Which part of the eye is commonly associated with UV-induced cataracts when exposed over time?

Which part of the eye is commonly associated with UV-induced cataracts when exposed over time?

• A. Retina
• B. Cornea
• C. Lens
• D. Optic Nerve

Answer: (C)

UV exposure over time primarily affects the lens when talking about cataracts. The lens sits behind the iris and focuses light onto the retina. It’s made of long-lasting proteins that don’t turnover quickly, so they’re susceptible to cumulative damage from ultraviolet radiation, especially UV-B. This damage can cause the lens proteins to denature and aggregate, leading to cloudiness and scattering of light, which is what a cataract is. The retina is the light-detecting layer that sits further back and can suffer other UV-related issues, but cataracts are a lens problem. The cornea can experience acute UV injury like photokeratitis from sudden exposure, and the optic nerve isn’t the structure associated with cataract formation. Protecting the eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses and hats helps reduce this risk.

UV exposure over time primarily affects the lens when talking about cataracts. The lens sits behind the iris and focuses light onto the retina. It’s made of long-lasting proteins that don’t turnover quickly, so they’re susceptible to cumulative damage from ultraviolet radiation, especially UV-B. This damage can cause the lens proteins to denature and aggregate, leading to cloudiness and scattering of light, which is what a cataract is. The retina is the light-detecting layer that sits further back and can suffer other UV-related issues, but cataracts are a lens problem. The cornea can experience acute UV injury like photokeratitis from sudden exposure, and the optic nerve isn’t the structure associated with cataract formation. Protecting the eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses and hats helps reduce this risk.