PHOTOKERATITIS.

Abstract

Ultraviolet radiation may cause photokeratitis, a painful inflammation of the cornea of the eye. The spectral responsivity for photokeratitis - the action spectrum - follows a characteristic curve, the maximum of which lies at 288 nm according to Cogan and Kinsey, at 270 nm according to Pitts et al. The threshold dose is between 50 and 100 J/m**2. The threshold exposure times are evaluated, within the range of validity of Bunsen-Roscoe law, for some sources. The data obtained by various authors are compared and the discrepancies are discussed. As a final statement, the CIE Division 6 recommends the use of the data of Cogan and Kinsey.