A new study published in The JAMA Network Journal shows that outdoor activities can increase the odds of developing exfoliation syndrome (XFS) that can cause glaucoma and cataracts.

XFS is associated with the harmful aging of the eye that manifests as cataracts, elevated intraocular pressure and retinal vein blockage.

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The study also showed climate can contribute to XFS much like what happened to aboriginal Australians who had this disorder because of the time they spent outdoors.

Researchers who conducted the study believe there is need to further study the link between ultraviolet radiation and XFS.

They examined the relationship between UVR and XFS with the help of participants from United States and Israel.

The participants were analyzed based on where they live and the average number of hours per week they spend outdoors.

The results showed that during summer, every hour per week spent outside can cause a four percent rise in the odds of contracting XFS.

Researchers also found there was a decrease of two percent in the United States.

They also found out that XFS is not caused by wearing a brimmed hat or working over snow and water.

Researchers believe their study provides evidence of the role of the contribution of UV rays to XFS.

Preventing XFS confirms the needs for UV blocking eyewear, researchers concluded.