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Ultraviolet radiation and the eye: an epidemiologic study.
1Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Exposure to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation significantly increases the risk of developing cortical cataract. Simple protective measures like wearing spectacles or hats can effectively reduce this risk.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Previous studies suggested a link between UV-B radiation and cataract.
- Quantifying ocular UV-B exposure and cataract severity in field studies was previously challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between quantified ocular UV-B exposure and cataract development.
- To assess the risk factors for different types of cataracts.
Main Methods:
- An epidemiologic survey of 838 watermen was conducted.
- Ocular UV-B exposure was quantified annually based on occupational history and measurements.
- Cataracts were graded clinically and photographically; confounding factors were assessed.
Main Results:
- Cortical lens opacities were associated with 21% higher annual UV-B exposure.
- Doubling lifetime UV-B exposure increased cortical cataract risk by 60%.
- High annual UV-B exposure more than tripled the risk of cortical cataract; pterygium and CDK were also linked to UV-B exposure.
Conclusions:
- UV-B exposure is a significant risk factor for cortical cataract, pterygium, and CDK.
- Wearing protective eyewear and hats can mitigate UV-B exposure and reduce cataract risk.
- Public education on UV-B protection is a cost-effective disease prevention strategy.