UV-B exposure to the eye depending on solar altitude

Hiroshi Sasaki, Yasuo Sakamoto, Cristina Schnider, Nobuyuki Fujita, Natsuko Hatsusaka, David H. Sliney, Kazuyuki Sasaki

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the validity of the solar ultraviolet index (UVI) as a determiner of eye risk under different conditions of facial profiles and orientation, and reflected light. Methods: Ocular UV radiation (UVR) exposure was measured as a function of the time of the day (solar altitude) using a two-dummy-type mannequin dosimetry system with embedded UVR (260-310 nm) sensors, in September and November in Kanazawa, Japan, on a motorized sun-tracking mount with one dummy face directed toward the sun and the other away from the sun. Results: A bimodal distribution of UV-B exposure was found in September for the face directed toward the sun, which differed dramatically from the pattern of ambient UVR exposure and measurements taken on the top of the head and those for the eye taken later in the year. Although the overall level was lower, a higher solar altitude is associated with higher UVR exposure in the condition facing away from the sun. Conclusions: The UVI is based on ambient solar radiation on an unobstructed horizontal plane similar to our measures taken on the top of the head, which differed so much from our measures of ocular exposure that UVI as a determiner of eye risk is deemed invalid. The use of the UVI as an indicator for the need for eye protection can be seriously misleading. Doctors should caution patients with regard to this problem, and eye protection may be warranted throughout the year.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)191-195
Number of pages5
JournalEye and Contact Lens
Volume37
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cataract
  • Pterygium
  • Sunlight
  • Ultraviolet radiation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

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