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Ultraviolet radiation and cataract development in the U.S. Virgin Islands

1993; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 19; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s0886-3350(13)80960-1

1873-4502

Alfred Anduze,

Climate Change and Health Impacts

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of several factors thought to cause cataracts. This retrospective study of a population in the West Indies who had had voluntary cataract surgery sought to determine the effect of a relatively high level of UV exposure and the type of exposure. This population had a high incidence of nuclear/brunescent cataracts, which correlates with the type of radiation present. Yet the results indicate that although chronic exposure to UV radiation may play a role in the type and location of cataracts, other factors (e.g., age, diabetes) are more important in their formation.