British Standard

A single copy of this British Standard is licensed to

Geoffrey Cislo
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

01 August 2002

This is an uncontrolled copy. Ensure use of the most

current version of this document by searching British
Standards Online at bsonline.techindex.co.uk
 BRITISH STANDARD BS EN
167:1995

Personal eye
protection —
Optical test methods
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

The European Standard EN 167:1995 has the status of a

British Standard
 BS EN 167:1995

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted to Technical

Committee PSM/2, Eye protection, upon which the following bodies were
represented:

Association of Consulting Scientists

British College of Optometrists
British Foundry Association
British Glass Manufacturers’ Confederation
British Plastics Federation
British Steel plc
Department of Trade and Industry (National Physical Laboratory)
Electricity Association
Engineering Equipment and Materials Users’ Association
Federation of Manufacturing Opticians
Flat Glass Manufacturers’ Association
Health and Safety Executive
Industrial Safety (Protective Equipment) Manufacturers’ Association
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Institution of Gas Engineers

Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
Light Metal Founders’ Association
Manufacturing Science Finance
Ministry of Defence
National Radiological Protection Board
Safety Equipment Distributors’ Association
Steel Casting Research and Trade Association
Trades Union Congress
Zinc Alloy Die Casters’ Association

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Personal Safety
Equipment Standards Policy
Committee, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Board and comes
into effect on Amendments issued since publication
15 December 1995
Amd. No. Date Comments
© BSI 12-1998

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference PSM/2
Draft for comment 89/39389 DC

ISBN 0 580 24681 7

 BS EN 167:1995

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
National foreword ii
Foreword 2
Text of EN 167 3
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

© BSI 12-1998 i
 BS EN 167:1995

National foreword

This British Standard has been prepared under the direction of the Personal
Equipment Standards Policy Committee and is the English language version of
EN 167 Personal eye-protection — Optical test methods, published by the
European Committee for Standardization (CEN). EN 167 was produced as a
result of international discussions in which the United Kingdom took an active
part. It is based on ISO 4854:1981 Personal eye-protectors — Optical test methods.
The scope of this standard includes matters which are given in appendices C and
D of BS 2092:1987. It does not include matters which are given in either the
specification clauses of BS 2092:1987 or appendices A, B and E to N inclusive of
BS 2092:1987. The specification clauses of BS 2092:1987, together with the
schedule of tests given in appendix E of BS 2092:1987, are replaced by those given
in BS EN 166. The non-optical test methods given in appendices A, B and F to N
of BS 2092:1987 are replaced by those given in BS EN 168.
This British Standard, together with BS EN 166:1995 and BS EN 168:1995,
replaces BS 2092:1987, which will be withdrawn when BS EN 166 is published.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
the EN title page, pages 2 to 16 and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

ii © BSI 12-1998
 EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 167
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM May 1995

ICS 13.340.10

Descriptors: Safety, accident prevention, eyes, eye-glasses, oculars, optical tests, inspection, specifications, measurement

English version

Personal eye-protection — Optical test methods

Protection individuelle de l’oeil — Méthodes Persönlicher Augenschutz — Optische

d’essais optiques Prüfverfahren
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1994-05-30. CEN members

are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a
national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any
CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French,
German). A version in any other language made by translation under the
responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the
Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium,
DEnmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
United Kingdom.

CEN
European Committee for Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation
Europäisches Komitee für Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

© 1995 All rights of reproduction and communication in any form and by any means reserved in all
countries to CEN and its members Ref. No. EN 167:1995 E
 EN 167:1995

