4/28/2023 0 Comments Uva uvb uvc![]() Geographic location: UV exposure is greater in tropical areas near the earth's equator. The actual dose of UV radiation you get outdoors depends on a number of factors, including: ![]() This UV Index devised by the Environmental Protection Agency and National Weather Service provides a color-coded warning system to alert people to the dangers of being outdoors on certain days.Īnyone who spends time outdoors is at risk for eye problems from UV radiation. Overexposure to UVA radiation has been linked to the development of certain types of cataracts, and research suggests UVA rays may play a role in development of macular degeneration. But UVA rays can pass through the cornea and reach the lens and retina inside the eye. UVA rays are closer to visible light rays and have lower energy than UVB and UVC rays. Overexposure to the sun's UVB radiation also is associated with a number of eye problems, including pinguecula, pterygium and photokeratitis ("snow blindness").īecause the cornea appears to absorb 100 percent of UVB rays, this type of UV radiation is unlikely to cause cataracts and macular degeneration, which instead is linked to UVA exposure (see below). UVB rays also cause skin discolorations, wrinkles and other signs of premature aging of the skin. In low doses, UVB radiation stimulates the production of melanin (a skin pigment), causing the skin to darken, creating a suntan.īut in higher doses, UVB rays cause sunburn that increases the risk of skin cancer. These rays are filtered partially by the ozone layer, but some still reach the Earth's surface. UVB rays have slightly longer wavelengths (280-315 nm) and lower energy than UVC rays. UVC rays have wavelengths that range from 100 to 280 nanometers (nm). Fortunately, the atmosphere's ozone layer blocks virtually all UVC rays.īut this also means depletion of the ozone layer potentially could allow high-energy UVC rays to reach the Earth's surface and cause serious UV-related health problems. These are the highest energy UV rays and potentially could be the most harmful to your eyes and skin. There are three categories of UV radiation: UVC While many people refer to ultraviolet radiation as " UV light," this term technically is incorrect because you cannot see UV rays. In the electromagnetic spectrum, radio waves have the lowest energy, and gamma rays have the highest energy. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are higher in energy and do not fall within the realm of visible light, as shown here.
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