Light-induced retinal damage using different light sources, protocols and rat strains reveals LED phototoxicity. (17th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Krigel, A.; Berdugo, M.; Picard, E.; Levy-Boukris, R.; Jaadane, I.; Jonet, L.; Dernigoghossian, M.; Andrieu-Soler, C.; Torriglia, A.; Behar-Cohen, F.
• Is Part Of: Neuroscience. Volume 339(2016)
• Page Start: 296
• Page End: 307
• Publication Date: 2016-12-17
• Subjects: AMD age-related macular degeneration -- BRB blood retinal barrier -- CCFL Cold Cathode fluorescent lamps -- CFL fluorocompact lamp -- ERG electroretinogram -- LE Long Evans -- LED Light Emitting Diode -- ONL outer nuclear layer -- PBS phosphate-buffered saline -- PNA peanut agglutinin -- W Wistar; retina -- Light Emitting Diodes -- phototoxicity -- pigmented rats -- chronic light exposure; Neurochemistry -- Periodicals; Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurochimie -- Périodiques; Neurophysiologie -- Périodiques; Neurochemistry; Neurophysiology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.10.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4522

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: White LEDs induce stronger retinal degeneration than fluorocompact lamps. Pigmentation induces very little protection in LED-exposed rats at high luminance. Exposure to LED induces breakdown of the external blood-retinal barrier. Abstract: To save energy, the European directives from the Eco-design of Energy Using Products (2005/32/CE) have recommended the replacement of incandescent lamps by more economic devices such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). However, the emission spectrum of these devices is enriched in blue radiations, known to be potentially dangerous to the retina. Recent studies showed that light exposure contributes to the onset of early stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here, we investigate, in albinos and pigmented rats, the effects of different exposure protocols. Twenty-four hours exposure at high luminance was compared to a cyclic (dark/light) exposure at domestic levels for 1 week and 1 month, using different LEDs (Cold-white, blue and green), as well as fluorocompact bulbs and fluorescent tubes. The data suggest that the blue component of the white-LED may cause retinal toxicity at occupational domestic illuminance and not only in extreme experimental conditions, as previously reported. It is important to note that the current regulations and standards have been established on the basis of acute light exposure and do not take into account the effects of repeated exposure.