Foreword Page
Annex A (normative) Method for measuring
This European Standard has been prepared by spherical and astigmatic refractive powers over
Technical Committee CEN/TC 85, Eye-protective small areas
equipment, of which the secretariat is held by
A.1 Principle 12
AFNOR.
A.2 Appratus 12
This European Standard shall be given the status of
a national standard, either by publication of an A.3 Measurements 13
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by Figure 1 — Telescope target (dimensions are
November 1995, and conflicting national standards given in 3.1.1.2) 3
shall be withdrawn at the latest by November 1995. Figure 2 — Arrangement of apparatus for
This European Standard has been prepared under a measurement of prismatic difference 5
mandate given to CEN by the European Figure 3 — Diffusion angles 6
Commission and the European Free Trade
Figure 4 — Arrangement of apparatus for
Association, and supports essential requirements of
measurement of light diffusion — basic method 7
EC Directive(s).
Figure 5 — Arrangement of apparatus for
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal
Regulations, the following countries are bound to measurement of light diffusion — Simplified
implement this European Standard: Austria, method 8
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Figure 6 — Arrangement of apparatus for
assessment of quality of material and surface 10
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,

Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Figure A.1 — Determination of the distance f
Switzerland and United Kingdom. of the focal plane from the test ocular by
means of two parallel rays 1 and 2 13
Contents Figure A.2 — Test apparatus 14
Page Figure A.3 — Position sensing diode 15
Foreword 2 Figure A.4 — Diagramatic view of the image
1 Scope 3 in the measuring plane 16
2 Normative references 3 Figure A.5 — Measuring curves for oculars
3 Test for spherical, astigmatic and with different refractive properties 16
prismatic refractive powers 3 Table 1 — Relative uncertainty of
3.1 Testing unmounted oculars covering transmittance measurements 10
one eye 3
3.2 Testing unmounted oculars covering
both eyes and mounted oculars
(spectacles, goggles and face-shields) 4
4 Light diffusion test 5
4.1 Principle 5
4.2 Test methods 6
4.2.1 Basic method 6
4.2.2 Simplified method 7
5 Assessment of quality of material
and surface 9
6 Determination of transmittance 10
7 Determination of transmittance
variations 10
7.1 Unmounted oculars covering one eye 10
7.2 Mounted oculars and oculars
covering both eyes 10

2 © BSI 12-1998
 EN 167:1995

1 Scope The large annulus of the target has an outer

diameter of (23,0 ± 0,1) mm with an annular
This European Standard specifies optical test
aperture of (0,6 ± 0,1) mm. The small annulus has
methods for eye-protectors, the requirements for
an inner diameter of (11,0 ± 0,1) mm with an
which are contained in other ENs. Alternative
annular aperture of (0,6 ± 0,1) mm. The central
methods may be used if shown to be equivalent. aperture has a diameter of (0,6 ± 0,1) mm. The bars
Non-optical test methods are given in EN 168. A are nominally 20 mm long and 2 mm wide with a
definition of terms is given in EN 165.
nominal 2 mm separation.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or
undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited
at the appropriate places in the text and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated
references, subsequent amendments to or revisions
of any of these publications apply to this European
Standard only when incorporated in it by
amendment or revision. For undated references the
latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
EN 165:1995, Personal eye-protection —
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Vocabulary.
EN 166:1995, Personal eye-protection —
Specifications.
EN 168:1995, Personal eye-protection — Non-optical
test methods. Figure 1 — Telescope target
(dimensions are given in 3.1.1.2)
3 Test for spherical, astigmatic and 3.1.1.3 Filter
prismatic refractive powers
A filter with its maximum transmittance in the
NOTE The reference methods for assessment of refractive green part of the spectrum may be used to reduce
power are contained in 3.1 and 3.2. If during measurement using
the telescope a doubling or other aberration of the image is chromatic aberrations.
observed then the ocular may either be classified as a defective, 3.1.1.4 Calibration lenses
or subjected to further examination using the method described
in annex A. Lenses with positive and negative spherical
3.1 Testing unmounted oculars covering one refractive powers of 0,06 m–1, 0,12 m–1
eye and 0,25 m–1 (tolerance ± 0,01 m–1).
3.1.1 Apparatus 3.1.2 Arrangement and calibration of
apparatus
3.1.1.1 Telescope
The telescope and illuminated target are placed on
A telescope with an aperture of nominally 20 mm
the same optical axis (4,60 ± 0,02) m apart.
and a magnification between 10 and 30, fitted with
an adjustable eyepiece incorporating a reticular. The observer focuses the reticule and the target and
aligns the telescope to obtain a clear image of the
3.1.1.2 Illuminated target pattern. This setting is regarded as the zero point of
A target, consisting of a black plate incorporating the focusing scale of the telescope.
the cut-out pattern shown in Figure 1, behind which The focusing adjustment of the telescope is
is located a light source of adjustable luminance calibrated with the calibration lenses (3.1.1.4) so
with a condenser, if necessary, to focus the that a power of 0,01 m–1 may be measured. Any
magnified image of the light source on the telescope other equivalent calibration method may be used.
objective.
3.1.3 Procedure
The ocular is positioned normal to the telescope
axis. Measurements are taken at the points
specified in 7.1.2.1.1 of EN 166:1995.

