Cataracts and Ultraviolet Light
Topic Overview
Ultraviolet
(UV) radiation, such as sunlight, is absorbed by the lens
of the eye and can lead to the formation of chemicals called free radicals
inside the lens. Over time, free radicals may damage the lens, causing
cataracts.
People exposed to excessive amounts of sunlight because of their
profession (such as agricultural workers), geographic area (such as sunny parts of the country), or use of tanning booths
or sunlamps may be more likely to form cataracts.
It is not known for sure whether reducing UV exposure helps
prevent cataracts.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology |
|
Last Revised
|
August 24, 2011 |
Last Revised:
August 24, 2011