Lens autofluorescence is not increased at high altitude.
OBJECTIVE
To study the relation between ambient environmental ultraviolet radiation exposure and lens fluorescence.


METHODS
Non-invasive lens fluorometry measurements were compared in healthy Bolivian and Danish subjects. Background ultraviolet radiation was 4.5 times higher in Bolivia than in Denmark.


RESULTS
No significant differences in lens fluorescence or transmittance were found between Bolivian and Danish volunteers.


CONCLUSIONS
Age-corrected lens fluorescence and transmittance were comparable for healthy participants living at high altitude near the equator and healthy volunteers living at sea level at 55 degrees northern latitude. These results suggest that lens ageing, as assessed by lens autofluorometry, is independent of exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark. line.kessel@dadlnet.dk
Line
L
Kessel
Peter Kristian
PK
Kofoed
Gustavo
G
Zubieta-Calleja
Michael
M
Larsen
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000531:Altitude; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001838:Bolivia; D003718:Denmark; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D005453:Fluorescence; D005470:Fluorometry; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology
D001786:Blood Glucose