A study on light transmittance through red protective shields modified with different window films

Abstract

Objectives/Aims:This study aimed to improve effectiveness of red protective shields in filtering unwanted light using window films.Materials and Methods:Red protective shields were modified by placing V-Kool (VK), Scotchtint (ST) or Hüper Optik (HP) window films on both sides. Percentage transmittance (%T) of light with a wavelength of 190–990 nm was determined using a double-beam ultraviolet (UV) and visible spectrophotometer.Results:In UV light (190–390 nm) and visible light (430–590 nm) ranges, %T in all modified groups and the control was below 2.5%. An increase in %T was observed at the wavelength of 630 nm, when all the modified shields showed superior effectiveness in light filtration over the control. In the infrared spectrum (700–990 nm), %T in the control was constantly high, ranging from 86 to 91%, compared to %T of 2–38% in all the modified groups, with the application of VK on both sides being the most effective group, followed by a combination of VK and HP.Conclusion:This study has introduced an economical and simple, yet highly effective, means of enhancing the efficiency of a red plastic protection shield in filtering unwanted infrared light, thereby additionally providing protection for dental personnel from potential ocular damages.

Reply to: Relevance of investigating light transmittance through red protective shields in dentistry

“…We are very much grateful for Dr Ellen Bruzell's expert opinions on our publication, titled 'A study on light transmittance through red protective shields modified with different window films'. 1 We did appreciate that LED-based light-curing dental devices have become increasingly popular because of their superior effectiveness over halogen-based lightcuring units. Nevertheless, especially in developing countries, halogen-based light-curing units are still widely used in dental practice.…”

Relevance of investigating light transmittance through red protective shields in dentistry

“…However, we became aware of a recent publication that did not represent the usual up-to-date information in the field of dentistry, namely ‘A study on light transmittance through red protective shields modified with different window films’ published on 30 June 2017 in BDJ Open . 1 Although we are convinced that the authors have the best intentions in conveying the message that clinicians’ eyes must be protected during treatments using optical radiation, we are afraid that a solution is presented to a marginal or non-existent problem. As the wavelengths emitted by LED-based dental light-curing devices so closely match those that are most detrimental to retina and the output of these lamps are high enough to theoretically exceed the limit values in normal use within a workday, the focus should be on eye protection against blue light.…”