Light Wave Comparison Chart

Light Wave Comparision Chart

The perceived color of light is characterized by how yellowish or how bluish/white the light appears to the eye.

Detrimental Effects to the Eye Perceived Color of Light
400 to 420 nanometers - effects are high
420 to 650 nanometers - effects are very low
700 nanometers and up - effects increase
Daylight - the whitest
Metal Halide - very close to daylight
Halogen - half of daylight (yellow)
Chart Comparison:
Metal Halide Arc Halogen
  • Appears bluish/white
  • Less detrimental UV energy (due to filter used)
  • Spectral output is 420 - 700 nanometers
  • Less total light energy is needed to visualize retinal tissue due to the whiteness of light
  • Low power lamp, runs much cooler than halogen
  • Appears more yellow
  • More total light required for effective visualization of retinal tissue
  • Spectral output is <400 - 700 nanometers (depending on IR filter used)
  • Much more heat is generated

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