The yellow intraocular lens and the natural ageing lens

The purpose of this study is to review and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of blue light (400-480 nm) filtering intraocular lenses (IOLs) when compared with the ultraviolet (UV)-blocking IOLs.

Theories that blue light could be related to the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have led to the use of yellow tinted IOLs in cataract surgery to filter short wavelength light. In spite of the potential benefits, some concerns have been raised. The potential advantages of the blue light filtering IOLs are that they could better mimic the conditions of phakia and therefore be more protective for the retina in decreasing the incidence of AMD. However, the potential disadvantages are that blue light filtering could negatively affect scotopic vision and circadian rhythms in older patients.

These advantages and disadvantages of blue light filtering IOLs have not been proven clinically and thus many questions remain. Studies have shown that each type of IOL may have its own benefits and the type of IOL should be picked on the basis of patients' specific situations. In cataract surgery, considerations such as preexisting AMD, night vision problems or sleep problems may be considered with the choice of IOL.