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Vol 3, No 2 (2018)
Review paper
Published online: 2018-11-29
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Adverse effect of UV radiation on eyes — a review

Paulina Łatka1, Dominika Nowakowska2, Katarzyna Nowomiejska23, Robert Rejdak245
DOI: 10.5603/OJ.2018.0033
·
Ophthalmol J 2018;3(2):63-67.
Affiliations
  1. Students Scientific Association of General Ophthalmology Clinic with Unit of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland, Lublin, Poland
  2. Department of General Ophthalmology and Pediatric Ophthalmology Service, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
  3. Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
  4. Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland, Warsaw, Poland
  5. European School for Advanced Studies in Ophthalmology, Lugano, Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland

open access

Vol 3, No 2 (2018)
REVIEW
Published online: 2018-11-29

Abstract

The aim of this study is to discuss the association between ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and eye diseases. UVR which
reaches the surface of the Earth consists of 95% UVA and 5% of UVB. Both acute and chronic exposure to UVR
leads to pathological changes in the eye. There is strong evidence that UVR exposure causes photokeratitis, photoretinitis,
climatic droplet keratopathy, cataract, pterygium, squamous cell carcinoma of cornea and conjunctiva,
cancer of the eyelids (squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma). Association between UVR and pinguecula, AMD
(age-related macular degeneration) and melanoma of the eyeball is ambiguous. UVR exposure occurs all day and all
year long, which is why eye protection is necessary to avoid diseases induced by UVR. In particular childrens’ eyes
should be protected from the sun. Efficient protection is provided by accurate clothing, hats, eyeglasses or contact
lenses blocking UV light.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to discuss the association between ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and eye diseases. UVR which
reaches the surface of the Earth consists of 95% UVA and 5% of UVB. Both acute and chronic exposure to UVR
leads to pathological changes in the eye. There is strong evidence that UVR exposure causes photokeratitis, photoretinitis,
climatic droplet keratopathy, cataract, pterygium, squamous cell carcinoma of cornea and conjunctiva,
cancer of the eyelids (squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma). Association between UVR and pinguecula, AMD
(age-related macular degeneration) and melanoma of the eyeball is ambiguous. UVR exposure occurs all day and all
year long, which is why eye protection is necessary to avoid diseases induced by UVR. In particular childrens’ eyes
should be protected from the sun. Efficient protection is provided by accurate clothing, hats, eyeglasses or contact
lenses blocking UV light.

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Keywords

ophthalmology; ultraviolet light; cataract; AMD; melanoma

About this article
Title

Adverse effect of UV radiation on eyes — a review

Journal

Ophthalmology Journal

Issue

Vol 3, No 2 (2018)

Article type

Review paper

Pages

63-67

Published online

2018-11-29

Page views

1352

Article views/downloads

1600

DOI

10.5603/OJ.2018.0033

Bibliographic record

Ophthalmol J 2018;3(2):63-67.

Keywords

ophthalmology
ultraviolet light
cataract
AMD
melanoma

Authors

Paulina Łatka
Dominika Nowakowska
Katarzyna Nowomiejska
Robert Rejdak

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