Adverse effect of UV radiation on eyes — a review

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.

Eye Care Behaviors among Adults in Poland: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

“…Chronic UV light exposure is harmful to the eye [ 10 , 11 ]. In this study, only 27.3% of participants declared they wore sunglasses with a UV filter on a sunny day.…”

“…Significant differences in sunglasses use to socioeconomic factors suggest that there is a further need for eye health education. Public health campaigns should underline the importance of sunglasses with UV filters for health purposes (protection against UV radiation) [ 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”

“…There is a strong correlation between ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure and eye diseases [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Chronic UV light exposure to the eye has been associated with cataract formation, pterygium, climatic droplet keratopathy, and eyelid malignancies [ 10 , 11 ]. Wearing sunglasses with a UV filter on a sunny day is an example of eye care behavior that provides UV eye protection [ 12 ].…”