The use of conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (CUVAF) as a biomarker of time spent outdoors.

摘要: Purpose Conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (CUVAF) has been used in previous Southern Hemisphere myopia research as a marker for time spent outdoors. The validity of CUVAF an indicator outdoors is yet to be explored the Northern Hemisphere. It unclear if represents damage attributed UV exposure or dry eye. This cross-sectional study investigated association between measures, self-reported and measures Methods Participants were recruited from University staff students (n = 50, 19-64 years; mean 41). None using topical ocular medications (with exception eye treatments). Sun questionnaires (Ocular Surface Disease Index McMonnies) completed by participant. Dryness was also assessed slit lamp biomicroscopy invasive tear break up time. Images temporal nasal conjunctiva right left captured bespoke photography system. total area, average pixel intensity per mm(2) analysed MATLAB R2013a (The MathWorks Inc). Results Of 50 participants, 42% classified having Self-reported sunglasses use negatively associated with all (Kruskal Wallis p 0.04, ptrend 0.03, 0.02, intensity: 0.02). Time positively (Spearman's correlation coefficients, area: r 0.37, 0.01, 0.36, 0.01) remained significant when controlled (partial correlation, 0.32, 0.39, 0.03). Neither area nor any measure Index: ≥ 0.41, corneal staining: 0.38, McMonnies: ≤ 0.09 0.52, biomicroscopy: 0.20 0.17, time: -0.07 0.31). Conclusions not clinical Greater wearing less frequently spending more If sunglass wear accounted for, may useful biomarker future studies.