The specification of color limits in eye protection lenses for use when color-contingent clinical observations are made

Objective: To investigate if color limitations in eye and face protection standards are sufficient to avoid interfering significantly in color-contingent clinical decisions. If not, to propose what requirement will ensure appropriate products. Methods: Yellow-tinted eye protectors, blue-blocking lenses and lightly tinted filters were assessed for compliance with eye and face protection standards and their effect on the color rendering. Results: Yellow-tinted eye protectors and many tinted filters cause significant noncompliance with hospital lighting recommendations and standards; however general eye protection standards do not exclude these lenses. The standard for eye protection against intense light sources, in cosmetic and medical applications (ISO 12609-1), does exclude lenses identified as affecting clinical color-related decisions significantly. Conclusions: Any recommendation or standard for eye and face protection for persons making color- contingent clinical decisions must include the requirement of ISO 12909-1. Persons making color-contingent clinical decisions should be advised to use only untinted or neutral-colored lenses. Clinical Significance: This research is intended to advise writers of standards and recommendations on eye and face protection for use where color-contingent clinical decisions are made to ensure that the protector does not interfere with these decisions. It is also intended to advise on the selection of tints in their eye protection.