Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
13:56
Characterization of Molecular Mechanisms of In vivo UVR Induced Cataract
Published on: November 28, 2012
Selected sun-sensitizing medications and incident cataract.
Barbara E K Klein1, Kristine E Lee, Lorraine G Danforth
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 53726-2336, USA. kleinb@epi.ophth.wisc.edu
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|June 16, 2010
Summary
Sun-sensitizing medications combined with sun exposure significantly increase the risk of cortical cataract. This interaction highlights potential medication risks for age-related eye conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Age-related cataract is a leading cause of vision impairment.
- Sun exposure is a known risk factor for various eye conditions.
- The role of sun-sensitizing medications in cataract development requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between sun-sensitizing medication use and the incidence of age-related cataract.
- To explore potential interactions between medication use and cumulative sun exposure.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, assessing sun exposure via residential history (Wisconsin sun-years).
- Medication history and cataract presence (graded from lens photographs) were recorded at baseline and subsequent examinations.
- Statistical analyses controlled for age, sex, diabetes, alcohol consumption, and protective eyewear use.
Main Results:
- No significant independent effect of sun exposure or sun-sensitizing medications on overall cataract incidence.
- A significant interaction was found: combined sun exposure and sun-sensitizing medication use increased cortical cataract risk (P = .04).
- This interaction remained significant after adjusting for other potential confounding factors.
Conclusions:
- Sun-sensitizing medications may interact with sun exposure to elevate the risk of cortical cataract.
- This finding suggests potential implications for prescribing practices and patient counseling regarding medication use and sun protection.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:35Mutations
Mutations are changes in the sequence of DNA. These changes can occur spontaneously or they can be induced by exposure to environmental factors. Mutations can be characterized in a number of different ways: whether and how they alter the amino acid sequence of the protein, whether they occur over a small or large area of DNA, and whether they occur in somatic cells or germline cells.
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...