High-Energy Visible Light

Studies of animal models indicate that a variety of mechanisms may be responsible for eye damage attributed to blue light. Experimental evidence indicates that exposure to blue light triggers premature programmed cell death (apoptosis) of photoreceptor cells in the retina. This may be due to light-induced damage to the DNA of the retinal pigment epithelium. Another possible mechanism may be cell necrosis caused by free-radical molecules produced by blue light.

Blue Light and Contrast Sensitivity

Blue light may also have a detrimental effect on contrast sensitivity, particularly for older patients. A recent study showed that a filter blocking 3 specific spectral bands—including <400 nm, blue light (the precise nm were not provided in the published study), and 575 nm—improved contrast sensitivity in daylight conditions for elderly subjects.

References:

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