Damaging Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on the Cornea |
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| Authors: | Naomi C. Delic J. Guy Lyons Nick Di Girolamo Gary M. Halliday |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Discipline of Dermatology, Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia;2. Immune Imaging Program, Centenary Institute for Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Camperdown, NSW, Australia;3. Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Cancer Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia;4. Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia |
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| Abstract: | The cornea sits at the anterior aspect of the eye and, like the skin, is highly exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The cornea blocks a significant proportion of UVB from reaching the posterior structures of the eye. However, UVA can penetrate the full thickness of the cornea, even reaching the anterior portion of the lens. Epidemiological data indicate that UVR is a contributing factor for a multitude of diseases of the cornea including pterygium, photokeratitis, climatic droplet keratopathy and ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), although the pathogenic mechanisms of each require further elucidation. UVR is a well‐known genotoxic agent, and its effects have been well characterized in organs such as the skin. However, we are only beginning to identify its effects on the cornea, such as the UVR signature C → T and CC → TT transversions identified by sequencing and increased proliferative and shedding rates in response to UVR exposure. Alarmingly, a single low‐dose exposure of UVR to the cornea is sufficient to elicit genetic, molecular and cellular changes, supporting the consideration of using protective measures, such as wearing sunglasses when outdoors. The aim of this review was to describe the adverse effects of UVR on the cornea. |
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