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. Data may be obtained from a third party and are not publicly available. Not applicable.

中文翻译：

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结膜紫外线自发荧光区域随着年龄和太阳镜的使用而减少

背景 结膜紫外线自发荧光 (CUVAF) 是一种检测与紫外线辐射暴露相关的结膜损伤的方法。在横断面研究中，CUVAF 面积与自我报告的户外活动时间和翼状胬肉呈正相关，与近视呈负相关；然而，纵向研究很少。目的 使用一种基于深度学习的新型工具来评估年轻人 CUVAF 面积的 8 年变化，调查与这种变化相关的因素并确定新发翼状胬肉的数量。方法 开发了一种基于深度学习的 CUVAF 工具来测量 CUVAF 面积。CUVAF 面积和翼状胬肉状态在三个研究访问时进行了评估：基线（参与者大约 20 岁）以及 7 年和 8 年的随访。参与者自我报告防晒行为和眼病史。结果 CUVAF 数据可用于至少一次研究访问的 1497 名参与者；633 (43%) 名参与者拥有完整的 CUVAF 数据。基线和 7 年和 8 年随访时的平均 CUVAF 面积分别为 48.4、39.3 和 37.7 mm2。随着时间的推移，平均 CUVAF 面积有所减少（CUVAF 总面积的变化 = 每年 −0.96 mm2（95% CI：−1.07 至 –0.86））。对于佩戴太阳镜时间≥1/2 的参与者，CUVAF 面积平均每年额外减少 −0.42 mm2（95% CI：−0.72 至 –0.12）。十四名 (1.5%) 参与者患上了翼状胬肉。结论 在这个年轻成人队列中，CUVAF 面积在 8 年期间有所下降。戴太阳镜与 CUVAF 面积的更快减少有关。基于深度学习的模型可以帮助准确有效地测量 CUVAF 面积。数据可能从第三方获得，并且不公开。不适用。