What Doctors Don't Tell YouNew data has found that even low exposure to UVB rays significantly increases the chance of cataracts.
In the first study to examine this association in those other than high risk groups, researchers concluded that everyone is at risk. They concluded that the effects of exposure are cumulative and that everyone would benefit from simple but effective prevention strategies like wearing sunglasses and hats (JAMA, 1998; 280: 714-18).
Long term use of inhaled corticosteroids, such as those used for treating asthma, can also increase the risk of cataracts.
People taking more than 1 mg daily of beclomethasone or budesonide had a 3.4 times greater risk (compared to controls) after two years of use (JAMA, 1998; 280: 539-43).
Daniel Redwood DC
Tom Ferguson MD
