Ultraviolet (UV) is divided into UVA (long‑wave, 320‑400 nm), UVB (middle‑wave, 280‑320 nm) and UVC (short‑wave, 100‑280 nm) based on wavelength. UV radiation (UVR) from sunlight (UVA + UVB) is a major cause of skin photodamage including skin inflammation, aging and pigmentation. Accidental exposure to UVC burns the skin and induces skin cancer. In addition to the skin, UV radiation can also impair visual function. Non‑coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of functional RNAs that do not have coding activity but can control cellular processes at the post‑transcriptional level, including microRNA (miRNA), long non‑coding RNA (lncRNA) and circulatory RNA (circRNA). Through a review of the literature, it was determined that UVR can affect the expression of various ncRNAs, and that this regulation may be wavelength specific. Functionally, ncRNAs participate in the regulation of photodamage through various pathways and play pathogenic or protective regulatory roles. In addition, ncRNAs that are upregulated or downregulated by UVR can serve as biomarkers for UV‑induced diseases, aiding in diagnosis and prognosis assessment. Therapeutic strategies targeting ncRNAs, including the use of natural drugs and their extracts, have shown protective effects against UV‑induced photodamage. In the present review, an extensive summarization of previous studies was performed and the role and mechanism of ncRNAs in UV‑induced radiation effects was reviewed to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of UV‑related diseases.

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