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Cataract Formation by Near-infrared Radiation in Rabbits.
Tsutomu Okuno1,2, Masami Kojima3, Sachiko Yamaguchi-Sekino2
1Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Photochemistry and Photobiology
|October 16, 2020
Summary
Near infrared radiation (IR) exposure can cause cataracts. In this study, 808-nm IR heated the iris, leading to heat conduction to the lens and cataract formation in rabbit eyes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Occupational Health
- Biophysics
Background:
- Cataracts are prevalent in glass and steel industry workers due to infrared radiation (IR) exposure.
- Near and far IR radiation are hypothesized to cause cataracts via different mechanisms.
- Previous research suggests IR exposure is linked to increased cataract prevalence in industrial workers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cataract formation induced by near infrared (IR) radiation.
- To elucidate the mechanism of cataractogenesis by 808-nm IR exposure.
- To assess the thermal effects of IR on the anterior segment of the eye.
Main Methods:
- Pigmented rabbit eyes were exposed to 808-nm IR radiation.
- Slit-lamp microscopy was used to evaluate morphological changes in the anterior eye segment.
- Thermochromic liquid crystals monitored temperature changes in the anterior chamber during IR exposure.
Main Results:
- Cortical cataracts formed below the iris in eyes exposed to 1.27 W cm⁻² or higher irradiance for 6 minutes.
- Anterior chamber temperatures increased adjacent to the iris upon IR exposure.
- The iris absorbed 808-nm IR, converting it to heat.
Conclusions:
- 808-nm IR absorption by the iris generates heat.
- This heat conducts to the lens, causing cataract formation.
- The findings support Goldmann's theory on cataractogenesis via heat conduction.
