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Local fundus response to blue (LED and laser) and infrared (LED and laser) sources
W Dawson1, T Nakanishi-Ueda, D Armstrong
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610-0284, U.S.A. wdawson@eye1.eye.ufl.edu
Experimental Eye Research
|June 29, 2001
Summary
Blue light from lasers and LEDs causes retinal damage, with effects seen above 10 J cm(-2) and near 100% at 30 J cm(-2). Late fluorescein angiograms were the most sensitive indicator of blue light retinal damage.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Photobiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Research into light damage, particularly laser-induced, has a long history.
- Short-wavelength light (<520 nm) is known to cause retinal-pigment epithelium pathology.
- Emerging evidence suggests blue light contributes to retinal aging via complex chemical processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the retinal-pigment epithelium response to blue light from both lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
- To compare the effects of blue light and infrared (IR) light on retinal tissues.
- To assess the efficacy of different light sources and energy densities in causing retinal damage.
Main Methods:
- Rhesus monkey retinas were exposed to controlled wavelengths and energy densities of blue light (458 nm laser, 460 nm LED) and infrared light (IR laser, IR LED).
- Evaluations included funduscopic, angiographic (fluorescein), and scanning laser tomographic measures.
- Responses were assessed at 2 and 30 days post-exposure, with lesion scores accumulated across four measures.
Main Results:
- No adverse effects were observed following infrared light exposure.
- Blue light exposure showed no demonstrable effect below 10 J cm(-2) and near 100% effectiveness above 30 J cm(-2).
- Late-phase fluorescein angiograms proved to be the most sensitive and persistent indicator of blue light-induced retinal changes.
Conclusions:
- Both laser and LED blue light sources produce similar retinal-pigment epithelium damage under matched conditions.
- The effectiveness of blue light in causing retinal damage is dose-dependent, with significant effects observed at higher energy densities.
- Late fluorescein angiography is a critical tool for detecting subtle, long-term changes in the retina following light exposure.
