UV exposure to the eye will affect which part of the eye?

UV exposure to the eye will affect which part of the eye?

• A. Cornea
• B. Retina
• C. Lens
• D. Optic nerve

Answer: (A)

UV exposure to the eye mainly affects the cornea because it is the transparent outer surface that directly intercepts light. The cornea absorbs a large portion of UV radiation, so acute exposure can cause corneal injury known as photokeratitis (a painful, sunburn-like exposure of the eye that often includes tearing and sensitivity to light). The cornea’s quick healing comes from the rapid turnover of its epithelial cells. Deeper structures like the lens and retina are protected by the cornea and the lens itself; long-term UV exposure can contribute to cataracts in the lens, but that is a slow, cumulative process rather than an immediate response. The optic nerve isn’t a typical site of UV damage. So, the cornea is the part most affected by UV exposure.

UV exposure to the eye mainly affects the cornea because it is the transparent outer surface that directly intercepts light. The cornea absorbs a large portion of UV radiation, so acute exposure can cause corneal injury known as photokeratitis (a painful, sunburn-like exposure of the eye that often includes tearing and sensitivity to light). The cornea’s quick healing comes from the rapid turnover of its epithelial cells. Deeper structures like the lens and retina are protected by the cornea and the lens itself; long-term UV exposure can contribute to cataracts in the lens, but that is a slow, cumulative process rather than an immediate response. The optic nerve isn’t a typical site of UV damage. So, the cornea is the part most affected by UV exposure.