Lens Epithelium: a Primary Target of UVB Irradiation

The Optical Properties of the Anterior Segment of the Eye: Implications for Cortical Cataract

“…Epidemiological studies have also specifically correlated cortical cataract and exposure to relatively short UV-B radiation (290-320 nm) but not UV-A (320-400 nm) (Taylor et al, 1988 ;West et al, 1998 ;Taylor, 1989) primarily based on the fact that individuals who wear spectacles have less chance of developing cortical cataracts. Some cellular and animal models also implicate UV-B (Andley et al, 1994 ;Hightower et al, 1994 ;Hightower and McCready, 1997 ;Reddy and Bhat, 1998). In the animal models, the initial site of damage is assumed to be the subcapsular epithelium.…”

Morphological Observation on Cell Death and Phagocytosis Induced by Ultraviolet Irradiation in a Cultured Human Lens Epithelial Cell Line

“…Then irreversible damage occurs. Recent studies have suggested that the lens epithelium may be the site of initiation for cataract development (Andley et al, 1994;Hightower et al, 1994;Hightower, 1995;Spector et al, 1995a,b;Li and Spector, 1996;Kojima et al, 1998). It is therefore important to examine the role of lens epithelial cells in the defense against UV and how these cells repair themselves after damages or injuries occurred.…”

Induction of Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 following Stress to the Lens

“…Cataract exists in many forms including nuclear, subcapsular and cortical opacities. Cortical cataracts are the most common type, and a number of factors are believed to increase their incidence, which include UV irradiation, dietary intake and oxidative stress (Leske, Chylack and Wu, 1991;Hightower et al, 1994;Spector, 1995). It is well established that mature cortical cataract involves proteolysis, and this arises at least in part from calcium-activated proteases (Duncan, Williams and Riach, 1994).…”