AcrySof Natural filter decreases blue light-induced apoptosis in human retinal pigment epithelium
Kourous A Rezai1, Elzbieta Gasyna, Brandon-Luke L Seagle
1Department of Ophthalmology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA. karezaei@yahoo.com
Purpose:
The effect of AcrySof filter (UV light-filtering chromophore; Alcon) and AcrySof Natural filter (UV- and blue light-filtering chromophores) on blue light-induced apoptosis in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells was evaluated.
Design:
Laboratory investigation
Clinical Relevance:
Acrysof Natural filter reduces the blue-light toxicity in RPE cells and may have a positive impact on age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Methods:
RPE cells were exposed to blue light (430-450 nm) in the presence of either the AcrySof (UV only) filter or Acrysof Natural (UV and blue light) filter for 10 days. The rate of apoptosis was analyzed.
Results:
Blue light induced significant apoptosis in RPE cells. AcrySof Natural filter significantly reduced the blue light-induced apoptosis when compared to AcrySof filter. The amount of blue-light energy reaching the cells with the AcrySof filter was 4.25 mW/cm(2) and with the AcrySof Natural filter was 2.5 mW/cm(2).
Conclusions:
AcrySof Natural filter significantly reduced blue light-induced apoptosis. This was most likely due to its filtering effect on blue wavelength light, which reduces the energy that reaches the cells. In patients with cataract who are at a high risk for AMD, the implantation of a blue light-filtering intraocular lens may be considered.
