Effects of sunlight on the eye

Abstract

Sunlight consists of lights of continuous spectra. Ultraviolet light and blue light in the sunlight have higher energy. High dose exposure to sunlight can cause direct cellular damage. In the eyeꎬ sunlight is known to cause pathological changes in various eye structures. We reviewed the studies on the role of sunlight in corneal diseasesꎬ cataractsꎬ glaucomaꎬ and agerelated macular degeneration in recent years. Possible sunlighttriggered signaling pathways and mechanisms in the eye are summarized. Excessive exposure to sunlight may lead to increased DNA damageꎬ aberrant protein modification and aggregationꎬ and oxidative stress of ocular tissuesꎬ and thus results in the development of ocular diseases. Accordinglyꎬ physical protectionꎬ topical and / or oral antioxidants and small molecules blocking sunlight activated signal pathways could be used independently or combinedly to prevent and reduce sunlight induced ocular damages. •