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Does Exposure To Ultraviolet Radiation Cause Cataract?

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Posted on Thu, 3 Dec 2015
Question: I see a faint, tiny red flash in my center of vision. It's a red halo flashing over all the dark letters I read. I think my eyes are tired - I've not had good sleep for a while and drove a couple days on the freeway over the weekend. I have welded in the past, but never noticed anything, really.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Suspicious of cataract due to ultraviolet radiation

Detailed Answer:
Dear xxxxxx, Hi.
Good morning!
I have gone through your history diligently, it seems to me you have developed some eye problems due to chronic exposure of ultraviolet rays during welding.
Vision problems like red halo flashing over the dark letters with faint tiny red flash in the center of your vision are suspected to be due to development of cataract (cloudiness over the lens).
I, therefore advise you to kindly consult an ophthalmologist for further evaluation & proper treatment.
Hope this answers your query, however I shall be glad to answer if you have any follow up query.
Best regards.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (2 days later)
I went to my eye doctor. He scanned my eye and looked at the computer image. He conducted visual tests. All tests were normal. He detected no eye damage whatsoever. He asked me if I have migraine headaches. I said "yes." He wonders if the problems is related to migraines.
Now, a couple of days later, I notice the flashing red light has diminished maybe 50%?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Suggestive of Ocular migraine.

Detailed Answer:

Dear xxxxxx, Hi.
Good morning!

Thanks for your reply, glad to know that your problem of flashing red light is reduced by 50% and the ophthalmic (eye) examination ruled out the possibility of cataract or other eye problems due to exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the welding XXXXXXX
Since you have a history of migraine, the eye problems are associated with the migraine. Because a regular migraine with an aura, which can involve flashing lights and blind spots in the vision, is a more common problem.
This type affects about 20% of people who have migraines and it appears to be due spasms in the artery that supplies the retina (the delicate lining in the back of the eye).
If you continue to have the symptoms, consult a neurologist.
The following medications are found to be effective like Divalproex or Topiramate or Antidepressants like Amitryptiline.
Hope this answers your query.
Best wishes.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 6261 Questions

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Does Exposure To Ultraviolet Radiation Cause Cataract?

Brief Answer: Suspicious of cataract due to ultraviolet radiation Detailed Answer: Dear xxxxxx, Hi. Good morning! I have gone through your history diligently, it seems to me you have developed some eye problems due to chronic exposure of ultraviolet rays during welding. Vision problems like red halo flashing over the dark letters with faint tiny red flash in the center of your vision are suspected to be due to development of cataract (cloudiness over the lens). I, therefore advise you to kindly consult an ophthalmologist for further evaluation & proper treatment. Hope this answers your query, however I shall be glad to answer if you have any follow up query. Best regards.