Solar ultraviolet radiation cataract.
Despite being a treatable disease, cataract is still the leading cause for blindness in the world. Solar ultraviolet radiation is epidemiologically linked to cataract development, while animal and in vitro studies prove a causal relationship. However, the pathogenetic pathways for the disease are not fully understood and there is still no perfect model for human age related cataract. This non-comprehensive overview focus on recent developments regarding effects of solar UV radiation wavebands on the lens. A smaller number of fundamental papers are also included to provide a backdrop for the overview. Future studies are expected to further clarify the cellular and subcellular mechanisms for UV radiation-induced cataract and especially the isolated or combined temporal and spatial effects of UVA and UVB in the pathogenesis of human cataract. Regardless of the cause for cataract, there is a need for advances in pharmaceutical or other treatment modalities that do not require surgical replacement of the lens.
Karolinska Institutet, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Polhemsgatan 50, 11282 Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address: stefan.lofgren@ki.se.
Stefan
S
Löfgren
D000818:Animals; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D003459:Crystallins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D003459:Crystallins
Cataract; Crystalline lens; Oxidative stress; Transmittance; Ultraviolet radiation