Physical factors in cataractogenesis: ambient ultraviolet radiation and temperature
A number of environmental cofactors have been implicated in cataracto-genesis. Two have received the greatest attention: ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and ambient temperature. Unfortunately, both temperature and UVR levels vary similarly with geographical latitude. Careful attention to several more refined physical variables and the geometry of exposure may permit investigators to separate the contributory effects of these two physical agents. This paper briefly reviews the available data, estimates the variation of lenticular temperature with ambient temperature, and provides measurements of short-wavelength (UV-B) UVR exposure to the human eye with different meterological conditions. The study attempts to provide epidemiological investigators with more detailed information necessary to perform more accurate studies of cataract and other ocular pathologies that appear to be related to environmental factors. Ocular UV-B radiation exposure levels were measured at nine locations in the USA near 40 degrees latitude at elevations from sea level to 8000 ft. Terrain reflectance is shown to be much more important than terrain elevation; cloud cover and haze may actually increase ocular exposure; and the value of wearing brimmed hats and spectacles varies with the environment. Several avenues for future research are suggested.
- Research Organization:
- Army Environmental Hygiene Agency, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
- OSTI ID:
- 5617853
- Journal Information:
- Invest. Ophthalmol. Visual Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Invest. Ophthalmol. Visual Sci.; (United States) Vol. 5; ISSN IOVSD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BODY
BODY AREAS
CATARACTS
DISEASES
DOSES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
EPIDEMIOLOGY
EYES
FACE
HEAD
INFORMATION NEEDS
METEOROLOGY
NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY
ORGANS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
RADIOACTIVITY
SENSE ORGANS
SENSE ORGANS DISEASES
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION