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UK hospitals assess eye damage after solar eclipse

BMJ 1999; 319 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.319.7208.469 (Published 21 August 1999) Cite this as: BMJ 1999;319:469

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Antioxidants to quench free radicals in solar retinal burn

Since much evidence exists for the involvement of free radicals in
the mechanism of burn injuries* it is reasonable to assume that immediate
oral or IV ascorbate* and a suitable form of d-alpha-tocopherol* IV,
would be effective in the prevention of lifelong central scotoma at least
in borderline cases of solar burn.

I am certain that Prof Denham Harman M.D., Ph.D. Emeritus, Nebraska
Univ. (Father of the Free Radical Teory of Ageing and Disease 1954) with
whom I am in regular communication, would endorse this view.

Free Radic Biol Med 1998 Dec;25(9):1006-12

Modulation of UV-light-induced skin inflammation by D-alpha-
tocopherol and L-ascorbic acid: a clinical study using solar simulated
radiation.

Fuchs J, Kern H
Department of Dermatology, Medical School, J.W. Goethe University,
Frankfurt, Germany.

Competing interests: No competing interests

21 August 1999
Sydney J Bush
Independednt Optometrist
The Hull Contact Lens Clinic