Sub-threshold near-UV radiation effects on aphakic guinea pig retinas

Monocularly aphakic guinea pigs (Cavia porcellis), prepared by removing the lens by phacoemulsification, were maintained under near-UV lighting conditions for several months. Exposure to near-UV energy was at much lower irradiance levels than that of sunlight, and was at lower than the threshold level for near-UV damage to the aphakic monkey retina as reported by Ham, et al (1). In some aphakic eyes, regenerated lens-like structures formed which scattered light appreciably. After increasing light exposure periods, the eyes of control and irradiated animals were studied histologically. Other animals were periodically examined by electroretinographic (ERG) techniques. While there was no observable histopathological damage, aphakic-UV irradiated eyes with little or no lens regrowth exhibited depressed b-waves, late time constants and altered wave forms when compared with control eyes. The results demonstrate that ambient near-UV light exposure can adversely influence retinal electrical activity in aphakic eyes at irradiance levels below threshold for morphological damage. The protective function of the lens is also supported by these findings.