7.2.1 Any pits, scratches, bubbles, grayness, specks, cracks,
the eye of the head form shall be permitted either by the lens
and watermarks that are discernable that would impair the
of the protector or the projectile itself.
function of the lens shall be cause for failure.
5.2.3.4 Aprotector that is dislodged from the test headform
7.2.2 Ripplesinthelensdetectedbythistestmethodshould
whentestedinaccordancewith8.1shallnotconstituteafailure
befurtherexamined.Localizedpowererrorsoraberrationsthat
provided all of the above mechanical requirements are met.
are detected are permissible if no measurable or gross focime-
5.2.4 Lens Strength and Retention:
ter or telescope target distortion or blur is found when the
5.2.4.1 When tested in accordance with 8.1, a single lens
localized area is examined in accord with 7.2.2.1.
goggle that allows the missile to rupture the lens shall
7.2.2.1 The referee method of detecting optical defects and
constitute a failure.
local aberrations or to evaluate further aberrations or both
detected in 7.2 is to scan the central viewing zone, especially
any areas of suspicion arising from the visual test of 7.2. The
Zinc oxide ointment has been shown to facilitate this purpose well. lens or shield should be scanned with a precision focimeter or
F659 − 10 (2018)
an 8 to 10× telescope using the targets and arrangements
described in 7.7. The aperture should be 5 to 7 mm for this
examination.Areas outside the central viewing zone or within
6mmoftheedgeneednotbetested.Whenthecentralviewing
area is scanned, there shall be no sudden jump, doubling, or
blurring of the image greater than 0.08 diopter change in
power. Gradual variations in the central viewing zone shall be
within the power imbalance tolerances. An optical focimeter
with electronic readout repeatable to 0.02 diopters is a satis-
factory alternate method. These scanning procedures may be
madebyscanningacrossthelenssurfacenotnecessarilyinthe
“as-worn” mode. Dual lens goggles requiring such assessment
shall, if possible, be disassembled such that each lens can be
assessed individually.
7.3 Luminous Transmittance—Luminous transmittance is a
function of the spectral transmittance of the lens weighted by
the corresponding ordinates of the photopic luminous effi-
ciency distribution of the International commission on Illumi-
nation (CIE) (1931) standard colorimetric observer and the
spectral intensity of standard Illumination C (seeANSI Z80.3,
Paragraph 3.9.1).
7.4 Ultraviolet Transmittance—UVA and UAB transmit-
FIG. 1 Test Pattern: “Sunburst”
tance as corresponding to their measured luminous category
(see Table4 of ANSI Z80.3). Dual lens goggles shall be
measured as complete devices measuring the combined trans-
mittance of both lenses. and vertical distances in centimetres between the centers of Pl
and Pr shall be measured. The horizontal and vertical prism
7.5 Haze—Measuretheprotectorforpercenthazewithinthe
imbalance of the protector in prism diopters (∆) shall be
central viewing zones in accordance with Test Method D1003
calculatedasthehorizontalandverticaldistances,respectively.
with the protector positioned so that the passing beam of light
Thebaseofthehorizontalprismimbalanceshallbedetermined
isasperpendiculartothetestingsurfaceasispracticable.Dual
byanalysisoftherightandleftocularimagesasviewedonthe
lens goggles shall be measured as complete devices measuring
image plane. Diverging images (rays) are base out; converging
the combined haze of both lenses.
images (rays) are base in.
...