Dec. 14, 2023 — The Vision Council (TVC) has announced the publication of the Spectral Bands Task Force Technical Report by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) Z80—a documentation of the ASC Z80 Spectral Bands Task Force’s discussion regarding the standardization of terminology/nomenclature for the 280-550 nanometers (nm) spectrum of radiation.
 
Serving as the ASC Z80 secretariat administrator, TVC shares that the primary outcome of the task force was the development of the following band scheme: 380–500 nm is defined as high energy visible (HEV) light with sub-bands of 380–400 nm (HEV 3), 400–455 nm (HEV 2), and 455–500 nm (HEV 1). Additionally, the task force officially recommends the provision of a transmission spectrum over the full HEV range and transmission percentages for all three sub-bands when making HEV claims.
 
According to TVC, this procedure allows the full impact of the spectrum may be understood while also offering orientation as to the general nature of the radiation in question. TVC anticipates that adopting this scheme and claims guidance will not only be helpful in future discussions about radiation in this range but will also allow the industry to better understand the impact of HEV light through the usage of standardized vocabulary.
 
“[This] publication…marks a significant milestone for standards in the eyecare industry,” says Michael Vitale, TVC vice president of membership, government relations, and technical affairs. “This uniformity of terminology is crucial for manufacturers, as it ensures consistency and clarity in the production and marketing of eyewear.”
 
In addition to the free report, TVC offers more information here.