Effects of thermoregulatory mechanisms on the eye thermal elevation produced by intense RF exposures

A numerical study is proposed to investigate on the maximum temperature increase in the human eye produced by intense radiofrequency (RF) exposure. In particular, the ICNIRP limits prescribed in terms of local specific absorption rate (SAR) on the human head for occupational exposure have been employed as reference values. The purpose is to establish a rationale relationship between the maximum admissible SAR value (dose) and the corresponding temperature rise (effect). To this aim, an accurate thermal model based on the bio-heat equation (BHE) together with a complex thermoregulatory system has been developed. A detailed modeling of the ocular cooling mechanisms has been also considered for the first time under several kinds of exposure and environmental conditions. The obtained results show that the maximum temperature increases in the lens for the INCNIRP limits are 1.38-1.51degC.