Are there any side effects with phototherapy eczema treatment?
The UV light used in phototherapy, although artificial, is still much like what is emitted by the sun. That is why exposure to this kind of light must be carefully controlled under the supervision of a specialist in order to prevent sunburn and other potential effects on the body. What are these potential side effects? One is the possible development of cataracts — a condition which involves the clouding of the normally clear lens of the eyes. During a phototherapy session, the patient’s eyes must be protected by special goggles to prevent the UV light from harming the eyes and vision. Premature skin aging is another potential side effect of phototherapy, although limited to prolonged treatments only. However, since the patient’s exposure to UV light is administered in controlled doses by a specialist, any skin damage that could arise is significantly minimized.
