Evaluation of the Photo-Protection of Eye-Patch Protectors Used in Phototherapy

An evaluation method for the practical photoprotection of eye-patch protectors ( EPs ) used in phototherapy for neonatal jaundice is developed. The protecting condition of neonatal eyes using EPs under typical phototherapy light is simulated. The simulation system consists of a neonatal head manikin, an International Light(R) ILT 900 widebad rapid portable spectroradiorneter, a standard Air Shields Isolette(R) incubator, and a Medela(R)fluorescent phototherapy unit. The results show that the practical protection of neonatal eyes, provided by EPs which are affected by the material characteristic, shape design, and wearing condition, is comprehensively illustrated using the indices of illuminance (Ev in lux unit) and the spectral irradiance (E in μW/(cm2 · nm) unit).