The Epigenetic Role of Ultraviolet Radiation and Oxidative Stress in Cataract Formation

Abstract

The human eye is highly exposed to light of all types of electromagnetic waves, the metabolic stress in the elimination of cellular damage, as well as its accumulation, constitute the major oxidative stress due to ultraviolet radiation. The objective was to document the new scientific evidence in epigenetics regarding ultraviolet radiation and oxidative stress in cataract formation. A review of the literature from May 1, 2021 to May 1, 2022 was performed with meta-search engines in English and Spanish. Cumulative biochemical damage at the histone level is considered the primary environmental insult in cataract formation. The immunomodulatory potential of human lens epithelium cells is a promising therapeutic target, due to being the main cell line affected in ultraviolet radiation. The technological, biochemical and physiological advance will allow promoting a different solution, by a different concept of surgery, for the cure of the most prevalent condition in the world for reversible blindness: cataract.