Are Black Lights Bad for Newborn Babies?

Black Lights Explained

• A black light, often called a UV-A light or an ultraviolet light, isn't black at all, but actually emits a bold purple or blue glow when other lights are shut off and it's completely dark. Black lights are often used in dance clubs and other entertainment venues such as laser tag and indoor miniature golf locations. Similar technology is used in bug zapping lights. A Wood's lamp is like a black light and is used to provide advanced examination of the skin to diagnose infections and color changes. Black lights work by emitting ultraviolet light, which is what causes things to glow or appear fluorescent.

Dangers of Ultraviolet Light

• While passing exposure to black lights is probably harmless, prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet light that black lights emit can cause problems. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light in a short amount of time can cause photokeratitis, according to the American Optometric Association. Photokeratitis is like a sunburn on the eye and causes increased sensitivity to light, discomfort in the eyes and excessive tearing. The condition is usually temporary, but is uncomfortable while it heals. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, such as that emitted by black lights, can damage the retina and increase the risk of certain eye disorders -- such as cataracts -- later in life. These impacts are particularly dangerous for your baby because his eyes are still developing, according to the American Printing House for the Blind.

Special Considerations

• While all babies are susceptible to the potential damages of black lights and their ultraviolet light, premature babies are at a higher risk. Exposure to ultraviolet light can permanently damage the retinas of a premature baby because her eyes haven't fully developed yet, according to Peter Robert Boyce, author of "Human Factors in Lighting." All babies, premature or not, haven't had the chance to build up any natural protection from ultraviolet light, which occurs as a person ages, according to the American Printing House for the Blind. Because they don't have any natural protection, smaller doses of black light exposure can be quite damaging even if they don't seem to bother older children and adults.

Protecting Your Baby

• The easiest way to protect the health of your baby's eyes is to keep him away from black lights. Don't worry about passing exposure if you walk through a room with a black light, but don't stick around in the area. If you know you'll be in a place with black light, putting infant sunglasses on your baby will provide some protection. Look for sunglasses that block UV-A rays, which are available at most stores that sell baby clothes and gear. Limit your baby's exposure to the sun, as well, because it's more likely that the UV-A rays emitted by the sun will damage your baby's eyes because he's likely exposed to the sun more often than he is to black lights.