UV EFFECTS ON EYES 



HUGH R. TAYLOR 



The Wilmer Institute 



Johns Hopkins Hospital 



600 Wolfe St. 



Baltimore, MD 21205 



ABSTRACT: To investigate the association between exposure to ultraviolet (UV) 

 radiation and cataract, we undertook an epidemiologic survey of cataract among 

 838 watermen who work on the Chesapeake Bay. Their individual ocular exposure 

 was calculated for each year of life over the age of 16 by combining a detailed 

 occupational history with laboratory and field measurements. Cataracts were 

 clinically graded by both type and severity. Those people with cortical lens 

 opacities had a 21% higher UV-B exposure at each year of life, and a UV-B 

 exposure above the median increased the risk of cortical cataract by over 

 threefold. No association was found between nuclear lens opacities and UV-B 

 exposure. Neither cortical nor nuclear opacities were associated with UV-A 

 exposure. Simple measures such as wearing a hat or spectacles protect the eye 

 and could potentially reduce the amount of cortical cataract attributed to UV-B 

 exposure. 



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