Sunlight, Skin Sensitivity, and Senile Cataract

Abstract

This study explores the association between sunlight exposure and senile cataract, taking into account such individual differences as skin sensitivity to sunlight and the use of sun-shielding devices, i.e., sunglasses and hats. A case-control study was conducted among 160 matched pairs of subjects between October 1, 1984 and June 1, 1985 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. Cases were selected from among all patients admitted for inpatient or outpatient cataract surgery who were at least 40 years old. Controls were selected from among those waiting for a friend or relative who was attending one of the ophthalmology clinics. Controls were matched to the cases on a 1:1 basis on sex and age (+/- one year). No association was observed between history of sunlight exposure and senile cataract. However, independent of sunlight exposure, the cases with nuclear cataracts reported a more severe acute skin response upon exposure to sunlight for the first time in the summer (a severe burn with blistering) than did their age- and sex-matched controls (McNemar odds ratio (OR) = 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-2.91). In addition, independent of sunlight exposure, the male controls reported a greater average lifetime use of head coverings in summer which shaded their eyes from the sun than did their age- and sex-matched cases (McNemar OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.25-0.94).

Analysis of nuclear fiber cell compaction in transparent and cataractous diabetic human lenses by scanning electron microscopy

“…Several population studies have documented a link between diabetes and senile cataract formation in persons aged 65 years and younger [21-26]. Conversely, a number of studies have shown little association of nuclear cataracts with diabetes [27-29]. Though this relationship continues to be debated, as are the underlying physiological mechanisms, premature opacification may occur due to an increased susceptibility to oxidative damage.…”

The Role of Ultraviolet Radiation in the Ocular System of Mammals

“…A number of epidemiological studies have determines that the amount of sun exposure is directly correlated with incidence and prevalence of cataracts in the population [51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69]. Opacification of the crystalline lens that causes reduced passage of light is called a cataract.…”

Oxidative Stress and Age-Related Cataract

“…On the same note the greater prevalence of cortical opacities in the lower nasal quadrant of the lens also provides indirect support to a possible role of sunlight in cataract etiology [14]. Other studies however reported negative or inconclusive results [15, 16, 17, 18]. These results may be explained, at least in part, by the high percentage of nuclear cataracts in the corresponding study samples, by different ranges of sunlight exposure among participants, by a different population mobility during lifetime or by residual confounding.…”