The influence of ultraviolet radiation on the eyes and periocular skin

Main Article Content

Janusz Czajkowski
Robert Grabowski

Abstract

Excessive exposure to sunlight is harmful to our health. The effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays on the skin are commonly known, but our knowledge about the influence of sunlight on the eyes is neglected. Prolonged exposure to UVA accelerates skin ageing around the eyes.


Children are more exposed to UV radiation than adults and the elderly because of their more translucent lens. In the lenses of the elderly cataract develops easier, and with regard to the retina UVB is one of the risk factors for developing age-related macular degeneration. The first defensive reaction is to squint and narrow the pupils. Another filter are pigments to contained in the retina spot: lutein, and zeaxanthin. In addition, the eyes should be protected with sunglasses or contact lenses with an approved UV filter.


Above all; however, it is needed to remember about the moderate use of sunbathing and that tanning beds are recommended only for adults. People who spend a lot of time in the sun should consume a diet rich in antioxidants.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Article Details

How to Cite
1.
Czajkowski J, Grabowski R. The influence of ultraviolet radiation on the eyes and periocular skin. Ophthatherapy [Internet]. 2019Jun.30 [cited 2024Mar.29];6(2):65-8. Available from: https://www.journalsmededu.pl/index.php/ophthatherapy/article/view/944
Section
Articles

References

1. Jurja S, Coman M, Hîncu MC. The ultraviolet influence upon soft eye tissues. Rom J Morphol Embryol. 2017; 58(1): 45-52.
2. Rotman DA, Atherton CS, Bergmann DJ et al. IMPACT, the LLNL 3-D global atmospheric chemical transport model for the combined troposphere and stratosphere: Model description and analysis of ozone and other trace gases. J Geophys Res. 2004; 109: 1-42.
3. Sheedy J, Edlich RF. Ultraviolet eye radiation: the problem and solutions. J Long Term Eff Med Implants. 2004; 14(1): 67-71.
4. Lucas RM. An epidemiological perspective of ultraviolet exposure-public health concerns. Eye Contact Lens. 2011; 37(4): 168-75.
5. Demmig-Adams B, Adams RB. Eye Nutrition in Context: Mechanisms, Implementation, and Future Directions. Nutrients. 2013; 5: 2483-501.
6. Roberts JE. Ultraviolet Radiation as a Risk Factor for Cataract and Macular Degeneration. Eye Contact Lens. 2011; 37(4): 246-9.
7. Gefeller O, Uter W, Pfahlberg AB. Protection from Ultraviolet Radiation during Childhood: The Parental Perspective in Bavaria. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016; 13(10). pii: E1011.
8. Izadi M, Jonaidi-Jafari N, Pourazizi M et al. Photokeratitis induced by ultraviolet radiation in travelers: A major health problem. J Postgrad Med. 2018; 64(1): 40-6.
9. Masili M, Ventura L. Equivalence between solar irradiance and solar simulators in aging tests of sunglasses. Biomed Eng Online. 2016; 15(1): 86.
10. Roberts JE, Dennison J. The Photobiology of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Eye. J Ophthalmol. 2015: 687173.
11. Buscemi S, Corleo D, Di Pace F et al. The Effect of Lutein on Eye and Extra-Eye Health. Nutrients. 2018; 10(9). pii: E1321.
12. Thiagarajan R, Manikandan R. Antioxidants and cataract. Free Radic Res. 2013; 47(5): 337-45.