Risk of retina damage from high intensity light sources

Journal Article · Thu May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/15298668091424825· OSTI ID:5962110

Pollak, V A; Romanchuk, K G

The risk of thermal damage to the retina of the eye by exposure to excesive light intensities from continuous and pulsed man-made sources is discussed. The probability of injury increases, the larger the radiant power absorbed by the retina and the smaller the size of the retinal image of the source. A method of estimating the temperature increase of the immediately affected area of the retina is presented. The time constants involved are also briefly considered. Using numerical values from literature for the relevant parameters of the eye, threshold values for a variety of conditions can be established. Below these values little risk of retina damage should exist. The degree of hazard when these values are exceeded depends upon the circumstances. A case study of a welding accident showed good agreement between the conclusions of the theoretical analysis and clinical findings.

• OSTI ID: 5962110
• Journal Information: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States) Vol. 41:5; ISSN AIHAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

551000 -- Physiological Systems
560400* -- Other Environmental Pollutant Effects
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL MODELS
BODY
BODY AREAS
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
ENERGY
EYES
FABRICATION
FACE
HEAD
HEAT
JOINING
LIGHT SOURCES
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
ORGANS
RADIATION SOURCES
RETINA
SAFETY
SENSE ORGANS
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
THRESHOLD ENERGY
WELDING