THE BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF UV-B ON THE EYE

  1. Hugh R. Taylor*

Article first published online: 2 JAN 2008

DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.1989.tb05553.x

Issue

Photochemistry and Photobiology

Photochemistry and Photobiology

Volume 50, Issue 4, pages 489–492, October 1989

Additional Information

How to Cite

Taylor, H. R. (1989), THE BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF UV-B ON THE EYE. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 50: 489–492. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.1989.tb05553.x

Author Information

  1. The Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology of The Wilmer Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore and The School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 2 JAN 2008
  2. Article first published online: 2 JAN 2008
  3. (Received 22 March 1989; accepted 5 April 1989)

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Abstract

–The adverse effects of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation on the eye have been suspected but only recently have they been quantified by epidemiologic studies in humans. These studies became possible as methods to qualify individual ocular UV-B exposure were developed. A consistent dose-dependent association between ocular UV-B exposure and two common types of cataract (cortical and posterior subcapsular) has been shown. Although suggested by experimental studies, at present, evidence does not exist to link UV-B exposure to senile macular degeneration. Ocular exposure to UV-B is also associated with several corneal changes, pterygium, climatic droplet keratopathy, and acute photokeratitis (snow blindness). Significant reduction in ocular UV-B exposure results from the use of eyeglasses and hats.

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