The right sunglasses can work to prevent cataracts, vision
loss, skin cancer and other conditions caused by exposure to sunlight, but many
products marketed as sunglasses do little to protect against these hazards. Some
products even cause harm due to sharp edges and lens compositions that make it difficult
for users to distinguish color differences between traffic lights.
To provide manufacturers and the PPE industry with the
guidelines needed to best protect consumers from sun-related vision problems,
ISO has introduced two new standards addressing sunglasses.
The first standard, ISO 12312-1:2013, Eye and Face Protection – Sunglasses and Related Eyewear – Part 1:
Sunglasses for General Use, provides requirements manufacturers must comply
with, including stating the different levels of UV protections and ensuring
that products do not cause injury or vision impairments.
The second, ISO 12311:2013, Personal Protective Equipment – Test Methods for Sunglasses, will provide
instructions and specifications for testing products to ensure reliability.
Find more information here.