Publication:

Overview of solar radiation exposure to the human health particularly to the eye: a review article facts and figures till today

Exposure to solar radiation (SR) induces photochemical and thermal damage to ocular tissues, primarily via ultraviolet radiation (UVR), affecting outdoor workers and recreational users globally. Short-term effects include photokeratitis (corneal inflammation, akin to "snow blindness") and photoretinitis, while chronic exposure leads to cataracts, pterygium, corneal degeneration, and eyelid cancers. High-altitude and snowy areas intensify UVR by up to 85% reflection from fresh snow, exacerbating risks for unprotected eyes in both children and adults. This review synthesizes evidence from epidemiological studies, clinical case series, and photobiology research up to 2025, including world health organization (WHO) global burden estimates and occupational exposure data. Key sources encompass PubMed/PMC articles on UVR mechanisms (e. g., Bunsen-Roscoe reciprocity law for cumulative damage) and field measurements of ultraviolet (UV) reflectance in elevated/snowy terrains. Analysis focuses on human health impacts, prioritizing eye-specific outcomes via qualitative synthesis without meta-analysis. Acute UVR exposure causes painful photokeratitis and conjunctivitis, with snow reflection increasing retinal stress and erythropsia (temporary red vision). Chronic effects show outdoor workers with 4-fold higher pterygium odds and substantial cataract burden (e.g., 529,242 DALYs globally per WHO). Skin and immune impacts include immunosuppression and higher skin cancer rates, with solar retinopathy from direct gazing causing permanent macular damage; 100% UV-protective sunglasses mitigate nearly all risks. SR endangers eyes and skin profoundly in reflective environments, urging optometrists and ophthalmologists to recommend 100% UVA/UVB-blocking sunglasses for patients visiting high altitudes or snowy areas. Prioritizing protection prevents acute injuries and chronic diseases, promoting public health education on evidence-based eyewear selection.