Apoptosis of The Lens Epithelial Cells After Ultraviolet-B Exposure as a Proposed Pathogenesis of Senile Cataract: Literature Review

Cataract shares a major burden causing half of the world's visual impairment and blindness. Ultraviolet light exposure has been associated with a higher incidence of cataracts. UV irradiation causes damage to the ocular tissue through protein crosslinking, enzyme dysfunction, ion pump inhibition, genetic mutation, and cell membrane disruption. Irreversible damage causes apoptosis to the lens epithelial cells, which is the main motor of lens homeostasis. Disturbance to the lens homeostasis will result in the loss of lens transparency and the development of cataracts. Understanding the pathophysiology of UV-induced cataract may bring to better approach to slower progression of the aging of the lens and formation of cataractous lenses.