© BSI 12-1998 3
 EN 167:1995

3.1.3.1 Spherical refractive power and astigmatic 3.2 Testing unmounted oculars covering both
refractive power eyes and mounted oculars (spectacles, goggles
3.1.3.1.1 Oculars without astigmatic refractive and face-shields)
power 3.2.1 Determination of the spherical and
The telescope is adjusted until the image of the astigmatic refractive power
target is perfectly resolved. The spherical power of The spherical and astigmatic powers are
the ocular is then read from the scale of the determined for each eye in accordance with the
telescope. procedure described in 3.1.3.1 with the eye
3.1.3.1.2 Oculars with astigmatic refractive power protector mounted in front of the telescope as worn
and using a nominal pupilary distance of 64 mm.
The target, or the ocular, is rotated in order to align
the principal meridians of the ocular with the bars 3.2.2 Determination of the difference in
of the target. The telescope is focused firstly on one prismatic refractive power
set of bars (measurement D1) and then on the 3.2.2.1 Apparatus
perpendicular bars (measurement D2). The The arrangement of the reference method is shown
spherical power is the mean, D1 + D2/2, the in Figure 2.
astigmatic refractive power is the absolute
difference, |D1 – D2|, of the two measurements. 3.2.2.2 Procedure
3.1.3.2 Prismatic refractive power The diaphragm LB1, illuminated by the light source,
is adjusted in such a way that it produces an image
The ocular to be tested is placed in front of the on the plane B when the eye-protector (P) is not in
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

telescope, and, if the point of intersection of the lines position. The eye-protector is placed in front of the
of the reticule falls outside the image of the large lens L2 so that the axis of the eye-protector is
circle, the prismatic power exceeds 0,25 cm/m. If the parallel to the optical axis of the test assembly.
point of intersection of the lines of the reticule falls Adjustable tilt eye-protectors are positioned with
inside the image of the small circle of the target, the their oculars normal to the optical axis of the test
prismatic power is less than 0,12 cm/m. equipment.
Measure the vertical and horizontal distances
between the two displaced images arising from the
two ocular regions of the eye-protector.
These distances in centimetres are divided by two to
give the horizontal and vertical prismatic
differences in centimetres per metre.
If the light paths which correspond to the two eye
regions cross, the prismatic refractive power is
“base in” and if the light paths do not cross, it is
“base out”.

4 © BSI 12-1998
 EN 167:1995
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Figure 2 — Arrangement of apparatus for measurement of prismatic difference

4 Light diffusion test

4.1 Principle
The luminance (Ls) of an illuminated ocular is a
measure of its light diffusion and is proportional to This quantity is known as the reduced luminance
the illuminance (E). The proportionality factor is the factor and is expressed in the same units as the
luminance factor l = Ls/E, which is expressed in luminance factor.
candelas per square metre per lux NOTE Most oculars have diffusion properties which are
symmetrical about the optical axis. For these oculars, the mean
value of the reduced luminance factor is constant within an angle
limited by the two cones shown in Figure 3. This mean value
depends upon values a and Da.
To obtain a factor l* which is independent of the
transmittance of the ocular, the luminance factor is
divided by the transmittance τ.

