Self-service kiosk for testing sunglasses

Abstract

BackgroundSunglasses users may only be assured on their ultraviolet protection by purchasing certified products, however they are not able to check if sunglasses are still ultraviolet (UV) protected as they age, unless they resort themselves to a professional who is qualified for using a spectrophotometer and is acknowledged on the standards for providing a report for the user. Current literature establishes safe limits on the exposure of the eyes relatively to the ultraviolet radiation exposure for the UVA and UVB ranges (280 nm – 400 nm). The UV protection is category dependent. Sunglasses are categorized from 0 to 4 and the categories are determined by the lenses transmission’s percentage on the visible range (380 nm – 780 nm).MethodsIn order to overcome inaccessibility of such measurements on sunglasses, a prototype for testing ultraviolet protection on sunglasses, according to Brazilian Standards, has been developed for amateur use. The system consists of assembling UVA and UVB light sources and two UV responsive photodiode sensors, with Erythema action response for measuring UV protection; for categories measurements, combination of white light and LEDs were used for the visible range, as well as a light sensor having spectral response similar to the human eye. Electronics has been developed for controlling the measurements and software has been implemented for providing the report as well as for the user’s interface.ResultsAll the system was embedded as a self-service touch screen kiosk and provides transmittance measurements that are within the deviation limit required by NBR15111, i.e., 0.25%. Measurements were performed in over 45 sunglasses and compared to CARY 5000 – VARIAN spectrophotometer and present a good correlation for the measurements of transmittance in the visible spectral range (r2 = 0.9999) and in the ultraviolet range (r2 = 0.9997).ConclusionsThe prototype identifies the UV protection, for non-corrective sunglasses, according to category of the lens and is available for the public. In addition to educating the population about the importance of wearing protected sunglasses, the prototype has also allowed the public to have access to information about the quality of protection of their own sunglasses in an easy and free testing method.

Quality of sunglasses available in the Iranian market; a study with emphasis on sellers′ license

“…By increasing public awareness regarding the importance of sunglasses in protecting eyes from solar radiation, particularly in recent years,[ 1 ] the industries in relation with eyeglasses have turned into a highly profitable businesses. There is usually lack of strict quality control over the most of the products manufactured in small-scale industrial units, so many of them usually do not provide the protection they claim to offer.…”

“…Whether for glamor, comfort against sun glare or protection of the eyes from excessive solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, sunglasses are world widely used in the present modern era. [ 1 ]…”

Spectral Evaluation of Eyeglass Blocking Efficiency of Ultraviolet/High-energy Visible Blue Light for Ocular Protection

“…Because optical properties greater than 380 nm are not addressed in the U.S. standards for ultraviolet protection, eye care providers need to provide information and educate the general public, to correctly purchase sunglasses or high-energy violet light–protective clear lenses. Testing devices that measure blue light–blocking lenses or self-service kiosks for testing sunglasses are being developed, 52,62 and we suggest that retail stores selling eyewear provide access to ultraviolet/visible lens spectrographs to assess the quality of eyewear.…”

Are Sunglasses Proper for Driving? Investigation and Prototype for Public Testing

“…Previous research of our team was the development of a kiosk for the public to self-check their own sunglasses regarding the ultraviolet (UV) protection, as required by the standards (Mello et al 2014). In that system, the test provides a report of the category of the lenses (0 -4) as well as UVA and UVB protection associated to the sunglasses´ category.…”