The response of mouse ocular tissues to continuous near-UV light exposure

Continuous exposure of mice to near-ultraviolet (UV) light (black light) over a period of 19 weeks induces adverse alterations in lens protein chemistry, in lens epithelial cell differentiation, and in retinal photoreceptor structure at more than a doubled rate as for 12 hours a day of intermittent exposure. No histologic changes were found in the cornea. The results may indicate the presence of repair mechanisms in these ocular tissues for damage induced by radiant energy.