© BSI 12-1998 5
 EN 167:1995

4.2 Test methods 4.2.1.2 Procedure

Two reference test methods are specified which use The ocular is placed in the parallel beam at position
the same measurement principle. The “basic P, then diaphragm BL is put in place. The flux ϕ1L
method” detailed in 4.2.1 may be used for oculars falling onto the photodetector corresponds to the
without corrective effect and for all shade numbers. undiffused light transmitted by the sample.
The “simplified method” detailed in 4.2.2 has to be Diaphragm BL is then replaced by annular
used for oculars with corrective effect and may also diaphragm BR; flux ϕ1R falling onto the
be used for other oculars up to a shade number of 4 photodetector corresponds to the total diffused light
to 6 depending on the sensitivity of the measuring, originating from the filter and from the apparatus.
apparatus. The test sample is then placed at position P9. The
flux ϕ2R which then falls onto the photodetector
The results obtained with the two methods may be
corresponds to the diffused light coming from the
considered to be equivalent; whichever method is
apparatus only.
used the relative measurement uncertainty for the
reduced luminance factor shall not be greater The difference ϕ1R – ϕ2R corresponds to the light
than 25 %. diffused by the filter. The mean reduced luminance
factor l* for the solid angle v is calculated from the
4.2.1 Basic method preceding fluxes by means of the formula:
4.2.1.1 Apparatus
The arrangement is shown in Figure 4.
The spherical mirror H1 forms an image of light L of
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

identical dimensions at diaphragm LB. The concave where

mirror H3 forms an image of diaphragm LB in the
plane of diaphragms BL and BR. The achromatic ϕ1R, are the luminance fluxes with the
lens A is positioned immediately behind the annular
diaphragm so that a reduced image of the test
sample in position P appears on diffusing screen ϕ2R diaphragm;
MS. The image of iris diaphragm IB1 is formed at ϕ1L is the luminous flux with the circular
the same time as IB2. diaphragm;
The arrangement collects all the light originating ω is the solid angle defined by the annular
from the filter between angles α = 1,5° and diaphragm.
α + ∆α = 2° in relation to the optical axis.

Figure 3 — Diffusion angles

6 © BSI 12-1998
 EN 167:1995
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Figure 4 — Arrangement of apparatus for measurement of light diffusion — basic method

4.2.2 Simplified method The deviation of the beam is a function of the
4.2.2.1 Apparatus prismatic refractive power at the measuring point.
The annular or circular diaphragm, whichever is
The test arrangement is shown in Figure 5.
chosen, is at a distance of (400 ± 2) mm from the
NOTE The measurement principle is identical to that given
in 4.2.1, but the diameter of the measuring zone is smaller
centre of the ocular. The lens A then produces the
(approximately 2,5 mm) and the test arrangement is simplified. image of the centre of the ocular on the
The beam of the laser (L) is expanded using the two photoreceptor S.
lenses L1 and L2 and is directed towards the The part of the test arrangement, comprising the
measuring point of the ocular (P). Ocular (P) is diaphragms, the lens and the receptor, is designed
positioned in such a way that it can rotate around to rotate about the vertical axis through the centre
the axis of the beam. of the ocular.

© BSI 12-1998 7
 EN 167:1995
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Figure 5 — Arrangement of apparatus for measurement of light diffusion —

Simplified method
The ocular and the detector part of the apparatus 4.2.2.2 Procedure
has to pivot in order to compensate for any prismatic 4.2.2.2.1 Calibration of the apparatus
refractive power of the ocular.
Set up the apparatus, the essential features of
NOTE For oculars without corrective effect, it is not necessary,
in most cases, for the ocular and the detector part to pivot. which are shown in Figure 5, without the ocular in
place. Put the annular diaphragm BR in place.
Rotate the detector part of the apparatus (consisting
of a photoreceptor S, a lens A and the annular
diaphragm BR) horizontally about P so as to align
the light beam from the beam expander (consisting
of a lens L1 with a typical focal length of 10 mm, a
lens L2 with a typical focal length of 30 mm and a
circular diaphragm B with a pinhole of sufficient
size so as to provide a uniform beam) with the centre
of the annular diaphragm BR. Measure the flux ϕ1R
falling onto the photoreceptor S, corresponding to
the total diffused light. Replace the annular
diaphragm BR by the circular diaphragm BL.

