Protector Role of Intraocular Lenses under Artificial Light Conditions

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this work is to analyse, in an in vitro model, the possible protective effects of ultraviolet- (UV-) or UV/ blue-filtering intraocular lens (IOLs) under LED lighting conditions. Methods: 10 models of IOLs were evaluated. Light transmission spectrum was recorded from 300 to 800 nm, in steps of 1 nm. Photodamage in vitro model was induced in ARPE-19 cells by blue LED light (465-475 nm). Changes in cell viability and oxidative stress variables were studied to assess the protective effect of IOLs. Results: UV/blue-filtering IOLs models block blue light spectrum in different proportion and UV-filtering IOLs blocking wavelength below 400 nm. However, in vitro study under blue LED light exposure does not show protective effects related with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress of UV/blue-filtering IOLs. Conclusions: The current in vitro study suggest that UV/blue filtering IOLs are not useful in terms of photoprotection in artificial light conditions. The results obtained indicate that it is needed to give attention to other IOLs parameters besides the type of filter, as it seems they could have influence also protective role.

Blue Light Filtration in Intraocular Lenses: Effects on Visual Function and Systemic Health

“…[60][61][62] Another study in ARPE-19 cells, however, reported that BLF IOLs did not reduce the expression of heme oxygenase-1 or have a protective effect on mitochondrial membrane potential in these experiments, although blue LED light exposure led to increased oxidative stress (measured by heme oxygenase-1 levels). 63 The results of these in vitro studies confirm that blue light can cause damage to RPE cells. Some of the studies supported the protective function of BLF IOLs, [60][61][62] but others did not report significant effects with BLF, 63 possibly because of variations in study design and assessments.…”

“… 60–62 Another study in ARPE-19 cells, however, reported that BLF IOLs did not reduce the expression of heme oxygenase-1 or have a protective effect on mitochondrial membrane potential in these experiments, although blue LED light exposure led to increased oxidative stress (measured by heme oxygenase-1 levels). 63 …”

“…The results of these in vitro studies confirm that blue light can cause damage to RPE cells. Some of the studies supported the protective function of BLF IOLs, 60–62 but others did not report significant effects with BLF, 63 possibly because of variations in study design and assessments. All these studies support the “no harm” hypothesis.…”

Effect of the chromaticity of stimuli on night vision disturbances

“…), as halo perception and other dysphotopsias are one of the main postoperative complaints www.nature.com/scientificreports/ of these patients 12,69,70 and some multifocal IOLs can influence spatio-chromatic vision 71 . There is also a growing research interest in the effect of blue-light filtering intraocular lenses 72,73 and optimizing new refractive surgery techniques to minimize positive dysphotopsias.…”