Ultraviolet and short wavelength visible light exposure: why ultraviolet protection alone is not adequate

• Published in: Journal of long-term effects of medical implants Vol. 16; no. 4; p. 315
• Main Authors: Reichow, Alan W, Citek, Karl, Edlich, Richard F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 2006
• Subjects: Environmental Exposure; Eye - radiation effects; Eye Protective Devices - standards; Humans; Radiation Protection - standards; Ultraviolet Rays - adverse effects
• ISSN: 1050-6934
• DOI: 10.1615/jlongtermeffmedimplants.v16.i4.50

The danger of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in both the natural environment and artificial occupational settings has long been recognized by national and international standards committees and worker safety agencies. There is an increasing body of literature that suggests that protection from UV exposure is not enough. Unprotected exposure to the short wavelengths of the visible spectrum, termed the "blue light hazard", is gaining acceptance as a true risk to long-term visual health. Global standards and experts in the field are now warning that those individuals who spend considerable time outdoors should seek sun filter eyewear with high impact resistant lenses that provide 100% UV filtration, high levels of blue light filtration, and full visual field lens/frame coverage as provided by high wrap eyewear. The Skin Cancer Foundation has endorsed certain sunglasses as "product[s]...effective [as] UV filter[s] for the eyes and surrounding skin". However, such endorsement does not necessarily mean that the eyewear meets all the protective needs for outdoor use. There are several brands that offer products with such protective characteristics. Performance sun eyewear by Nike Vision, available in both corrective and plano (nonprescription) forms, is one such brand incorporating these protective features.