Standards for use of visible and nonvisible radiation on the eye

Presently recommended exposure limits for optical radiation permit one to estimate the hazard to the eye and skin for continuous periods of exposure. They apply explicitly only to uninterrupted exposure—the so-called “worst-case” condition. This paper examines the biological and practical aspects of human exposure to bright light which permit the application of “use factors” where justified in the use of these exposure limits and considers the limitations of such limits.