An evaluation of skin and eye diseases associated with exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation in Central Asia.

The effects of exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on the health of the population groups in Central Asia have not been fully explored. Here, a systematic review of the scientific literature for the years 2000 to 2024 was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The search gathered evidence on skin and eye diseases associated with exposure to solar UVR and on photoprotective practices in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. UVR associated diseases included in the search were cutaneous malignant melanoma, keratinocyte cancers, sunburn, polymorphic light eruption, cataract, pterygium, pinguecula and eye tumours. Additionally, publicly available data from the Global Burden of Disease Study for the years 2000 to 2023 were analysed. It was concluded that from 2000 to 2023 the incidence of keratinocyte cancers increased in Central Asia. The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma increased from 2005 to 2016 in all the Central Asian countries. For Tajikistan and Turkmenistan this upward trend continued to 2023 but for other Central Asian countries there was a stabilization or decline. The incidence of skin cancer was highest in Kazakhstan and lowest in Tajikistan, and often higher in women and Slavic population groups including Russians in comparison with ethnic Central Asian population groups. In recent years the prevalence of cataracts in Central Asian countries also increased and was highest in Kazakhstan and lowest in Tajikistan. Studies on photoprotection were very limited. Due to the increasing incidence of skin cancer and increasing prevalence of cataracts in Central Asian countries, the implementation of educational sun protection programmes is recommended.