Fluorescent Lighting Increases Eye Disease

In an attempt to mitigate climate change, the switch from incandescent light to the increased use of fluorescent lighting may increase eye disease by up to 12%. The safe range of light is 2000 to 3500K and greater than 500 nanometers. Falling outside of this range at about 4000K, a fluorescent light uses electricity to excite mercury vapor. This excitation results in producing UV radiation and visible light. The wavelength that is associated with fluorescent lighting (above a color temperature of 4000K) damages ocular tissues.

Image by PiccoloNamek on Wikimedia Commons

UV radiation is considered a cause of cataracts and pterygia (a benign growth of the conjunctiva that is caused by UV light). The association between degenerative eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, and chronic UV radiation exposure  is increasing.  Researchers reported that photoreceptors in the retina are vulnerable to damage by UV light, suggesting that rods are affected earlier than cones. It is advised to avoid the use of close-range fluorescent lighting, including desk lamps, to reduce the risks of UV radiation.

It is recommended that fluorescent lighting should be replaced by warm-white tubes or incandescent light bulbs of a lower color temperature. If fluorescent lights are continued to be used, a UV filter is highly recommended. The safe range of light appears to be between 2000 and 3500K and a wavelength greater than 500 nm.

Reference

Walls, H. L., Walls, K. L., & Benke, G. (2011). Eye disease resulting from increased use of fluorescent lighting as a climate change mitigation strategy. American Journal of Public Health, 101(12), 2222–2225. doi:10.2105/ajph.2011.300246