Effects of near ultraviolet radiation on the lens and retina

This communication represents a consideration of non-visual interactions between environmental light and the eye. It covers the following topics: light in the environment; light entering the eye and transmission to the retina; observed light damage; mechanisms of light damage; and considerations of the absorptive properties of artificial lenses. The intention of this paper is to summarize the available information and some of the current thinking about the non-visual interactions of the eye with short wave-length radiation. Many more experiments must be done for us to appreciate the full significance of this information for the benefit of man.