Exposure to UV radiation is most commonly associated with which medical concern?

Exposure to UV radiation is most commonly associated with which medical concern?

• A. Cataracts
• B. Photokeratitis
• C. Skin cancer
• D. Sunburn

Answer: (B)

UV exposure can injure the eyes; photokeratitis is an acute injury of the corneal surface from ultraviolet light. It is the best answer because it directly links UV exposure to a sudden, painful eye condition that can appear within hours after exposure. People exposed to intense UV sources—like bright sun at high altitude, reflections off snow, or welding arcs—may develop photokeratitis a few hours later. Symptoms include eye pain, tearing, sensitivity to light, a gritty feeling in the eye, and blurred vision. The condition typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours with rest and protection from further UV exposure. Preventive measures include wearing eyewear that blocks all UV and using face shields or sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Sunburn is a common UV-related effect on the skin, while cataracts and skin cancer are long-term consequences of cumulative UV exposure. In terms of an immediate, direct ocular effect from UV, photokeratitis is the most closely associated medical concern.

UV exposure can injure the eyes; photokeratitis is an acute injury of the corneal surface from ultraviolet light. It is the best answer because it directly links UV exposure to a sudden, painful eye condition that can appear within hours after exposure. People exposed to intense UV sources—like bright sun at high altitude, reflections off snow, or welding arcs—may develop photokeratitis a few hours later. Symptoms include eye pain, tearing, sensitivity to light, a gritty feeling in the eye, and blurred vision. The condition typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours with rest and protection from further UV exposure. Preventive measures include wearing eyewear that blocks all UV and using face shields or sunglasses with 100% UV protection.

Sunburn is a common UV-related effect on the skin, while cataracts and skin cancer are long-term consequences of cumulative UV exposure. In terms of an immediate, direct ocular effect from UV, photokeratitis is the most closely associated medical concern.