Lens opacities appearing during therapy with methoxsalen and long-wavelength ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract

Therapy with methoxsalen and type A (long-wavelength) ultraviolet radiation (PUVA) has recently become a common method of treating psoriasis and other dermatologic conditions. This treatment could induce cataractous changes in the human lens through a reaction between the psoralen in the lens and either UVA or ambient light. In a 28-month-long prospective study of 78 patients treated with PUVA, small lens opacities appeared in 3 patients, aged 67, 48 and 32 years. The two younger patients had not worn their protective glasses for 24 hours after each treatment, as recommended. Therefore, although it cannot be concluded that PUVA therapy caused these opacities, eye protection during treatment and for 24 hours thereafter should be emphasized to the patients.