Influence of Light Emitting Diode-Derived Blue Light Overexposure on Mouse Ocular Surface

Abstract

PurposeTo investigate the influence of overexposure to light emitting diode (LED)-derived light with various wavelengths on mouse ocular surface.MethodsLEDs with various wavelengths were used to irradiate C57BL/6 mice at an energy dose of 50 J/cm2, twice a day, for 10 consecutive days. The red, green, and blue groups represented wavelengths of 630 nm, 525 nm, and 410 nm, respectively. The untouched group (UT) was not exposed to LED light and served as the untreated control. Tear volume, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining scores were measured on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10. Levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured in the cornea and conjunctiva using a multiplex immunobead assay at day 10. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Flow cytometry, 2’7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assay, histologic analysis, immunohistochemistry with 4-hydroxynonenal, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining were also performed.ResultsTBUT of the blue group showed significant decreases at days 7 and 10, compared with the UT and red groups. Corneal fluorescein staining scores significantly increased in the blue group when compared with UT, red, and green groups at days 5, 7, and 10. A significant increase in the corneal levels of IL-1β and IL-6 was observed in the blue group, compared with the other groups. The blue group showed significantly increased reactive oxygen species production in the DCF-DA assay and increased inflammatory T cells in the flow cytometry. A significantly increased TUNEL positive cells was identified in the blue group.ConclusionsOverexposure to blue light with short wavelengths can induce oxidative damage and apoptosis to the cornea, which may manifest as increased ocular surface inflammation and resultant dry eye.

Blue light phototoxicity toward human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells in basal and hyperosmolar conditions

“…One should note that the majority of harmful effects observed in this work were not detected after exposure to the control red light, thus confirming the blue wavelength specificity of the presented phototoxic effects. Moreover, it is worth to note that our findings are in line with recent in vivo results of Lee et al who reported that overexposure to blue light induced oxidative damage and apoptosis to the cornea, probably resulting in increased ocular surface inflammation and dry eye [2]. Our work demonstrates the deleterious effects of blue light on the eye, not only on the retina but on the ocular surface.…”

“…Today it is widely discussed that blue light may provoke an important ocular phototoxicity [1]. Various blue and UV light-induced and/or -aggravated ocular pathologies have been recognized, including photokeratitis, pterygium, cataract, and corneal and retinal degeneration [2][3][4][5][6]. In particular, patients suffering from dry eye disease (DED) frequently complain about the exacerbated photosensitivity and increased symptoms of discomfort when exposed to various visible light sources [7,8].…”

“…In our daily life, our eyes are constantly illuminated by various types of artificial and natural sources, mainly ranging from UVA (360 nm) to IRA (1400 nm) and providing with an important blue irradiance. Several studies investigated the impact of near UV and IR light on the ocular surface [24][25][26][27][28] but only several ones analyzed the impact of blue light exposure [2,[29][30][31][32][33]. Given our specialized practice in the clinical management of DED and previous basic studies on ocular surface inflammation and toxicity [34][35][36][37], we hypothesized about a potential harmful influence of blue light on the triggering and evolution of DED.…”

The influences of smartphone use on the status of the tear film and ocular surface

“…[ 9 ] Overexposure to blue light caused deterioration of the tear film and increased levels of inflammatory markers and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production at the ocular surface of mice. [ 10 ]…”

Correction: Influence of Light Emitting Diode-Derived Blue Light Overexposure on Mouse Ocular Surface

“…Lee HS, Cui L, Li Y, Choi JS, Choi J-H, Li Z, et al (2016) Correction: Influence of Light Emitting Diode-Derived Blue Light Overexposure on Mouse Ocular Surface. PLoS ONE 11(11): e0167671.…”