Optical hazard of solar radiation on the dilated eye’ Original research study

Abstract

Administration of drops to dilate pupils is a common medical procedure around the world prior to an eye examination. Drops cause clinically significant dilation of the pupil (mydriasis) and inhibit its response to the visible wavelengths [1, 2]. The energy absorbed by the retina is proportional to the aperture size [3], therefore the risk of a lesion increases with the diameter of the pupil [4]. There are a vast number of approved drugs, which brochures warn patients about potential risks. Not all mentions protecting eyesight from the light [5–7]. None of them indicate the solar radiation, the sun, the sunlight or similar as potential hazard. Within this research, I adopt international standards for artificial light sources [4, 8] to define the safety class and risk group for the solar radiation affecting the dilated eye. The solar radiation is hazardous, following standards’ thresholds [4, 8]. I indicate a lack of clarity and a single-minded approach in the drugs’ characteristics regarding this specific hazard. I encourage drug producers and medical society to validate this risk.