Research progress on the correlation of solar radiation with pterygium
10.3980/j.issn.1672-5123.2025.11.14
- VernacularTitle:日光辐射与翼状胬肉发生的相关性研究进展
- Author:
Shuyi ZHAO
1
;
Jinpeng CUI
1
;
Xiaochen LIU
1
Author Information
1. Southern Central Hospital of Yunnan Province;the First People's Hospital of Honghe State, Gejiu 661018, Yunnan Province, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
pterygium;
epidemiology;
sunlight;
ultraviolet;
protection
- From:
International Eye Science
2025;25(11):1802-1807
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
As a common ophthalmic disease, pterygium exhibits a considerably high incidence in global area, particularly in regions with harsh natural environment. While it is unlikely to cause blindness, pterygium frequently disrupts the normal homeostasis of the tear film, leading to discomfort such as dry eyes and foreign body sensation, thereby significantly impairing patients' quality of life. Furthermore, the high surgical intervention rate for pterygium consumes substantial medical resources. Therefore, investigating the underlying mechanisms of pterygium development is essential for its prevention and control. Extensive research has demonstrated the correlation between solar radiation and pterygium occurrence, confirming that ultraviolet rays within solar radiation contribute to the onset and progression of pterygium through multiple pathways, including direct DNA damage to ocular surface cells, oxidative stress-induced injury, involvement in inflammatory regulation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. This paper reviews both domestic and international epidemiological trends of pterygium, as well as the multifaceted mechanisms by which solar radiation influences pterygium development. The aim is to enhance understanding of the relationship between solar exposure and pterygium occurrence, while emphasizing and guiding public awareness of solar radiation protection in clinical practice.
