Effects of blue light and blue-light protection eyeglass lenses on the oxidative status of mouse corneas

Exposure to blue light emitted by electronic devices has increased substantially in recent years and has been associated with enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), potentially compromising ocular health. Blue light-filtering devices have been proposed as a strategy to mitigate corneal damage. This study investigated the effects of blue light exposure on the cornea and evaluated the efficacy of a commercially available photoprotective device. Twenty-five C57BL/6 mice were allocated into groups: blue light exposure with photoprotection (2-12 h/day), without photoprotection (2-12 h/day), and a control group maintained under ambient laboratory lighting (12 h light/dark cycle). Although no statistically significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) was observed, a tendency toward higher LPO levels, along with increased total antioxidant capacity (ACAP) (P = 0,0001) and reduced ROS levels (P = 0,0011) in prolonged exposure groups, suggests activation of a compensatory antioxidant response. This pattern indicates adaptive redox modulation in corneal tissue, in which enhanced antioxidant defenses may temporarily maintain oxidative balance without overt structural damage. Short-term exposure (2 h) did not induce morphological corneal alterations within the evaluated period. However, biochemical changes were detected, and the long-term cumulative effects of chronic blue light exposure remain uncertain. Continuous use of blue light-blocking devices may contribute to optimizing corneal protection during prolonged exposure.