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Relationship Between Facial Melasma and Ocular Photoaging Diseases
Lunla Udomwech1, Chime Eden2, Weeratian Tawanwongsri3
1Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand.
Medical Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 23, 2025
Summary
Facial melasma and nuclear cataracts share a common cause related to UV radiation exposure. Sun protection may reduce the risk of both conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Ophthalmology
- Photobiology
Background:
- Facial melasma is a prevalent, chronic skin condition impacting many women, particularly in Southeast Asia.
- Ocular photoaging diseases are common in aging populations due to chronic sun exposure.
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a suspected factor in both melasma and ocular conditions, but their direct link is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between facial melasma and UV-induced ocular conditions.
- To explore the relationship between melasma severity and ocular conditions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 315 participants aged 30-80 years in Thailand.
- Clinical and dermoscopic diagnosis of facial melasma, with severity assessed by the modified Melasma Area Severity Index.
- Ophthalmological examinations for UV-related ocular conditions like cataracts, pinguecula, pterygium, and age-related macular degeneration.
Main Results:
- Facial melasma was present in 66.0% of participants.
- A significant association was found between facial melasma and nuclear cataracts (adjusted odds ratio, 2.590; p = 0.002).
- Melasma severity positively correlated with nuclear cataract severity (ρ = 0.186, p = 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Facial melasma and nuclear cataracts may share a common pathogenesis linked to UV radiation.
- Sun protection strategies, such as sunscreen and UV-blocking eyewear, could potentially lower the risk of both conditions.
- Further multicenter research is recommended to validate these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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