Bergmanson J P, Sheldon T M
Texas Eye Research and Technology, University of Houston College of Optometry 77204-6052, USA.
CLAO J. 1997 Jul;23(3):196-204.
It is likely that we currently receive a greater lifetime exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) than earlier generations due to increased UVR reaching the earth's surface, our longer life expectancy, and increased activities in UV intense environments. This elevated UVR exposure is likely to lead to a higher incidence of acute and chronic ocular and skin radiation trauma. We reviewed the evidence in the current literature supporting these assertions as well as reports of preventive strategies for blocking UVR.
Hawaii is the most UV-intense location on earth as it has the lowest ozone thickness values ever recorded outside the Antarctic zone. It is anticipated that the overall ozone depletion will continue into the next millennium. Significant evidence suggests a correlation between UVR exposure and conjunctival pterygium, photokeratitis, climatic droplet keratopathy and cataracts. The incidence of skin cancer is also on the rise as a result of the increased amount of UVR reaching the earth secondary to the thinning ozone.
There are compelling reasons to counsel our patients on the adverse effects of UVR and to offer them the various options available for UV protection. Sunglasses and UV blocking ophthalmic lenses traditionally have been the most commonly selected forms of UVR protection. The UV blocking hydrogel contact lens, a recent addition to our armamentarium, is a means of blocking UVR.
由于到达地球表面的紫外线辐射（UVR）增加、我们预期寿命的延长以及在紫外线强烈环境中活动的增加，我们目前一生中接受的紫外线辐射可能比前几代人更多。这种增加的紫外线辐射暴露可能会导致急性和慢性眼部及皮肤辐射损伤的发生率更高。我们回顾了当前文献中支持这些论断的证据以及关于阻挡紫外线辐射的预防策略的报告。
夏威夷是地球上紫外线最强的地方，因为它拥有有记录以来除南极地区外最低的臭氧厚度值。预计总体臭氧消耗将持续到下一个千年。大量证据表明紫外线辐射暴露与结膜翼状胬肉、光角膜炎、气候性点状角膜病变和白内障之间存在关联。由于臭氧层变薄导致到达地球的紫外线辐射量增加，皮肤癌的发病率也在上升。
有令人信服的理由向我们的患者咨询紫外线辐射的不良影响，并为他们提供各种可用的紫外线防护选择。太阳镜和防紫外线的眼科镜片传统上一直是最常选择的紫外线防护形式。防紫外线水凝胶隐形眼镜是我们现有防护手段中的一种，是阻挡紫外线辐射的一种方式。
