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Haghani M, Abbasi S, Abdoli L, Shams SF, Baha'addini Baigy Zarandi BF, Shokrpour N, Jahromizadeh A, Mortazavi SA, Mortazavi SMJ. Blue Light and Digital Screens Revisited: A New Look at Blue Light from the Vision Quality, Circadian Rhythm and Cognitive Functions Perspective. J Biomed Phys Eng 2024; 14:213-228. [PMID: 39027713 PMCID: PMC11252550 DOI: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2106-1355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Research conducted over the years has established that artificial light at night (ALAN), particularly short wavelengths in the blue region (~400-500 nm), can disrupt the circadian rhythm, cause sleep disturbances, and lead to metabolic dysregulation. With the increasing number of people spending considerable amounts of time at home or work staring at digital screens such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, the negative impacts of blue light are becoming more apparent. While blue wavelengths during the day can enhance attention and reaction times, they are disruptive at night and are associated with a wide range of health problems such as poor sleep quality, mental health problems, and increased risk of some cancers. The growing global concern over the detrimental effects of ALAN on human health is supported by epidemiological and experimental studies, which suggest that exposure to ALAN is associated with disorders like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and increased risk of breast and prostate cancer. Moreover, several studies have reported a connection between ALAN, night-shift work, reduced cognitive performance, and a higher likelihood of human errors. The purpose of this paper is to review the biological impacts of blue light exposure on human cognitive functions and vision quality. Additionally, studies indicating a potential link between exposure to blue light from digital screens and increased risk of breast cancer are also reviewed. However, more research is needed to fully comprehend the relationship between blue light exposure and adverse health effects, such as the risk of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Haghani
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samaneh Abbasi
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Leila Abdoli
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Fatemeh Shams
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Nasrin Shokrpour
- School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Atefeh Jahromizadeh
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi
- Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Blue Light Exposure: Ocular Hazards and Prevention-A Narrative Review. Ophthalmol Ther 2023; 12:755-788. [PMID: 36808601 PMCID: PMC9938358 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-023-00675-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to blue light has seriously increased in our environment since the arrival of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and, in recent years, the proliferation of digital devices rich in blue light. This raises some questions about its potential deleterious effects on eye health. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an update on the ocular effects of blue light and to discuss the efficiency of methods of protection and prevention against potential blue light-induced ocular injury. METHODS The search of relevant English articles was conducted in PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases until December 2022. RESULTS Blue light exposure provokes photochemical reactions in most eye tissues, in particular the cornea, the lens, and the retina. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that certain exposures to blue light (depending on the wavelength or intensity) can cause temporary or permanent damage to some structures of the eye, especially the retina. However, currently, there is no evidence that screen use and LEDs in normal use are deleterious to the human retina. Regarding protection, there is currently no evidence of a beneficial effect of blue blocking lenses for the prevention of eye diseases, in particular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In humans, macular pigments (composed of lutein and zeaxanthin) represent a natural protection by filtering blue light, and can be increased through increased intake from foods or food supplements. These nutrients are associated with lower risk for AMD and cataract. Antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, or zinc might also contribute to the prevention of photochemical ocular damage by preventing oxidative stress. CONCLUSION Currently, there is no evidence that LEDs in normal use at domestic intensity levels or in screen devices are retinotoxic to the human eye. However, the potential toxicity of long-term cumulative exposure and the dose-response effect are currently unknown.
