Ultraviolet radiation and the eye

Abstract

The eye responds rapidly and reversibly to visible radiation. Although it has been suspected that UV-B radiation might induce irreversible ocular change, until recently, there has been little quantitative data on the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the eye. Recent epidemiologic studies have shown a strong correlation between UVB exposure during adult life and cortical cataract; a doubling of cumulative UV-B exposure led to a 60% increase in risk of higher exposure at each year of life. UV-B radiation has also been associated with posterior subcapsular cataract and various corneal changes. To date, epidemiologic data do not link UV-B exposure to either nuclear cataract or senile macular d..