Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Blue light may play a significant role in the progression of age related macular degeneration. During cataract formation the yellow coloration of the lens acts like a natural barrier, blocking the blue wave length from reaching the retina. However, after cataract extraction the regular lens implant does not have any filtering effect on the blue light (only UV light). In this study we compare the effect of AcrySof® IOL(UV only filter) and AcrySof® Natural filter (UV and blue light filtering chromophores) on blue light induced apoptosis in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Methods: Human RPE cells were isolated and cultured to reach confluency. They were exposed to blue light (430–450 nm) in the presence of either the AcrySof® (UV only) filter or AcrySof® Natural blue light filter for 10 days. The rate of apoptosis was analyzed with Annexin V staining and flow cytometry. RPE cells without light exposure served as controls. Results: Blue light induced significant apoptosis in RPE cells when compared to the cells in the dark. AcrySof® Natural filter significantly reduced the blue light induced apoptosis when compared to AcrySof® (UV only) filter. The amount of blue light energy reaching the RPE cells with the AcrySof® filter was 4.25 mW/cm2 and with the AcrySof® Natural filter was 2.5 mW/cm2. Conclusions: AcrySof® Natural filter which contains the blue light filtering chromophore significantly reduces the blue light induced apoptosis when compared to AcrySof® (UV only) filter. This is most likely due to its filtering effect on the blue wave length, which would reduce the energy that reaches the RPE cells. These results further confirm that in patients who are at a high risk for the development or progression of macular degeneration, the implantation of an IOL with a blue light filtering chromophore is warranted.
Keywords: retinal pigment epithelium • apoptosis/cell death • age-related macular degeneration