Preliminary data analysis showed that the younger rats were much more sensitive to UVR than the older rats. The radiation dose was so high that many lenses went totally opaque. The number of opaque lenses was higher after eight weeks than after one week post-exposure.
Young animals are more sensitive to UV radiation than old animals.
Introduction Cataract is a major cause of blindness in the world. The surgical treatment of cataract where the lens is replaced by a artificial lens is very costful for the society. Scientists are trying to find the cause of cataract and possible medical treatments or preventive measures in order to reduce the suffering of the affected patients and to lessen the burden on the health care systems. Several hypotheses have been put through, among them the hypothesis that UVR in sunlight is an important risk factor for development of cataract. Epidemiological studies have shown a link between exposure to UV-B radiation in sunlight and development of cataract.