Am I missing something?

[PAkev]

I was checking out the on-line competition and came across something that made me stop to scratch my head.

Polycarbonate is not quite as optically clear or
scratch-resistant as glass, but it's more impact-resistant and
affordable (all sunglass lenses, regardless of material, must pass
safety tests for shatter resistance). Polycarbonate lenses are also
very thin and lightweight, making them perfect for anglers on the
go.

Check it out at:
http://www.rei.com/reihtml/LEARN_SHA...howsuntop.html

Do these folks know something I don't know since for the past 15 years I have made oodles of pairs of sunwear without *The Safety Test.* I am also in disagreement on a few other points made on this informational page and recognize this as a perfect example how our professional interests are being sabotaged by unqualified propaganda.

PAkev

[Joann Raytar]

From the FDA Guidance Document For Non-Prescription Sunglasses:

Nonprescription sunglasses remain subject to regulations such as those identified as “general controls”, which are applicable to all class I devices, and impact resistant lens requirements. In addition, there are limitations placed on the exemption of nonprescription sunglasses, as described in 21 CFR 886.9 and in the February 2, 1998 Federal notice. To avoid unnecessary or inadvertent violations of the Act, thelimitations of the exemption must be clearly understood prior to marketing sunglasses in the United States without a determination of substantial equivalence from FDA through the 510(k) process.

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ode/sunglass.pdf


There is also info on non-prescription sunglasses under ANSI Standard Z80.3 Nonprescription Sunglasses & Fashion
Eyewear – Requirements

http://www.ola-labs.org/ansi.html