Sunglasses standard to be mandatory from 2019

The updated standard, which was published last year as a voluntary measure, includes a lateral coverage requirent for the darkest category of sunglasses, category four, which recognises that the pupil is more open with a darker tint so there is a greater need for protection. It also relaxes the power tolerances to 0.12 and requires that the upper limit for UV radiation is set at 400 nanometres.During the transition period, which will last until June 2019, people have the choice of either complying with the old legislation or adopting the new standard.The mandatory standard includes non-prescription sunglasses mounted in a spectacle frame, rimless sunshields and one-piece visors, clip-on and slip-on sunglasses, children’s sunglasses, fashion spectacles and light tint sunglasses.However, it doesn’t apply to prescription and ready-made spectacles or safety glasses and safety goggles intended to provide protection against optical radiation other than from the sun. Eyewear for protection against radiation in solaria, eye protectors for sport, and glasses for use as toys are also expt from the new legislation.More reading: Full mandatory standard.Image courtesy: Prostooleh | Freepik