[Retinal phototoxicity from endoilluminators for vitrectomy]

With the advent of bright endoilluminators for vitrectomy, retinal light damage has become a major concern. Retinal light damage is induced by ultraviolet rays and short wavelength visible light. The phototoxic effect of visible light is mediated by photochemical reactions, in which a photosensitizer activated by light initiates cascades of reactions leading to cell damage. This photochemical reaction is mediated, at least in part, by a major lipofuscin component, A2E. Using an A2E laden RPE cell line, it was demonstrated that the phototoxicity of the newly developed endoilluminators is as safe as conventional endoilluminators if an appropriate filter is incorporated into the optic path.