Abstract Title: Protective effects of blue light-blocking shades on phototoxicity in human ocular surface cells. Abstract Source: BMJ Open Ophthalmol. 2019 ;4(1):e000217. Epub 2019 May 28. PMID: 31245609 Abstract Author(s): Yoshimi Niwano, Atsuo Iwasawa, Kazuo Tsubota, Masahiko Ayaki, Kazuno Negishi Article Affiliation: Yoshimi Niwano Abstract: Objective: Blue light hazards for retina and ocular surface have been repeatedly described and many protective methods are introduced for retina; however, no study has been conducted on ocular surface protection. The purpose of this in vitro study was to examine phototoxicity and shade protection after blue light irradiation in primary human cells of corneal surface origin. Methods and analysis: Primary human cells of corneal surface origin were obtained from eye bank eyes. After blue light irradiation (405 nm) of these cells for 3 min, and a further 24 hours' incubation, surviving viable cells were assessed by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. Simultaneously, cell viability was determined in wells covered by ultraviolet and blue light shades. Results: Under subconfluent conditions, viable cells decreased by around 50% after blue light irradiation, compared with control cells without irradiation. The blue light phototoxicity was not blocked by the control shade, but the ultraviolet-blocking and blue light-blocking shades protected the cells from phototoxicity, producing a 30%-40% reduction (ultraviolet) and 15%-30% reduction (blue light) in viable cells. Conclusion: These results indicate that blue light injures ocular surface cells and the cells are protected from damage by a shade. We recommend blue light protection to maintain ocular health, especially in high-risk populations, such as people with dry eye, contact lens users, the malnourished and the elderly. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2018

Abstract Title: Blocking nocturnal blue light for insomnia: A randomized controlled trial. Abstract Source: J Psychiatr Res. 2018 Jan ;96:196-202. Epub 2017 Oct 21. PMID: 29101797 Abstract Author(s): Ari Shechter, Elijah Wookhyun Kim, Marie-Pierre St-Onge, Andrew J Westwood Article Affiliation: Ari Shechter Abstract: : The use of light-emitting electronic devices before bedtime may contribute to or exacerbate sleep problems. Exposure to blue-wavelength light in particular from these devices may affect sleep by suppressing melatonin and causing neurophysiologic arousal. We aimed to determine if wearing amber-tinted blue light-blocking lenses before bedtime improves sleep in individuals with insomnia. Fourteen individuals (n = 8 females; age ± SD 46.6 ± 11.5 y) with insomnia symptoms wore blue light-blocking amber lenses or clear placebo lenses in lightweight wraparound frames for 2 h immediately preceding bedtime for 7 consecutive nights in a randomized crossover trial (4-wk washout). Ambulatory sleep measures included the Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale (PIRS) completed at the end of each intervention period, and daily post-sleep questionnaire and wrist-actigraphy. PIRS total scores, and Quality of Life, Distress, and Sleep Parameter subscales, were improved in amber vs. clear lenses condition (p-values<0.05). Reported wake-time was significantly delayed, and mean subjective total sleep time (TST), overall quality, and soundness of sleep were significantly higher (p-values<0.05) in amber vs. clear lenses condition over the 7-d intervention period. Actigraphic measures of TST only were significantly higher in amber vs. clear lenses condition (p = 0.035). Wearing amber vs. clear lenses for 2-h preceding bedtime for 1 week improved sleep in individuals with insomnia symptoms. These findings have health relevance given the broad use of light-emitting devices before bedtime and prevalence of insomnia. Amber lenses represent a safe, affordable, and easily implemented therapeutic intervention for insomnia symptoms. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02698800. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2017

