Journal article
Conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence area decreases with age and sunglasses use
British Journal of Ophthalmology, Vol.107(5), pp.614-620
2023
PMID: 34815236
Abstract
Background: Conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (CUVAF) is a method of detecting conjunctival damage related to ultraviolet radiation exposure. In cross-sectional studies, CUVAF area is positively associated with self-reported time spent outdoors and pterygium and negatively associated with myopia; however, longitudinal studies are scarce.
Aims: To use a novel deep learning-based tool to assess 8-year change in CUVAF area in young adults, investigate factors associated with this change and identify the number of new onset pterygia.
Methods: A deep learning-based CUVAF tool was developed to measure CUVAF area. CUVAF area and pterygium status were assessed at three study visits: baseline (participants were approximately 20 years old) and at 7-year and 8-year follow-ups. Participants self-reported sun protection behaviours and ocular history.
Results: CUVAF data were available for 1497 participants from at least one study visit; 633 (43%) participants had complete CUVAF data. Mean CUVAF areas at baseline and the 7-year and 8-year follow-ups were 48.4, 39.3 and 37.7 mm2, respectively. There was a decrease in mean CUVAF area over time (change in total CUVAF area=−0.96 mm2 per year (95% CI: −1.07 to –0.86)). For participants who wore sunglasses ≥1/2 of the time, CUVAF area decreased by an additional −0.42 mm2 per year (95% CI: −0.72 to –0.12) on average. Fourteen (1.5%) participants developed a pterygium.
Conclusions: In this young adult cohort, CUVAF area declined over an 8-year period. Wearing sunglasses was associated with a faster reduction in CUVAF area. Deep learning-based models can assist in accurate and efficient measurement of CUVAF area.
Details
- Title
- Conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence area decreases with age and sunglasses use
- Authors
- Gareth Lingham (Corresponding Author) - University of Western AustraliaJason Kugelman (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyJason Charng (Author) - University of Western AustraliaSamantha S. Y. Lee (Author) - University of Western AustraliaSeyhan Yazar (Author) - University of Western AustraliaCharlotte M. McKnight (Author) - St John of God Murdoch HospitalMinas T. Coroneo (Author) - UNSW SydneyRobyn M. Lucas (Author) - Australian National UniversityHolly Brown (Author) - University of Western AustraliaLouis J. Stevenson (Author) - University of Western AustraliaDavid A. Mackey (Author) - University of Western AustraliaDavid Alonso-Caneiro (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
- Publication details
- British Journal of Ophthalmology, Vol.107(5), pp.614-620
- Publisher
- BMJ Group
- DOI
- 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2021-320284
- ISSN
- 1468-2079
- PMID
- 34815236
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99972398002621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Ophthalmology
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Source: InCites