Yellow Intraocular Lens Implantation Prevents Light-Induced Retinal Damage in Mice

Abstract

Purpose: : Although the inhibitory effect of yellow filter on light-induced retinal damage was already shown, there is no study reported on the effect of yellow intraocular lens (IOL) implanted after lens extraction, which mimics human post-operative status. After establishing a novel model of IOL implantation in mice, we determined the protective effect of yellow IOL in comparison with colorless IOL.

Methods: : Extra-capsular crystalline lens extraction was performed to 6-week-old BALB/c male mice. Ultraviolet (UV)-blocking colorless IOL or blue light- and UV-absorbing yellow IOL was implanted into lens capsule. IOL-implanted mice were exposed to 5,000-lux white light for 24 hours. Retinal damage was evaluated by TUNEL staining, outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and electroretinography (ERG).

Results: : TUNEL-positive cells in yellow IOL-implanted mice were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced compared with colorless IOL-implanted animals. Compared to colorless IOL, yellow IOL implantation led to significant (P < 0.05) reduction of ONL thickness and ERG amplitude.

Conclusions: : These findings suggest that yellow IOL implanted after lens extraction functions to protect from light-induced retinal damage.

Keywords: apoptosis/cell death • intraocular lens • photoreceptors