Sun-Sensitizing Medications, Sun Exposure Associated With Common Type of Cataract

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100614161434.htm

ScienceDaily (June 14, 2010) — The use of medications that increase sensitivity to the sun, combined with exposure to sunlight, appears to be associated with the risk of age-related cataract, according to a report posted online that will appear in the August print issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Besides age, several risk factors have been identified for common types of cataract, including smoking, diabetes and hypertension, according to background information in the article. Sunlight and exposure to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) rays have been shown to be associated with cortical cataract, clouding or opacity occurring first on the outer edges of the lenses. Some medications taken by mouth or by injection have been shown to increase sensitivity to the sun, causing signs and symptoms such as itching or rash on areas of the skin exposed to sunlight.

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