This is because the cornea absorbs virtually all such shortwave radiation. More precisely, Lembares et al . However, if the tetanizing weapon were directed at the eyes for several minutes the target subject would experience actinic conjunctivitis and photokeratitis. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane that covers the anterior surface of the eye and the eyelid. Photokeratitis is a painful irritation of the cornea that is accompanied by a sensation of foreign matter in the eye, minor swelling, lacrimation and photophobia.
All ocular damage is a function of both wavelength and intensity.
Puliafito et al . Moreover Trokel et al. This means that the peak power needed for the ionization of air by a visible-light beam is much too high for safety. At such wavelengths and intensity it would penetrate the cornea unhindered and deeply burn the retina. In summary, the cornea protects the internal ocular structures from shortwave ultraviolet radiation.