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Wang FF, Wang MH, Zhang MK, Qin P, Cuthbertson AGS, Lei CL, Qiu BL, Yu L, Sang W. Blue light stimulates light stress and phototactic behavior when received in the brain of Diaphorina citri. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 251:114519. [PMID: 36634478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Blue light with a wavelength of 400-470 nm is the composition of the visible light. However, in recent years, blue light contributed the most significance to light pollution due to the artificial light at night. Previously, we have demonstrated that the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, an important pest in citrus production, has significant positive phototaxis with a light-emitting diode light of 400 nm. In this study, ACP with positive phototactic behavior to 400 nm light (PH) and non-phototactic behavior to 400 nm light (NP) were collected, individually. Transcriptome dynamics of head tissues of PH and NP groups were captured by using RNA-sequencing technology, respectively. Forty-three to 46 million clean reads with high-quality values were obtained, and 1773 differential expressed genes (DEGs) were detected. Compared with the NP group, there were 841 up-regulated DEGs and 932 down-regulated DEGs in the PH group. Eight pathways were significantly enriched in the PH group in the KEGG database, while 43 up-regulated pathways and 25 down-regulated pathways were significantly enriched in the PH group in the GO database. The DGE approach was reliable validated by real time quantitative PCR. Results indicated that the blue light acted as an abiotic stress causing physiological and biochemical responses such as oxidative stress, protein denaturation, inflammation and tumor development in ACPs. Additionally, the light was absorbed by photoreceptors of ACPs, and converted into electrical signal to regulate neuromodulation. This study provides basic information for understanding the molecular mechanisms of ACP in response to blue light and provides a reference for further studies to elucidate phototactic behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Feng Wang
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Ming-Hui Wang
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Meng-Ke Zhang
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Peng Qin
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | | | - Chao-Liang Lei
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Bao-Li Qiu
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Lin Yu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control on Fruits and Vegetables in South China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Wen Sang
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510640, China.
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Akansha EO, Bui BV, Ganeshrao SB, Bakthavatchalam P, Gopalakrishnan S, Mattam S, Poojary RR, Jathanna JS, Jose J, Theruveethi NN. Blue-Light-Blocking Lenses Ameliorate Structural Alterations in the Rodent Hippocampus. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12922. [PMID: 36232222 PMCID: PMC9564388 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that prolonged blue-light exposure can impact vision; however, less is known about its impact on non-visual higher-order functions in the brain, such as learning and memory. Blue-light-blocking lenses (BBLs) claim to reduce these potential impacts. Hence, we assessed structural and functional hippocampal alterations following blue-light exposure and the protective efficacy of BBLs. Male Wistar rats were divided into (n = 6 in each group) normal control (NC), blue-light exposure (LE), and blue-light with BBLs (Crizal Prevencia, CP and DuraVision Blue, DB) groups. After 28 days of light exposure (12:12 light: dark cycle), rats were trained for the Morris water maze memory retention test, and brain tissues were sectioned for hippocampal neuronal analysis using Golgi and Cresyl violet stains. The memory retention test was significantly delayed (p < 0.05) in LE compared with DB groups on day 1 of training. Comparison of Golgi-stained neurons showed significant structural alterations, particularly in the basal dendrites of hippocampal neurons in the LE group, with BBLs significantly mitigating these structural changes (p < 0.05). Comparison of Cresyl-violet-stained neurons revealed significantly (p < 0.001) increased degenerated hippocampal neurons in LE rats, with fewer degenerated neurons in the CP lens group for CA1 neurons (p < 0.05), and for both CP and DB groups (p < 0.05) for CA3 neurons. Thus, in addition to documented effects on visual centers, high-level blue-light exposure also results in degeneration in hippocampal neurons with associated behavioral deficits. These changes can be partially ameliorated with blue-light-blocking lenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizebeth O. Akansha
- Department of Optometry, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Bang V. Bui
- Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Shonraj B. Ganeshrao
- Department of Optometry, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
- INSOFE Education, upGrad-INSOFE, Hyderabad 500034, India
| | - Pugazhandhi Bakthavatchalam
- Department of Anatomy, Melaka Manipal Medical College (Manipal Campus), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Sivakumar Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Physiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Susmitha Mattam
