How Do Sunlight And Radiation Affect My Risk Of Developing Cataracts?

Aug. 24, 2009— -- Question: How do sunlight and radiation affect my risk of developing cataracts?

Answer: There is an interesting study from many years ago on Chesapeake Bay watermen that showed that certain workers who were outdoors all day without eye protection, without a hat or sunglasses, had a definite increased risk in cataract formation when compared to age matched control populations. It is not well known physiologically what's happening, but ionizing radiation is having a biochemical effect on the lens, causing it to cloud due to prolonged unprotected sun exposure.