Abstract Title: Removal of the blue component of light significantly decreases retinal damage after high intensity exposure. Abstract Source: PLoS One. 2018 ;13(3):e0194218. Epub 2018 Mar 15. PMID: 29543853 Abstract Author(s): Javier Vicente-Tejedor, Miguel Marchena, Laura Ramírez, Diego García-Ayuso, Violeta Gómez-Vicente, Celia Sánchez-Ramos, Pedro de la Villa, Francisco Germain Article Affiliation: Javier Vicente-Tejedor Abstract: Light causes damage to the retina (phototoxicity) and decreases photoreceptor responses to light. The most harmful component of visible light is the blue wavelength (400-500 nm). Different filters have been tested, but so far all of them allow passing a lot of this wavelength (70%). The aim of this work has been to prove that a filter that removes 94% of the blue component may protect the function and morphology of the retina significantly. Three experimental groups were designed. The first group was unexposed to light, the second one was exposed and the third one was exposed and protected by a blue-blocking filter. Light damage was induced in young albino mice (p30) by exposing them to white light of high intensity (5,000 lux) continuously for 7 days. Short wavelength light filters were used for light protection. The blue component was removed (94%) from the light source by our filter. Electroretinographical recordings were performed before and after light damage. Changes in retinal structure were studied using immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL labeling. Also, cells in the outer nuclear layer were counted and compared among the three different groups. Functional visual responses were significantly more conserved in protected animals (with the blue-blocking filter) than in unprotected animals. Also, retinal structure was better kept and photoreceptor survival was greater in protected animals, these differences were significant in central areas of the retina. Still, functional and morphological responses were significantly lower in protected than in unexposed groups. In conclusion, this blue-blocking filter decreases significantly photoreceptor damage after exposure to high intensity light. Actually, our eyes are exposed for a very long time to high levels of blue light (screens, artificial light LED, neons…). The potential damage caused by blue light can be palliated. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2017

Abstract Title: Blue-light filtering alters angiogenic signaling in human retinal pigmented epithelial cells culture model. Abstract Source: BMC Ophthalmol. 2017 Nov 2 ;17(1):198. Epub 2017 Nov 2. PMID: 29096624 Abstract Author(s): Natalia Vila, Aya Siblini, Evangelina Esposito, Vasco Bravo-Filho, Pablo Zoroquiain, Sultan Aldrees, Patrick Logan, Lluis Arias, Miguel N Burnier Article Affiliation: Natalia Vila Abstract: BACKGROUND: Light exposure and more specifically the spectrum of blue light contribute to the oxidative stress in Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The purpose of the study was to establish whether blue light filtering could modify proangiogenic signaling produced by retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells under different conditions simulating risk factors for AMD. METHODS: Three experiments were carried out in order to expose ARPE-19 cells to white light for 48 h with and without blue light-blocking filters (BLF) in different conditions. In each experiment one group was exposed to light with no BLF protection, a second group was exposed to light with BLF protection, and a control group was not exposed to light. The ARPE-19 cells used in each experiment prior to light exposure were cultured for 24 h as follows: Experiment 1) Normoxia, Experiment 2) Hypoxia, and Experiment 3) Lutein supplemented media in normoxia. The media of all groups was harvested after light exposure for sandwich ELISA-based assays to quantify 10 pro-angiogenic cytokines. RESULTS: A significant decrease in angiogenin secretion levels and a significant increase in bFGF were observed following light exposure, compared to dark conditions, in both normoxia and hypoxia conditions. With the addition of a blue light-blocking filter in normoxia, a significant increase in angiogenin levels was observed. Although statistical significance was not achieved, blue light filters reduce light-induced secretion of bFGF and VEGF to near normal levels. This trend is also observed when ARPE-19 cells are grown under hypoxic conditions and when pre-treated with lutein prior to exposure to experimental conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Following light exposure, there is a decrease in angiogenin secretion by ARPE-19 cells, which was abrogated with a blue light - blocking filter. Our findings support the position that blue light filtering affects the secretion of angiogenic factors by retinal pigmented epithelial cells under normoxic, hypoxic, and lutein-pretreated conditions in a similar manner. Article Published Date : Nov 01, 2017