8 © BSI 12-1998
 EN 167:1995

Measure the flux ϕ1L falling onto the photoreceptor, where

corresponding to the total non-diffused light.
Obtain the reduced luminance factor for the ϕ2R is the luminous flux with the ocular in the
apparatus, l*a, for the solid angle v using the parallel beam and with the annular
following equation: diaphragm BR in place;
ϕ2L is the luminous flux with the ocular in the
parallel beam and with the circular
diaphragm BL in place;
where
ω is the solid angle defined by the annular
ϕ1R is the luminous flux without the ocular diaphragm BR.
in the parallel beam and with the
annular diaphragm BR in place; Then calculate the reduced luminance factor l* of
the ocular using the following equation:
ϕ1L is the luminous flux without the ocular
in the parallel beam and with circular
diaphragm BL in place;
ω is the solid angle defined by the annular 5 Assessment of quality of material
diaphragm BR. and surface
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

4.2.2.2.2 Testing of the ocular The assessment of the quality of material and
surface is conducted by visual inspection with the
Place the ocular in the parallel beam at position P as
aid of a “light box” or illuminated grid.
shown in Figure 5. Repeat 4.2.2.2.1 with the ocular
in place, and with the ocular rotated about the axis One method of inspection in current use consists of
of the beam to a position such that the prismatic an illuminated grid as a background which is
deviation by the ocular is horizontal. viewed through the ocular when held at various
distances from the eye. Another method is to
Rotate the detector part of the apparatus so that the
illuminate the ocular by means of a fluorescent lamp
light beam falls on the centre of BR. Obtain the
mounted within a dull black chamber and with the
reduced luminance factor for the apparatus
amount of illumination adjusted by means of an
including the ocular, l*g, for the solid angle v using
adjustable opaque black mask. A suitable
the following equation:
arrangement is shown in Figure 6.
If there is any doubt concerning the acceptability of
the quality of the material and surface then this
may be resolved by examining the areas in question
with a light beam of 5 mm nominal diameter using
the objective tests for transmittance (see clause 6),
light diffusion (see clause 4) and the method for
determining optical refractive powers defined in 3.1
or 3.2.

© BSI 12-1998 9
 EN 167:1995
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Figure 6 — Arrangement of apparatus for assessment of quality of material and surface

6 Determination of transmittance b) for oculars less than 50 mm in vertical depth,

d = vertical depth of ocular – 10 mm.
Transmittance is measured with incident light
falling normally on the ocular. Scan this circular area with a 5 mm nominal
diameter light beam whilst at the same time
Test methods shall be used which have relative
measuring the luminous transmittance.
uncertainties less than or equal to those given
in Table 1. Measure and record the maximum value of
luminous transmittance (τmax), the minimum value
Table 1 — Relative uncertainty of of luminous transmittance (τmin), and the value of
transmittance measurements luminous transmittance at the centre (τc).
Transmittance value Relative uncertainty
%
Calculate the values of ∆1 and ∆2 from the following
Less than to equations:
% %
100 17,8 ± 5
17,8 0,44 ± 10
0,44 0,023 ± 15
0,023 0,0012 ± 20 Choose the value of ∆1 and ∆2, whichever is the
greatest. Record this as the value of P1.
0,0012 0,000023 ± 30
7.2 Mounted oculars and oculars covering
both eyes
7 Determination of transmittance
variations Locate the two visual centres of the ocular. These
are points on the horizontal centreline of the ocular,
7.1 Unmounted oculars covering one eye situated (32,0 ± 0,2) mm each side of the mid point.
Locate the visual centre of the ocular. If the visual Determine circular areas around each of these
centre is not known the geometric centre shall be centres with diameters (d), calculated as follows.
used. Refer to this as “the centre”. a) For oculars more than 50 mm in vertical depth,
Determine a circular area around the centre with d = (40,0 ± 0,5) mm.
diameter d calculated as follows:
b) For oculars less than 50 mm in vertical depth,
a) for oculars more than 50 mm in vertical depth, d = vertical depth of ocular – 10 mm.
d = (40,0 ± 0,5) mm;

