Sunglasses frame impact in eyes protection

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of sunglasses frames in enhancing eye safety against ultraviolet backscatter light. Current standards for sunglasses primarily focus on establishing safe limits for lens transmittance within the 280 nm to 380 nm range. However, it is crucial to recognize the role of frames in safeguarding the eyes from ultraviolet exposure. In pursuit of this objective, a prototype has been developed to simulate backscattered light environments and measure the frame's contribution to blocking the light that reaches the eye while wearing sunglasses. The prototype consists of an LED-illuminated sphere, a mannequin head equipped with optical sensors, and a comprehensive set of baseline and measurement procedures. A total of 29 samples were tested, revealing variations in the light blocking capabilities of different frame types, ranging from 68% to 80%. It is worth emphasizing that this study is an ongoing endeavor, with current efforts focused on enhancing the prototype. These improvements will enable us to simulate albedo and incorporate six types of sky scenarios, facilitating the demonstration of UV light intensity reaching the eye across various environments worldwide.