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Do human tears absorb ultraviolet light?
P Michalos1, E N Avila, G J Florakis
1Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.
Abstract:
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.