[Photogenic retinal damage and its medicinal prevention: lipid peroxide studies]

Continuous illumination of 18,175 lx caused degeneration of the retinal photoreceptor cells in albino rats, accompanied by increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) 3 days after the light exposure. The MDA decreased gradually to return to normal 8 days after the exposure. Administration of vitamin E or beta-carotine both prevented the increase of retinal lipid peroxide with amelioration of the photic injury to the retinal structures, though the effects were closely related to the dosage and time of medication.