[Retinal light damage--summary of experimental and clinical observations]

The article presents a comprehensive review of the literature on light damage to the retina with special reference to clinical aspects. A definition of the different modes of action of light on the retina and a brief summary of current theories on possible mechanisms of light-damage are presented. Experimental studies applying ophthalmological light sources to the primate eye are described as well as investigations on photochemical light-damage to the human eye. Possible implications of these observations for some types of retinal degeneration are discussed. Finally, the importance of considering possible light-hazards in clinical routine is emphasized.