ABSTRACT
After reading the following chapter and undertaking personal study, you should be able to:
Describe transverse waves.
Describe light as an electromagnetic wave and identify it as part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Explain what the term ‘white light’ means.
Describe the following properties of light: reflection, refraction, interference and polarisation.
Describe the effects of concave and convex lenses on parallel rays of light.
Using the explanations given in point 5, explain how lenses are used to correct the two vision defects hyperopia and myopia.
Describe the mechanism of vision and how we see.
Use the explanation given in point 7 to explain the different forms of blindness and, where appropriate, outline possible treatment options.
Briefly describe the mechanism of operation of the microscope and the fibre-optic endoscope.
Outline what is meant by the term ‘laser’ and give examples of the use of lasers in clinical practice.
Distinguish between the three bands of ultraviolet light and identify sources of each.
Using the explanation given in point 11, explain the effects of ultraviolet light on tanning, vitamin D synthesis and the development of skin cancer.
Using the explanation given in point 12, describe appropriate health-promotion advice regarding exposure to sunlight and the prevention of sunburn and skin cancer.