10 © BSI 12-1998
 EN 167:1995

Scan each area with a 5 mm nominal diameter light Choose the value of ∆L1 or ∆L2, whichever is the
beam whilst at the same time measuring the greatest. Record this as the value of P1.
luminous transmittance. Similarly, for the right ocular, determine ∆R1 and
For the left ocular, measure and record the ∆R2. Choose the value of ∆R1 or ∆R2, whichever is the
maximum value of luminous transmittance (τLmax), greatest. Record this as the value of P2.
the minimum value of luminous transmittance Divide the lower value of the luminous
(τLmin), and the value of luminous transmittance at transmittance at one of the two visual centres by the
the centre (τLC). higher value of the luminous transmittance at the
Calculate the values of ∆1 and ∆2 from the following other visual centre and express the difference of this
equations: ratio to 1 as a percentage. Record this percentage
as P3.
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

© BSI 12-1998 11
 EN 167:1995

Annex A (normative) A.2 Apparatus

Method for measuring spherical and The apparatus comprises the following main
astigmatic refractive powers over elements (see Figure A.2):
small areas a) A He-Ne laser supplying a parallel light beam.
b) Two lenses with a diaphragm at the common
A.1 Principle focal point to enlarge the laser beam to a nominal
The deflection of a parallel light beam of 5 mm diameter of 5 mm (the mean size of the
nominal diameter (eye-pupil diameter) is detected eye-pupil).
by a photodiode. Whereas the telescope method c) A carriage to move the test ocular continuously
gives a mean value of refractive properties over an on a spiral path in a plane perpendicular to the
area of 20 mm in diameter, this method permits direction of the laser beam. During
assessment over a much smaller area. The measurement, the test ocular should not turn in
resolution is better than 10–6 m–1. relation to the photodiode. The carriage runs on
The principle of this method is shown in Figure A.1. two guides perpendicular to each other, keeping
If two parallel rays, 1 and 2, pass through the test the directions of the axes of the carriage and the
ocular at different points, they meet in the focal test ocular constant during measurement. A pivot
plane at a distance ƒ from the test ocular. Its guided by a spiral transmits the corresponding
refractive power is then 1/ƒ. In the case of a test movement to the carriage. The pitch of the spiral
ocular with different curvatures in two mutually is 1,08 mm nominal.
perpendicular directions or if light falls obliquely on The 5 mm diameter laser beam continuously
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

a spherical surface, an astigmatic refractive power scans the whole surface of the test ocular. By
will result which is equal to the difference between appropriate markings, the position of the light
the refractive powers in the two main meridians. beam on the filter and its deflection can be noted
If, in addition to this the central ray 1 is deflected by clearly.
an angle d, the test ocular will have, in addition to The entire measurement beam of 5 mm
its spherical refractive power, a prismatic refractive diameter shall lie within the measurement area
power ∆, where: of 20 mm diameter. A peripheral area 5 mm
∆ = 100 tan ζ cm/m wide around the ocular shall be excluded from
the examination.
If the deflection of the light ray is measured in a
plane at a distance w from the ocular, then d) A position sensing diode to measure the
from Figure A.1: deflection of the laser beam (see Figure A.3). On
this photodiode (e.g., PIN SC 25) a rectangular
system of co-ordinates is established by five
electrical connections. When the centre
connection, 5, is illuminated, the photo-current of
where
the remaining 4 connections is equal. When the
light spot moves over the sensitive surface, the
u is the distance between the two parallel photo-current of connections 1 to 4 changes
rays 1 and 2 in front of the sample; according to the position of the light spot in
v is the distance between the refracted relation to the centre.
rays in the measuring plane. The photo-current of connection 5 remains
The prismatic refractive power ∆ in constant and is directly proportional to the
cm/m is given by: radiant flux.
The potential difference between the connections
of one axis is proportional to the displacement on
this axis as well as to the radiant flux.
The photodiode has an active sensitive surface
The astigmatic refractive power is equal to the of 1,9 cm x 1,9 cm (minimum dimensions). In
difference between the refractive powers in the two this apparatus, it can be positioned at distances
principal meridians. between 50 cm and 250 cm from the test ocular
as required, so that, for a scanned area of 30 mm
diameter, a refractive quantity up to a maximum
of 2 m–1 can be measured.

