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Sunlight Exposure Increases Cataract Risk.

Cataracts are the leading cause of visual loss. One recognized preventable cause in high-risk occupational groups is exposure to UV-B radiation in sunlight. However, the importance of sunlight in the development of cataracts in the general population is uncertain. This epidemiologic study assessed the relation between photographically documented lens opacities and sunlight exposure in 2520 elderly people (26 percent African American, 58 percent women) in Salisbury, Maryland.

Estimates of sunlight exposure were based on formulas that accounted for the fraction of time spent outdoors during each month of the year and the use of hats and eye wear. There was a dose-response relation between sunlight exposure and lens opacities in men and women and in African Americans and whites. Cumulative exposure appeared to be a factor driving lens opacity risk.

Comment: These data indicate that sunlight exposure may well be a cause of cataract formation for all races and both genders, and supports the use of eye protection measures such as hats, plastic glasses, and sunglasses.

— TH Lee

Published in Journal Watch General Medicine September 11, 1998

Citation(s):

West SK et al. Sunlight exposure and risk of lens opacities in a population-based study. JAMA 1998 Aug 26 280 714-718.

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