Abstract Title: Blue-Light Filtering Spectacle Lenses: Optical and Clinical Performances. Abstract Source: PLoS One. 2017 ;12(1):e0169114. Epub 2017 Jan 3. PMID: 28045969 Abstract Author(s): Tsz Wing Leung, Roger Wing-Hong Li, Chea-Su Kee Article Affiliation: Tsz Wing Leung Abstract: PURPOSES: To evaluate the optical performance of blue-light filtering spectacle lenses and investigate whether a reduction in blue light transmission affects visual performance and sleep quality. METHODS: Experiment 1: The relative changes in phototoxicity, scotopic sensitivity, and melatonin suppression of five blue-light filtering plano spectacle lenses were calculated based on their spectral transmittances measured by a spectrophotometer. Experiment 2: A pseudo-randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate the clinical performance of two blue-light filtering spectacle lenses (BF: blue-filtering anti-reflection coating; BT: brown-tinted) with a regular clear lens (AR) serving as a control. A total of eighty computer users were recruited from two age cohorts (young adults: 18-30 yrs, middle-aged adults: 40-55 yrs). Contrast sensitivity under standard and glare conditions, and colour discrimination were measured using standard clinical tests. After one month of lens wear, subjective ratings of lens performance were collected by questionnaire. RESULTS: All tested blue-light filtering spectacle lenses theoretically reduced the calculated phototoxicity by 10.6% to 23.6%. Although use of the blue-light filters also decreased scotopic sensitivity by 2.4% to 9.6%, and melatonin suppression by 5.8% to 15.0%, over 70% of the participants could not detect these optical changes. Our clinical tests revealed no significant decrease in contrast sensitivity either with (95% confidence intervals [CI]: AR-BT [-0.05, 0.05]; AR-BF [-0.05, 0.06]; BT-BF [-0.06, 0.06]) or without glare (95% CI: AR-BT [-0.01, 0.03]; AR-BF [-0.01, 0.03]; BT-BF [-0.02, 0.02]) and colour discrimination (95% CI: AR-BT [-9.07, 1.02]; AR-BF [-7.06, 4.46]; BT-BF [-3.12, 8.57]). CONCLUSION: Blue-light filtering spectacle lenses can partially filter high-energy short-wavelength light without substantially degrading visual performance and sleep quality. These lenses may serve as a supplementary option for protecting the retina from potential blue-light hazard. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02821403. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2016

Abstract Title: The Protective Effect of Brown-, Gray-, and Blue-Tinted Lenses against Blue LED Light-Induced Cell Death in A2E-Laden Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Abstract Source: Ophthalmic Res. 2017 ;57(2):118-124. Epub 2016 Nov 24. PMID: 27880954 Abstract Author(s): Sang-Il Park, Young Pyo Jang Article Affiliation: Sang-Il Park Abstract: A2E-laden ARPE-19 cells were exposed to a blue light to induce cytotoxicity, in order to investigate the protective effects of various tinted ophthalmic lenses against photo-induced cytotoxicity in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells laden with A2E, known to be among the etiologies of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Different-colored tinted lenses with varying levels of tint and different filtering characteristics, such as polarized, blue-cut, and photochromatic lenses, were placed over the cells, and the protective efficacies thereof were evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase assay. When tinted lenses were placed over ARPE-19 cells, there were different reductions in cytotoxicity according to the colors and tint levels. The level of protection afforded by brown-tinted lenses was 6.9, 36.1, and 49% with a tint level of 15, 50, and 80%, respectively. For gray-tinted lenses, the protective effect was 16.3, 35, and 43.4% for the corresponding degree of tint, respectively. In the case of blue-tinted lenses, a protective effect of 20% was observed with 80% tinted lenses, but 15 and 50% tinted lenses provided no significant protection. In addition, photochromic lenses showed a protective effect but blue-cut lenses and polarized lenses provided no significant protection. Tinted lenses significantly reduced cytotoxicity in RPE cells irradiated with blue light. The protection was more efficient in lenses with a brown or gray tint than in blue-tinted lenses. Tinted glasses may provide significant protection against potential blue-light-induced photochemical and photo-oxidative damage in RPE cells. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2016

Abstract Title: Blue-blocking glasses as additive treatment for mania: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Abstract Source: Bipolar Disord. 2016 05 ;18(3):221-32. PMID: 27226262 Abstract Author(s): Tone Eg Henriksen, Silje Skrede, Ole B Fasmer, Helle Schoeyen, Ieva Leskauskaite, Jeanette Bjørke-Bertheussen, Jörg Assmus, Børge Hamre, Janne Grønli, Anders Lund Article Affiliation: Tone Eg Henriksen Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The discovery of the blue lightsensitive retinal photoreceptor responsible for signaling daytime to the brain suggested that light to the circadian system could be inhibited by using blue-blocking orange tinted glasses. Blue-blocking (BB) glasses are a potential treatment option for bipolar mania. We examined the effectiveness of BB glasses in hospitalized patients with bipolar disorder in a manic state. METHODS: In a single-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (RCT), eligible patients (with bipolar mania; age 18-70 years) were recruited from five clinics in Norway. Patients were assigned to BB glasses or placebo (clear glasses) from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. for 7 days, in addition to treatment as usual. Symptoms were assessed daily by use of the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Motor activity was assessed by actigraphy, and compared to data from a healthy control group. Wearing glasses for one evening/night qualified for inclusion in the intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: From February 2012 to February 2015, 32 patients were enrolled. Eight patients dropped out and one was excluded, resulting in 12 patients in the BB group and 11 patients in the placebo group. The mean decline in YMRS score was 14.1 [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.7-18.5] in the BB group, and 1.7 (95% CI: -4.0 to 7.4) in the placebo group, yielding an effect size of 1.86 (Cohen's d). In the BB group, one patient reported headache and two patients experienced easily reversible depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This RCT shows that BB glasses are effective and feasible as add-on treatment for bipolar mania. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2015

