The corneal epithelium is most sensitive to radiation from which type of UV light?

The corneal epithelium is most sensitive to UV-C radiation, which ranges from 100 to 280 nanometers. This sensitivity stems from the fact that UV-C light is strongly absorbed by DNA and proteins present in the cells of the corneal epithelium, leading to various detrimental effects, such as DNA damage and inflammatory responses.

In detail, UV-C radiation is particularly harmful because it possesses the shortest wavelength and therefore carries the highest energy among the UV spectrum. This high energy can cause direct cellular damage, including keratitis and other ocular surface injuries.

The cornea acts as a protective barrier for the inner ocular structures, and the epithelial cells have limited capability to repair DNA damage caused by UV-C exposure. As a result, prolonged or intense exposure can compromise the integrity of the corneal tissue, making it more susceptible to infections and other complications.

In contrast, while UV-A and UV-B light also pose risks to ocular health, especially UV-B, their longer wavelengths result in less energy per photon compared to UV-C. Additionally, visible light does not fall within the UV spectrum and is generally not associated with the same level of corneal sensitivity or damage. Thus, the significant sensitivity of the corneal epitheli