Sunlight and ultraviolet radiation-pertinent retinal implications and current management
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UMass Chan Affiliations
Senior Scholars ProgramDepartment of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Senior Scholars Program
School of Medicine
Document Type
Journal ArticlePublication Date
2017-09-18Keywords
UV retinopathyeclipse viewing
phototoxicity
solar eclipse
solar radiation
solar retinopathy
Eye Diseases
Ophthalmology
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Unprotected and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from sunlight, lasers, and arc welding leads to outer retinal damage. The photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium located in the posterior pole are particularly susceptible to this radiation. Classically known as solar retinopathy, this disorder frequently affects young individuals who have clear lenses and a propensity toward observing solar eclipses. Various imaging techniques aid the clinician in diagnosis, even if patients cannot recall an exposure event. By far the most utilized technique is optical coherence tomography that, in tandem with fluorescein angiography, and fundus autofluorescence, is crucial in ruling out other conditions. Fortunately, the prognosis of acute UV retinopathy is favorable, as most cases fully recover; however, a significant percentage of patients suffer from chronic sequelae: reduced acuity and lifelong central/paracentral scotomas. Thus, education toward understanding UV exposure risks, coupled with either abstinence or proper eye protection, is critical in preventing macular damage. We outline the various etiologies responsible for UV-induced retinopathy, describe the limited treatments available, and provide recommendations to minimize the potential devastating ophthalmic consequences as our society increases its reliance on UV-emitting technology and further engages in solar eclipse viewing.Source
Surv Ophthalmol. 2017 Sep 18. pii: S0039-6257(17)30179-0. doi: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2017.09.002. [Epub ahead of print] Link to article on publisher's site
DOI
10.1016/j.survophthal.2017.09.002Permanent Link to this Item
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14038/29150PubMed ID
28923583Notes
Tedi Begaj participated in this study as a medical student in the Senior Scholars research program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
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10.1016/j.survophthal.2017.09.002