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.
Michalos
P
P
Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.
Avila
E N
EN
Florakis
G J
GJ
Hersh
P S
PS
D000042:Absorption; D006801:Humans; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D013666:Tears / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays