In recent years, veterinarians and avian experts have observed an increase in cases of cataracts and blindness among long-lived parrots. These are attributable to the improper use of so-called "natural sunlight lamps" for birds. UVB radiation has a significant impact on birds’ eyes, and many well-meaning parrot owners have unknowingly harmed their feathered friends by overusing lamps that emit UVB radiation.
In the wild, birds are exposed to UV radiation for only zero to six hours a day, with varying intensity and wavelength. This depends on many factors, such as geographic location, weather, time of day, and shade. Artificial lamps, on the other hand, always emit UV radiation at a constant intensity. An informative article by the Association of Avian Veterinarians examines the exposure of pet birds to artificial UVB and explains the varying intensity and exposure times for different species. We have linked the article here: Read more (in English)
A study by the Royal Society of Biological Sciences examined several species of parrots commonly kept as pets. The study found that these animals possess UV-sensitive visual pigments (UVS). Consequently, their eyes are extremely sensitive to UVB, and excessive exposure can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and even blindness. This is a topic that has not yet been extensively researched, and not all parrot species have been studied so far; nevertheless, the current state of research provides sufficient cause for caution regarding the use of UVB radiation in bird cages. We have made the full study available to you here (in English).
To protect your bird, make sure to choose a bird lamp that does not emit harmful UVB radiation. HappyBird bird lamps are safe in this regard, as the findings of the studies mentioned above were taken into account during their development.