A Simplified Approach to Evaluate Retinal Blue Light Hazard Using the Correlated Color Temperature of LED Light Sources

Fereydoon Laal,Hamed Falahi, , ,Farough Mohammadian,Kamaladdin Abedi,Hossein Ebrahimi,Ahmad Mehri

doi:10.32598/jaehr.9.4.1226

Abstract

Background: Visible light of short wavelength (blue light) can damage the retina cells, called blue light hazard. To protect the retina, permissible exposure limits have been determined by ICNIRP (the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) and other health and safety agencies. These limits include complex physical concepts, and their evaluation requires light measuring instruments equipped with a blue light hazard function filter, which is not available at the moment in developing countries. This study aims to assess retinal blue light hazard using the correlated color temperature of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) light sources. Methods: In this study, a new method was proposed for evaluating the retinal blue light hazard using only the Correlated Color Temperature (CCL) of LED light sources for which concern on blue light hazard has currently been reinforced. In the proposed method, the radiometric quantity (blue light effective radiance) in W.m-2.sr-1 was converted to the corresponding photometric quantity (blue light effective luminance) in lm.m-2.sr-1. Then a computer code was developed for relevant calculations. Results: The estimated permissible exposure times applying the new photometry approach were highly reliable and supported by the literature. The proposed method is particularly useful because it eliminates the need to utilize any light measuring device. Conclusion: The new approach makes the concept of blue light hazard straightforward and understandable for all specialists dealing with optical radiation safety.

Highlights

I ntense visible radiation may cause a photochemical injury in the human eye called “photoretinitis” or “blue-light retinal injury” [1]
This study aims to assess retinal blue light hazard using the correlated color temperature of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) light sources
In this study, a new method was proposed for evaluating the retinal blue light hazard using only the Correlated Color Temperature (CCL) of LED light sources for which concern on blue light hazard has currently been reinforced

Summary

Introduction

I ntense visible radiation may cause a photochemical injury in the human eye called “photoretinitis” or “blue-light retinal injury” [1] The potential for this damage resulting from exposure of the eye to the highest energy wavelengths of the visible spectrum (between 400-700 nanometre (nm) is called “Blue Light Hazard” (BLH) [2, 3]. The second is caused when a retinal temperature shift of 10 °C-20 °C is achieved after short-term exposure to high-power density light The latter, which is the mechanism responsible for BLH results when the individual observes high-energy short wavelengths for a long time period [4, 7, 8]. Permissible exposure limits have been determined by ICNIRP (the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) and other health and safety agencies These limits include complex physical concepts, and their evaluation requires light measuring instruments equipped with a blue light hazard function filter, which is not available at the moment in developing countries. This study aims to assess retinal blue light hazard using the correlated color temperature of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) light sources

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion