Final answer:
Optical instruments are protected against moisture by using cladding on the optical fibers, which also enhances durability and light transmission efficiency. Special chemically sensitive fibers can detect moisture and protect against environmental factors. Sunglasses with photochromic lenses protect eyes by reacting to UV light and are another example of optical protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Optical instruments are protected against moisture by a variety of means, including the use of cladding on optical fibers. Cladding is a layer of material with a lower index of refraction than the core of the fiber, ensuring that light is kept within the core via total internal reflection. This layer not only serves to guide light efficiently but also provides durability and protection against environmental factors such as moisture.
Moreover, when it comes to the cleaning of optical components, care must be taken not to reuse cloths that have collected debris, to avoid scratching the optical surfaces. In terms of chemical and moisture detection, specially manufactured optical fibers that change color when exposed to certain conditions can act as early warning systems.
Sunglasses also demonstrate the importance of protecting vision from harmful UV radiation, employing various optical effects such as photochromic lenses which react to sunlight exposure by darkening and revert to being clear in artificial lighting with no UV.