Ocular ultraviolet B exposure and lens opacities: a review.
A review of the epidemiological evidence linking cataract and chronic ultraviolet B radiation (UV-B) exposure was carried out. The majority of ecological studies suggest an increased risk of cataract with residence in areas of greater ambient UV-B. Studies which have measured personal ocular exposure to UV-B have found that even low exposures, as encountered in the general populations of developed countries, confer a measurable risk of cortical cataract. There is sufficient evidence of increased risk of cortical lens opacity with ocular exposure to UV-B to warrant public health messages about simple measures to decrease exposure.
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Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
D002386:Cataract / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012307:Risk Factors; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology