Will looking at a black light ruin my eyes?

Question

Will looking at a black light ruin my eyes?

Answer 1

While "black lights" do produce light in the UV range, their spectrum is confined to the longwave UVA region. UVA is considered the safest of the three spectra of UV light. It is the higher energy (shortwave) light in the UVB and UVC range that is responsible for the DNA damage that leads to skin cancer. UVA light is much lower in energy and does not cause sunburn. UVA is capable of causing damage to collagen fibers, so it does have the potential to accelerate skin aging and cause wrinkles. UVA can also destroy vitamin A in the skin.

UVA light can cause DNA damage, but not directly like UVB and UVC, it does so indirectly by producing reactive chemical intermediates, such as hydroxyl and oxygen radicals, which in turn can damage DNA. The strength of a black light in comparison to sunlight is minuscule, so it is doubtful that UVA light poses any significant health risks. The weak output of black lights should not cause DNA damage or cellular mutations the way sunlight can. Because of the potential harm to the eyes from unseen radiation, one should not stare into a black light. Professionals who work with black lights, particularly UV-B and UV-C lights, wear UV-protective eyewear with yellow-tinted lenses. The yellow tint blocks blue light waves in the HEV or near-UV spectrum, which doctors have associated with macular degeneration. Barring staring into a black light, experts do not believe that occasional exposure to black lights as used for entertainment purposes is harmful. However, those with prolonged or repeated exposure to black light should wear UV-protective eyewear that includes HEV protection.