Optical safety refers to the prevention1 of hazards through optical radiation (electromagnetic radiation of
wavelengths ranging from 100 nm to 1 mm). Effects on the eyes as well as the skin are considered, also for
those people with a higher sensitivity. In response to the concerns raised by the last group, Annex 1 provides
more detailed considerations for this specific group.
Commonly discussed hazards affecting the eye are blue light hazard (BLH) and age‐related macular
degeneration (AMD) which can be induced or aggravated by high intensity blue light. When looking directly
into a bright light source, a photochemical damage to the retina (blue light hazard) can occur, depending on
the intensity involved and the time of exposure. People are familiar with this phenomenon from looking at
the sun. To prevent retinal damages, appropriate spectacles must be worn when observing a solar eclipse,
for instance. On a bright and sunny day, however, a natural reflex occurs (eyelid close reflex, aversion) that
protects the eye from being harmed. Furthermore, UV
(ultraviolet) may affect the eye, causing cataract or photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea); IR (infrared) radiation can induce IR cataract (also known as glassblower’s cataract); and radiation of all wavelengths at extreme intensities can lead to retinal thermal injuries. Optical radiation can also affect the skin causing for example sunburns, or, in severe cases, cancers upon long‐term UV exposure. There exist certain groups of patients, e.g. suffering from lupus or photodermatoses, who are particularly sensitive to UV (and sometimes also blue light) radiation. Note that the above mentioned effects are predominantly caused by natural sun light; some of them can never be evoked by artificial lighting. Nevertheless, the optical safety of artificial light sources needs to be guaranteed and light‐sensitive patients are provided with appropriate lamps that are a good and safe alternative to incandescent lamps.
(ultraviolet) may affect the eye, causing cataract or photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea); IR (infrared) radiation can induce IR cataract (also known as glassblower’s cataract); and radiation of all wavelengths at extreme intensities can lead to retinal thermal injuries. Optical radiation can also affect the skin causing for example sunburns, or, in severe cases, cancers upon long‐term UV exposure. There exist certain groups of patients, e.g. suffering from lupus or photodermatoses, who are particularly sensitive to UV (and sometimes also blue light) radiation. Note that the above mentioned effects are predominantly caused by natural sun light; some of them can never be evoked by artificial lighting. Nevertheless, the optical safety of artificial light sources needs to be guaranteed and light‐sensitive patients are provided with appropriate lamps that are a good and safe alternative to incandescent lamps.