Abstract Title: Effect of Blue Light-Reducing Eye Glasses on Critical Flicker Frequency. Abstract Source: Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila). 2015 Mar-Apr;4(2):80-5. PMID: 26065349 Abstract Author(s): Takeshi Ide, Ikuko Toda, Emiko Miki, Kazuo Tsubota Article Affiliation: Takeshi Ide Abstract: PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the effect of blocking short-wavelength light on critical flicker frequency (CFF). DESIGN: This study is a prospective clinical study. METHODS: Thirty-three participants (17 men and 16 women; age range, 28-39 years) were divided into 3 groups. Each group wore 1 of 3 types of lenses while performing an intensive computer task for 2 hours. To evaluate the effect of blocking short-wavelength light before and after the task, we measured the CFF and evaluated subjective questionnaires. We used the analysis of variance test to examine whether the type of lenses tested affected any of the visual fatigue-related parameters. RESULTS: The type of lens worn significantly affected the CFF; however, answers to the subjective questionnaires did not differ significantly between the groups. Two of the 13 question items showed a statistical difference between lens transparency and increase in the CFF (lens 3>lens 2>lens 1). CONCLUSIONS: The higher the blocking effect of the lens, the lower the reduction in the CFF, suggesting that blocking short-wavelength light can reduce eye fatigue. Article Published Date : Feb 28, 2015

Abstract Title: Biological effects of blocking blue and other visible light on the mouse retina. Abstract Source: Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2014 Aug ;42(6):555-63. Epub 2013 Dec 4. PMID: 24304494 Abstract Author(s): Toshio Narimatsu, Yoko Ozawa, Seiji Miyake, Shunsuke Kubota, Kenya Yuki, Norihiro Nagai, Kazuo Tsubota Article Affiliation: Toshio Narimatsu Abstract: BACKGROUND: To elucidate the biological effects of blocking fluorescent light on the retina using specific blocking materials. METHODS: Seven- to 8-week-old BALB/c mice were divided into three groups and placed in one of the three boxes: one blocked ultraviolet and violet wavelengths of light (violet blockade), one blocked ultraviolet, violet, blue and some other visible wavelengths (blue-plus blockade), and one allowed most visible light to pass through (control). They were then exposed to a white fluorescent lamp for 1 h at 5.65E-05 mW/cm(2) /s. After treatment, the electroretinogram, retinal outer nuclear layer thickness and retinal outer segment length were measured. In addition, retinal apoptotic cells were quantified by TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling assay and c-Fos messenger RNA, and protein levelswere measured by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analyses, respectively. RESULTS: The blue-plus blockade group retained a significantly better electroretinogram response following light exposure than the control or violet blockade groups. The blue-plus blockade group also exhibited greater outer nuclear layer thickness and greater outer-segment length, and fewer apoptotic cells after light exposure than the other groups. The c-Fos messenger RNA and protein levels were substantially reduced in the blue-plus blockade group and reduced to a lesser extent in the violet blockade group. CONCLUSIONS: The blockade of blue plus additional visible wavelengths of light was most effective in protecting the retina from light-induced damage. The blockade of violet light alone was also effective in reducing intracellular molecular responses, but these effects were not sufficient for attenuating retinal degeneration. Article Published Date : Jul 31, 2014

