title: Ultraviolet radiation and cataract development in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
abstract: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of several factors thought to cause cataracts. This retrospective study of a population in the West Indies who had had voluntary cataract surgery sought to determine the effect of a relatively high level of UV exposure and the type of exposure. This population had a high incidence of nuclear/brunescent cataracts, which correlates with the type of radiation present. Yet the results indicate that although chronic exposure to UV radiation may play a role in the type and location of cataracts, other factors (e.g., age, diabetes) are more important in their formation.
authors: Island Medical Center, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands 00820.
authors: A L
authors: AL
authors: Anduze
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002386:Cataract / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000293:injuries / Q000528:radiation effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014767:United States Virgin Islands / Q000453:epidemiology; D014792:Visual Acuity