Photic Injury of the Eye(<Special Issue>Psychological / Physiological Effect and Evaluation of Blue Light)

Abstract

Photic light induces eye injury by three mechanisms, i.e. heat, photochemical reaction, and physical effect. Infrared light is absorbed by water in the eye and induces cataract. Ultraviolet light induces damage on the corneal epithelium, pterygium and cataract. A case of laser pointer accident was shown as an example of retinal damage by heat and cases of accident by LED stationery and solar eclipse were introduced as examples of photochemical damage. Blue light induces oxidative stress on the retina, and daily light exposure is considered a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. Further study would be needed on the relationship between characteristics of each light source and the effect on the eye.