Abstract Title: Effects of a blue light-filtering intraocular lens on driving safety in glare conditions. Abstract Source: J Cataract Refract Surg. 2012 May ;38(5):816-22. PMID: 22520305 Abstract Author(s): Rob Gray, Warren Hill, Brooke Neuman, Diane Houtman, Richard Potvin Article Affiliation: Rob Gray Abstract: PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the previously established benefit of blue light-filtering intraocular lenses (IOLs) when driving in glare conditions is maintained in patients previously implanted with a blue light-filtering toric IOL. SETTING: Department of Applied Psychology, Arizona State University, Mesa, Arizona, USA. DESIGN: Comparative case series. METHODS: The study comprised patients with a blue light-filtering toric IOL (test IOL) or an ultraviolet (UV)-only filtering nontoric IOL (control IOL). All patients had good visual acuity and a valid driver's license. While wearing best spherocylindrical correction, patients performed left-turn maneuvers in front of oncoming traffic in a driving simulator. The safety margin was defined as the time to collision less the time taken to turn at an intersection with oncoming traffic. Measures were repeated with a glare source simulating low-angle sun conditions (daytime driving). RESULTS: Of the 33 evaluable patients, 18 had a test IOL and 15 had a control IOL. In the presence of glare, patients with test IOLs had significantly greater safety margins (mean 2.676 seconds± 0.438 [SD]) than patients with control IOLs (mean 2.179 ± 0.343 seconds) and significantly lower glare susceptibility (P<.05). In no-glare and glare conditions, patients with test IOLs had significantly lower glare susceptibility than patients with control IOLs. CONCLUSION: The blue light-filtering toric IOL produced a significantly greater reduction in glare disability than the UV-only filtering nontoric IOL and increased the ability of drivers to safely execute left turns in low-sun conditions. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Houtman is an employee of Alcon Laboratories, Inc. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Article Published Date : Apr 30, 2012

Abstract Title: Filtering blue light reduces light-induced oxidative stress, senescence and accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in human retinal pigment epithelium cells. Abstract Source: Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2012 Jan-Feb;40(1):e87-97. Epub 2011 Aug 18. PMID: 21668780 Abstract Author(s): Marcus Kernt, Axel Walch, Aljoscha S Neubauer, Christoph Hirneiss, Christos Haritoglou, Michael W Ulbig, Anselm Kampik Article Affiliation: Marcus Kernt Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cumulative light exposure is significantly associated with ageing and the progression of age-related macular degeneration. To prevent the retina from blue-light damage in pseudophakia, blue light-absorbing intraocular lenses have been developed. This study compares the possible protective effects of a blue light-absorbing intraocular lens to an untinted ultraviolet-absorbing intraocular lens with regard to light-induced oxidative stress and senescence of human retinal pigment epithelium. METHODS: As primary human retinal pigment epithelium cells were exposed to white light, either an ultraviolet- and blue light-absorbing intraocular lens or ultraviolet-absorbing intraocular lens was placed in the light beam. After 60 min of irradiation, cells were investigated by electron microscopy for viability, induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species, and senescence-associatedβ-galactosidase activity. Expression and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3 and their mRNA were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Light exposure induced structural damage, decreased retinal pigment epithelium cell viability, and increased reactive oxygen species, senescence-associatedβ-galactosidase activity and matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3 expression and secretion. Although both types of intraocular lens significantly reduced these effects, the protective effects of the ultraviolet- and blue light-absorbing intraocular lens were significantly stronger than those of the ultraviolet-absorbing intraocular lens. CONCLUSIONS: The ultraviolet- and blue light-absorbing intraocular lens demonstrated significantly better protection against light-induced oxidative stress, senescence and structural damage than the ultraviolet-absorbing intraocular lens. These in vitro findings support the hypothesis that the ultraviolet- and blue light-absorbing intraocular lens may prevent retinal damage in clinical use. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2011

