Do human tears absorb ultraviolet light?
Michalos, P.; Avila, E.N.; Florakis, G.J.; Hersh, P.S.
Clao Journal Official Publication of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists Inc 20(3): 192-193
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0733-8902 PMID: 7955301 Document Number: 437469
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.