Changes in Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure to the Ocular Region: A Population-Based Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Dermatology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The association between ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and skin cancers is well-established.
• However, the link between UVR exposure and uveal melanoma (UM) is controversial and requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between UVR exposure and uveal melanoma (UM).
• To evaluate incidence rates of cutaneous malignancies in the eyelids as a proxy for UVR exposure in the ocular region.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a population-based cancer registry to analyze 74,053 cases of eyelid basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and 7890 cases of melanoma from 1982 to 2007.
• Compared incidence trends of eyelid cancers with other cutaneous areas, including chronically and intermittently exposed skin, and facial skin.

Main Results:

• Incidence rates of eyelid basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and uveal melanoma (UM) remained stable over the study period.
• In contrast, other cutaneous areas showed an increase in skin cancer rates.
• Statistical analysis revealed significantly different incidence trends for BCC and melanoma between the eyelid region and other body parts.

Conclusions:

• The differing cancer incidence trends between the peri-ocular region and the rest of the body suggest a unique or distinct pattern of UVR exposure in the ocular area.
• This finding may contribute to understanding the controversial relationship between UVR and uveal melanoma.