Effects of Exposure to Ultra-Violet Light on Visual Thresholds

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The impairment of vision in the chick eye after exposure to u.-v. light of various wave lengths was studied by examining the flicker response. After one hr. exposure to Hg vapor lamps, chicks were dark adapted for 1 hr. and the change of flicker threshold studied. With no filter over the Hg lamps, conjunctivitis, keratitis and hyperemia of corneal capillaries sometimes occurred. With glass filters adequate to prevent pathologic change in the eye, the visual mechanism may still be affected. By gradually reducing the extent of the u.-v. band, the initial threshold and subsequent recovery are found to be functions of the elimination of the short waves. With filters that absorb all appreciable light at 365 mu and below, all threshold detns. are at the normal level. It is concluded that by analogy protective means for the human eye should be filters which absorb u.-v. light up to 365 mu.

This publication has 9 references indexed in Scilit: