Human Ultraviolet Radiation Cataracts (With 1 color plate)

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Abstract
There is a considerable amount of data implicating ultraviolet (UV) radiation beween 300 and 400 nm a factor in the in vivo generation of experimental cataracts in the mouse and rat lens and in the in vitro generation of fluorescent compounds and protein cross-linking associated with lens aging and cataractogenesis (in mouse, rat and human lenses, and lens proteins). However, there has been no known clinical manifestation of lens changes associated with UV exposure. This report describes the rather abrupt onset of lens opacities in 3 patients following documented exposure to UV radiation (at microwatt/cm2 irradiance levels) for over 100 h during an 18-month period (associated with their occupation). These individuals had no positive family history or history of exposure to known cataractogenic agents and drugs, and their medical examination was completely normal in all other respects. Furthermore, their co-workers in the same work environment who did not use the equipment generating UV radiation do not show any signs of lens abnormalities. The presumptive evidence of UV cataracts in these patients, 2 of whom were well below the age of senile cataractogenesis, are presented as well as slit lamp photographs of their lens opacities. The possible mechanisms involved in UV radiation effects on the ocular lens are also presented.