Cataracts: The Causes And Symptoms

Excessive Sunlight Exposure

Excessive sunlight exposure is known to cause age-related cataracts to develop faster in eyes exposed to excessive amounts of sunlight over time. The sun emits ultraviolet energy in the form of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. The type of rays responsible for most cases of skin cancer and sunburns are UVB rays that reach the earth. There is a higher prevalence of cortical cataracts in individuals who have exposed their eyes to excessive amounts of UVB rays from the sun. Cortical cataracts are best described as white clumps of tissue that develop in the peripheral or outside of an individual's eye lens or the lens cortex. The sunlight is known to cause water content changes in the fibers of the lens, which causes the formation of small openings or fissures in the lens. These fissures or clefts have the appearance of wheel spokes that radiate from the center to the outside edge of the lens. This type of cataract causes the patient to have difficulty with glares, depth perception, blurred vision, and contrast because the light that enters their eye scatters inappropriately. Using sunglasses certified to block out UVB rays can help prevent the development or worsening of cataracts.

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