Abstract
Purpose :
The period of time that our visual system is exposed to artificial light is increasing. This prolonged exposure to light sources has implications for eye health. The development of lighting systems based on photobiomodulation (PBM), that do not alter the colour rendering index (CRI), may result in significant benefits for the population. This study examined the effect of exposure to a new lighting system on a retinal in vitro model.
Methods :
ARPE-19 cells were seeded in 96-well plates at 10000 cells/mL. Three experimental groups were established: 1) a control group of cells maintained in the dark, 2) a group of cells exposed to white LED-type illumination (standard light, 1000 lux), and 3) a group of cells exposed to the developed illumination device (NO7D ligth,1000 lux). ARPE-19 cells were maintained under these experimental conditions for a period of 48 hours. At the end of the exposure period, cell viability was assessed using the WST-1 kit. In addition, the response to oxidative damage (HO-1) and the maintenance of the structural integrity of the monolayer (ZO-1, occludin, b-catenin) were studied by immunochemical techniques.
Results :
Prolonged exposure to the conventional LED device resulted in oxidative damage and reduced cell viability. In contrast, the use of the PBM-based device showed similar cell viability to the control group. HO-1 expression was maintained at levels similar to the control group. However, a greater response in the expression of markers of different types of intercellular junctions was observed in cells exposed to the device in contrast to cells kept in the dark.
Conclusions :
A PBM-based lighting system can be useful in maintaining eye health.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.