THE EFFECTIVENESS OF POLY(ALLYL DIGLYCOL CARBONATE) (CR-39) FOR LOW-DOSE SOLAR ULTRAVIOLET DOSIMETRY

The suitability of CR-39 (poly[allyl diglycol carbonate]) for low-dose solar UV ocular dosimetry was investigated and compared with polysulf one film. The CR-39 was sourced from two suppliers and cut into indivi dual dosimeters and contact lenses. Ail CR-39 and polysulfone dosimete rs were exposed to sunlight (0-9 minimal erythemal dose). After exposu re, CR-39 dosimeters were etched in 6 M and 8 M KOH (potassium hydroxi de) at 80 degrees C to reveal UV-induced front surface opacities that were quantified by spectrophotometric transmittance measurements at 40 0 nm and 720 nm. Post-exposed polysulfone dosimeters were analyzed for change in absorbance by spectrophotometry at 330 nm. The CR-39, in th e form of individual dosimeters and as contact lenses, was not capable of accurate dose assessment for the dose range considered. On the oth er hand, polysulfone was found to be a reliable dosimeter over the sam e dose range.