Mm. Sydenham et al., MEASUREMENT OF ULTRAVIOLET-RADIATION AT THE SURFACE OF THE EYE, Investigative ophthalmology & visual science, 38(8), 1997, pp. 1485-1492
Purpose. A new method for the measurement of ultraviolet radiation tha
t reaches the surface of the eye is described. Methods. The technique
uses contact lenses produced from the ultraviolet-sensitive plastic po
lysulfone. Two types of polysulfone contact lenses (9 mm and 12 mm in
diameter) were manufactured from a polysulfone rod. The 9-mm polysulfo
ne contact lens could be calibrated and used to determine the ocular-t
o-ambient exposure ratio in a fashion similar to polysulfone film badg
es. The 12-mm polysulfone contact lens was designed as a ''piggy-back'
' lens and required a larger diameter polymethylmethacrylate carrier l
ens to fit the eye adequately. A method of in vivo stabilization was d
eveloped to minimize lens rotation. Results. During four wearing trial
s, the ratio of ocular-to-ambient ultraviolet exposure ranged from 4%
to 23%. Conclusions. Contact lenses manufactured from polysulfone offe
r the potential to study the exposure of the eye to ultraviolet radiat
ion. The smaller diameter lens can measure an average ocular exposure,
whereas the larger, stabilized, piggy-back design may allow regional
dose assessment across the entire lens surface.