Vol 3, No 2 (2018)
Review paper
Published online: 2018-11-29
Adverse effect of UV radiation on eyes — a review
DOI: 10.5603/OJ.2018.0033
Ophthalmol J 2018;3(2):63-67.
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.
Keywords: ophthalmologyultraviolet lightcataractAMDmelanoma
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