Do human tears absorb ultraviolet light?
We analyzed human tears by ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry for transmittance of UV light. Ultraviolet light was readily transmitted through human tears in the UV-A (320-400 nm) and UV-B (290-320 nm) ranges. Tears partially absorbed UV light in the UV-C (100-290 nm) range. The clinical implications of these findings include prevention of phototoxic ocular damage and effects upon excimer laser corneal photoablative techniques.
Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.
P
P
Michalos
E N
EN
Avila
G J
GJ
Florakis
P S
PS
Hersh
D000042:Absorption; D006801:Humans; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D013666:Tears / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays