Study Ties Outdoor Activities to Increased Risk of Exfoliation Syndrome

A team of researchers has observed that engaging in outdoor activities ups the risk of developing exfoliation syndrome in the eyes.

Exfoliation Syndrome (XFS), one of the common causes of glaucoma and cataracts worldwide, is more prevalent among those of European descent. Known to be harmful aging of the eye, there is evidence that climatic factors trigger XFS. It was observed that among the aboriginal Australians, who spent most of the time outdoors, have a higher prevalence of the disorder. But, no consistent reports have been available on the association between exposure to ultraviolet radiation and XFS.

In the current study, the researchers looked at the association between UVR and XFS. It included clinic participants in the U.S. - meaning 118 cases and 106 control patients - and from Israel - which means 67 cases and 72 control participants. To investigate the association, the researchers evaluated the latitude where people resided as well as the average number of hours per week they spent outside.

"Where people live appears linked to XFS, with each degree of weighted lifetime average residential latitude away from the equator associated with an 11 percent increased odds of XFS," researchers noted.

They observed that every hour per week spent outside during summer was linked with 4 percent increased risk of XFS. For every 1 percent of average lifetime summer time during the day that sunglasses are worn, the risk of XFS dropped by 2 percent in the U.S. but not in Israel.

It was noted that the risk was higher for Americans with a history of working over water or snow. However, there was no association between wearing brimmed hat and XFS.

"This work provides evidence for a role of reflected UV rays in contributing to XFS. It by no means excludes other genetic and environmental mechanisms in XFS pathogenesis. If confirmed in other studies, there could be reason to consider more widespread use of UV-blocking eyewear in the prevention of XFS."

The study was documented in the JAMA Opthalmology.