Instances of eye disease could increase as a result of the global trend towards replacing incandescent globes with energy-efficient fluorescent ones.
A new study out of The Australian National University has found fluorescent lighting may cause a 12% rise in UV-related eye disease. In addition, the research shows the annual number of cases of cataracts and pyterygia in Australia could increase by 3000 and 7500 respectively as a result of the move to fluorescent globes.
Lead author of the study, Dr Helen Walls, says that the shift to fluorescent lighting means people are now being exposed to potentially damaging levels of ultraviolet radiation. UV radiation is considered to be a cause of cataracts and pterygia.
According to Dr Walls, while replacing incandescent lamps with fluorescent lighting will significantly reduce greenhouse gases, the shift might also “increase the population burden of eye disease.”
Read more at Australian National University