Photodamage of the anterior eye surface from UV radiation. Adequate methods of protection

Abstract

Introduction: Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength from 400 nm to 10 nm, occupying the light spectrum between the visible light and the X-rays. Essential for the normal development of the body in moderate, excessive exposure to UV radiation can lead to many diseases. Absorption of UV radiation from the eye is in correlation with the wavelength, and most of it is absorbed by the cornea and the conjunctiva. To objectively measure the UV radiation reaching the eye, the method of conjunctival autofluorescence is developed. Purpose: To present our first data and impressions of the sun protection habits and conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (UVAF) of a randomly selected target group. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized study, including photographs of 123 subjects (246 eyes) and 200 questionnaires. Results: Results are based on the study of 123 subjects (246 eyes). Each eye is documented in three pictures - eye in first position, temporal gaze (documenting nasal part of the limbus) and nasal gaze (documenting temporal part of the limbus). Results were analyzed with specialized software [14], [15] and show that 83 persons (67.48%) have conjunctival autofluorescence, as women prevail (women n=47 persons, men n=36 persons). The participants in the study were aged between 5 and 88 years (average age=39). The area of conjunctival UVAF tends to increase with (Norfolk Islands Eye Study - NIES). No correlation between intensive sun exposure (resp. UV radiation) and a sharp increase in the dimensions of the UVAF zone is established, suggesting a chronic damage, in support of which is the demonstrative eye damage in people with high-risk occupations (associated with electric welding, lifeguards and other outdoor occupations). Insufficient sun protection habits and incompetence about the UV radiation are documented and analyzed with the questionnaire. 87% of the surveyed believe that there is a risk of UV damage only in the summer. A significant percentage (55%) do not pay attention to the special protective equipment such as umbrellas and caps Conclusions: The survey results are based on the thesis, that conjunctival UV autofluorescence is an objective marker of UV exposure. In 83 of the 123 subjects (67.48 %), there is evidence of conjunctival autofluorescence. As age increases, the area and the intensity of UVAF also increase, assuming that the area corresponds to a chronic damage. The degree of damage correlates to a large extent to the bad sun protection habits demonstrated in the questionnaire.