Influence of Visible Violet, Blue and Red Light on the Development of Cataract in Porcine Lenses

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Cataract is a disease that is globally prevalent in today’s population and occurs mostly in the elderly. It is an opacity of the lens that worsens vision and can lead to blindness. One well-known risk factor of cataract is ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, increasing exposure to modern artificial light sources like light emitting diodes (LEDs) and displays might have an impact on cataract formation due to possible high (and hidden) blue radiation. An ex-vivo study indicates that intense blue radiation causes cataract in porcine lenses. The goal of this work is the investigation whether violet or red light also lead to cataract formation in porcine lenses and to compare the impact of the different wavelengths. Materials and Methods: LEDs with wavelengths of 407 nm (violet), 463 nm (blue) and 635 nm (red) are used to irradiate ex–vivo porcine lenses with a dose of 6 kJ/cm2. Before and after irradiation the lens transmissions are measured and dark field images are taken to determine cataract formation. The same procedure is performed for unirradiated controls. Results: The results of the transmission measurements are in accordance with the results of the dark field images and state that 635 nm (red) is inducing no or only weak cataract. In comparison to the dark field images the transmission measurements exhibit stronger cataract formation for 407 nm than for 463 nm irradiation while the dark field images show similar cataract formation for both wavelengths. Conclusions: Visible light of short wavelengths cause cataract formation in porcine eyes, and it cannot be excluded that these wavelengths, which are emitted by modern LED illuminants, also pose a danger to human eyes.

Blue Light Exposure: Ocular Hazards and Prevention—A Narrative Review

“…The absorption of blue light in the lens is produced by the structural proteins, protein metabolites, and enzymes absorbing blue light-producing yellow pigments, in particular through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the lens epithelial cells mitochondria [ 45 – 48 ]. This leads gradually to the lens darkening and yellowing, leading to cataract [ 45 , 49 , 50 ] (Table 2 ).…”

Factors Influencing the Occurrence of Cataracts In Hospital

“…In this case, the work is due to exposure to ultraviolet rays, where UV rays are a risk factor for cataracts. Ultraviolet rays originating from the sun will be absorbed by lens protein (9)(10)(11). They will then cause a photochemical reaction in the cell so that it becomes free radicals or oxygen spells, which are very relativity.…”