12 © BSI 12-1998
 EN 167:1995

A.3 Measurements Oculars with astigmatic refractive power,

i.e. different focal lengths in different meridians,
With a flat specimen, the direction of the emergent
record a similar curve. Since the dimensions of the
light beam is independent of its position on the
ocular as the ray is not deflected when it passes curve depend on the refractive power, the distance
through the ocular. As a first approximation, the from one line to the next is different for the different
meridians and the spiral is therefore distorted
image on the recorder is therefore a point. With a
[see Figure A.5 b)].
curved specimen without refractive power, the point
may be slightly broadened because of light Oculars with irregularly varying focal lengths
refraction within the glass. An ocular with uniform produce a deformed spiral path [see Figure A.5 c)].
refractive power (lens) has the same focal length at From this distorted spiral the refractive powers at
all points. Therefore the scanning path is all points on the surface of the ocular may be
reproduced either reduced or enlarged depending on obtained by analysis.
the refractive power (see Figure A.4) without The apparatus may be calibrated using samples of
changing its form. The spiral scanning path is also known prismatic refractive power or by lateral
drawn on the recorder as a spiral with constant displacement of the detector using a micrometer.
distances between adjacent lines
[see Figure A.5 a)].
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Figure A.1 — Determination of the distance f of the focal plane from the test ocular
by means of two parallel rays 1 and 2

© BSI 12-1998 13
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

14
EN 167:1995

Figure A.2 — Test apparatus

© BSI 12-1998
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

© BSI 12-1998
Figure A.3 — Position sensing diode

15
EN 167:1995
 EN 167:1995

Figure A.4 — Diagramatic view of the image

in the measuring plane
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Figure A.5 — Measuring curves for oculars with different refractive properties

16 © BSI 12-1998
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

blank
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BSI Ð British Standards Institution
|
|
|
|
|
|
| BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing British Standards. It
|
| presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the international level. It is
| incorporated by Royal Charter.
|
|
| Revisions
|
|
| British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of British Standards
|
| should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or editions.
|
|
| It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services. We
|
| would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using this
| British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee responsible,
|
| the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover. Tel: 020 8996 9000.
|
| Fax: 020 8996 7400.
|
|
| BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures that
|
| subscribers automatically receive the latest editions of standards.
|
|
| Buying standards
|
| Orders for all BSI, international and foreign standards publications should be
|
| addressed to Customer Services. Tel: 020 8996 9001. Fax: 020 8996 7001.
|
|
| In response to orders for international standards, it is BSI policy to supply the BSI
|
| implementation of those that have been published as British Standards, unless
Licensed Copy: Geoffrey Cislo, Bechtel Ltd, 01 August 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

|
| otherwise requested.
|
|
| Information on standards
|
| BSI provides a wide range of information on national, European and international
|
| standards through its Library and its Technical Help to Exporters Service. Various
|
| BSI electronic information services are also available which give details on all its
|
| products and services. Contact the Information Centre. Tel: 020 8996 7111.
|
| Fax: 020 8996 7048.
|
|
| Subscribing members of BSI are kept up to date with standards developments and
| receive substantial discounts on the purchase price of standards. For details of
|
| these and other benefits contact Membership Administration. Tel: 020 8996 7002.
|
| Fax: 020 8996 7001.
|
|
| Copyright
|
|
| Copyright subsists in all BSI publications. BSI also holds the copyright, in the UK, of
|
| the publications of the international standardization bodies. Except as permitted
| under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 no extract may be reproduced,
|
| stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means ± electronic,
|
| photocopying, recording or otherwise ± without prior written permission from BSI.
|
|
| This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard, of
|
| necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
|
| details are to be used for any other purpose than implementation then the prior
| written permission of BSI must be obtained.
|
|
| If permission is granted, the terms may include royalty payments or a licensing
|
| agreement. Details and advice can be obtained from the Copyright Manager.
|
| Tel: 020 8996 7070.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BSI |
|
389 Chiswick High Road |
|
London |
|
W4 4AL |
|
|
|
|
|
|