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Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants

ISSN for PRINT: 1050-6934

Institutional price:	$1021.00
Issues per year:	6

Best Paper Award Selection - Editorial Board Site

2006, Volume16

72 pages

Issue price - $189.00

Ultraviolet and Short Wavelength Visible Light Exposure: Why Ultraviolet Protection Alone Is Not Adequate

Alan W. Reichow, OD, MEd
Professor of Optometry, Pacific University College of Optometry, Forest Grove, OR, USA

Karl Citek, OD, PhD
Professor of Optometry, Pacific University College of Optometry, Forest Grove, OR, USA

Richard F. Edlich
Biomedical Engineering and Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Trauma Specialists LLP, Legacy Verify Level I Shock Trauma Center for Pediatrics and Adults, Legacy Emanuel Hospital, Portland, OR, USA

ABSTRACT

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.