Ocular ultraviolet B exposure and lens opacities: a review.

A review of the epidemiological evidence linking cataract and chronic ultraviolet B radiation (UV-B) exposure was carried out. The majority of ecological studies suggest an increased risk of cataract with residence in areas of greater ambient UV-B. Studies which have measured personal ocular exposure to UV-B have found that even low exposures, as encountered in the general populations of developed countries, confer a measurable risk of cortical cataract. There is sufficient evidence of increased risk of cortical lens opacity with ocular exposure to UV-B to warrant public health messages about simple measures to decrease exposure.