Abstract Title: Recent studies provide an updated clinical perspective on blue light-filtering IOLs. Abstract Source: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2011 Jul ;249(7):957-68. Epub 2011 May 17. PMID: 21584764 Abstract Author(s): James A Davison, Anil S Patel, Joao P Cunha, Jim Schwiegerling, Orkun Muftuoglu Article Affiliation: James A Davison Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recent reviews of blue light-filtering intraocular lenses (IOLs) have stated their potential risks for scotopic vision and circadian photoentrainment. Some authors have challenged the rationale for retinal photoprotection that these IOLs might provide. Our objective is to address these issues by providing an updated clinical perspective based on the results of the most recent studies. METHODS: This article evaluates the currently available published papers assessing the potential risks and benefits of blue light-filtering IOLs. It summarizes the results of seven clinical and two computational studies on photoreception, and several studies related to retinal photoprotection, all of which were not available in the previous reviews. These results provide a clinical risk/benefit analysis for an updated review for these IOLs. RESULTS: Most clinical studies comparing IOLs with and without the blue light-filtering feature have found no difference in clinical performance for; visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color vision, or glare. For blue light-filtering IOLs, three comparative clinical studies have shown improved contrast sensitivity and glare reduction; but one study, while it showed satisfactory overall color perception, demonstrated some compromise in mesopic comparative blue color discrimination. Comparative results of two recent clinical studies have also shown improved performance for simulated driving under glare conditions and reduced glare disability, better heterochromatic contrast threshold, and faster recovery from photostress for blue light-filtering IOLs. Two computational and five clinical studies found no difference in performance between IOLs with or without blue light-filtration for scotopic vision performance and photo entrainment of the circadian rhythm. The rationale for protection of the pseudophakic retina against phototoxicity is discussed with supporting results of the most recent computational, in-vitro, animal, clinical, and epidemiological investigations. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis provides an updated clinical perspective which suggests the selection of blue light-filtering IOLs for patients of any age, but especially for pediatric and presbyopic lens exchange patients with a longer pseudophakic life. Without clinically substantiated potential risks, these patients should experience the benefit of overall better quality of vision, reduced glare disability at least in some conditions, and better protection against retinal phototoxicity and its associated potential risk for AMD. Article Published Date : Jun 30, 2011

Abstract Title: [Protective effect of blue light-absorbing IOLs on the human retinal pigment epithelium]. Abstract Source: Ophthalmologe. 2010 Feb ;107(2):150-7. PMID: 19499230 Abstract Author(s): M Kernt, C Hirneiss, A S Neubauer, C A Lackerbauer, K H Eibl, A Wolf, Mw Ulbig, A Kampik Article Affiliation: M Kernt Abstract: METHODS: Primary human RPE cells were exposed to white light and either a SN60AT or SA60AT IOL was placed in the light beam. After 15-60 min of irradiation, viability, induction of apoptosis and cell death were determined in primary human RPE cells. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and the anti-apoptotic XIAP protein and their mRNA were determined by RT-PCR, Western blot analysis and ELISA. RESULTS: Light exposure decreased cell viability depending on the duration of irradiation. Light-induced cell death and apoptosis as well as decrease of XIAP expression and cellular viability were significantly reduced by both the SN60AT and SA60AT IOL. In addition, these protective effects regarding light-induced cell damage were significantly stronger in the presence of the blue light-filtering SN60AT IOL compared to the SA60AT IOL. CONCLUSION: Both UV-filtering and blue light-absorbing IOLs reduce light-induced RPE damage. The blue light-absorbing IOL further reduced damage compared to the conventional IOL, which supports the hypothesis of possibly also preventing retinal damage in clinical use. Article Published Date : Jan 31, 2010

Abstract Title: Use of modified spectacles and light bulbs to block blue light at night may prevent postpartum depression. Abstract Source: Med Hypotheses. 2009 Aug ;73(2):251-3. Epub 2009 Mar 28. PMID: 19329259 Abstract Author(s): Shoshana Bennett, Martin Alpert, Vilnis Kubulins, Richard L Hansler Article Affiliation: Shoshana Bennett Abstract: In 2001 it was discovered that exposing the eyes to light in the blue end of the visible spectrum suppresses the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin. New mothers need to get up during the night to care for their babies. This is the time when melatonin is normally flowing. Exposing their eyes to light can cut off the flow. It may also reset their circadian (internal) clock. On subsequent nights the melatonin may not begin flowing at the normal time making it difficult to fall asleep. Over time, disruption of the circadian rhythm plus sleep deprivation may result in depression. Women suffering postpartum depression were enrolled in a small clinical trial. Some were provided with glasses and light bulbs that block blue light. Others were equipped with glasses and light bulbs that looked colored but did not block the rays causing melatonin suppression. Those with the"real glasses"recovered somewhat more quickly than those with the placebo glasses and light bulbs. The hypothesis that should be tested in large scale clinical trials is that the risk of postpartum depression can be reduced when a new mother avoids exposing her eyes to blue light when she gets up at night to care for her baby. In the meantime, all new mothers may benefit from using glasses and light bulbs that block blue light when getting up at night to care for their babies. Article Published Date : Jul 31, 2009