- Department of Optometry, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Radhika R. Poojary
- Department of Optometry, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Judith S. Jathanna
- Department of Optometry, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Judy Jose
- Department of Optometry, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Nagarajan N. Theruveethi
- Department of Optometry, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
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Miura K, Coroneo M, Dusingize JC, Olsen CM, Tinker R, Karipidis K, Hosegood I, Green AC. Prevalence of cataract among Australian commercial airline pilots. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2022; 78:7-13. [PMID: 35343880 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2022.2056110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Because little is known about cataract in pilots, we estimated prevalence by anonymously ascertaining all commercial airline pilots diagnosed with cataract 2011-2016 using the electronic Medical Records System of the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Of 14,163 Australian male commercial pilots licensed in 2011, 1286 aged ≥60 had biennial eye examinations showing a cataract prevalence of 11.6%. Among 12,877 pilots aged <60, based on compulsory eye examinations only when first licensed, prevalence was 0.5%. There was no significant difference by ambient ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels in state of residence though lowest prevalence was seen in the low-UV state of Victoria. Most cataract in pilots ≥60 years was bilateral and of mild severity, while cataract in pilots <60 were more likely to be unilateral and of greater severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Miura
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Minas Coroneo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of New South Wales at Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jean Claude Dusingize
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Catherine M Olsen
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rick Tinker
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ken Karipidis
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian Hosegood
- Qantas Airlines Limited, Mascot, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adèle C Green
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- CRUK Manchester Institute and Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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Tavazzi S, Ponzini E, Caridi A, Secreti S, Miglio F, Duse A, Zeri F. Does blue-violet filtering in contact lenses improve contrast sensitivity? Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2021; 45:101558. [PMID: 34922824 DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2021.101558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The work is aimed at (i) comparing photopic contrast sensitivity (CS) of healthy subjects in an indoor environment with either blue-violet filtering (BVF) or clear contact lenses (CLs) and (ii) investigating a possible dependence of the CS variation on the subjects' intrinsic CS, measured with clear CLs. METHODS Optical transmittance of BVF and clear CLs was measured by a spectrophotometer. Photopic CS was measured monocularly on forty-one subjects (nineteen in the age range 20-36 years and twenty-two in the age range 44-66 years) by a digital optotype system at spatial frequencies from 1.5 to 18 cpd, wearing either clear or BVF CLs. The results are indicated as CSclear and CSBVF, respectively. RESULTS Transmittance curves in the visible range of the two CLs are very similar, despite an absorption band in the BVF CL spectrum with the minimum of transmittance at 428 ± 4 nm equal to about 79%. For both CSclear and CSBVF, no significant CS difference was found between younger and older adults. The difference [log(CSBVF) - log(CSclear)] showed a decreasing trend and changed sign from positive to negative as a function of log(CSclear) with correlation Spearman's Rho coefficients ranging from 0.80 to 0.88 (p < 0.01 at all spatial frequencies). CONCLUSION In the choice of a BVF CL, practitioners should take into consideration that it can influence photopic CS, improving it for subjects who have a relatively low CS with clear CLs, and worsening it for subjects who have a relatively high CS with clear CLs. BVF can affect positively the CS by reducing intraocular scattering. However, it can also cause a reduction in light intensity, which contributes to the formation of the retinal image. The positive or negative influence of BVF CLs compared to clear ones on CS is attributed to a balance among these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tavazzi
- Department of Materials Science, University of Milano-Bicocca, via R. Cozzi 55 - I-20125, Milan, Italy; Research Centre in Optics and Optometry (COMiB), University of Milano-Bicocca, via R. Cozzi 55 - I-20125, Milan, Italy
| | - E Ponzini
- Department of Materials Science, University of Milano-Bicocca, via R. Cozzi 55 - I-20125, Milan, Italy; Research Centre in Optics and Optometry (COMiB), University of Milano-Bicocca, via R. Cozzi 55 - I-20125, Milan, Italy.
| | - A Caridi
- Department of Materials Science, University of Milano-Bicocca, via R. Cozzi 55 - I-20125, Milan, Italy
| | - S Secreti
- Department of Materials Science, University of Milano-Bicocca, via R. Cozzi 55 - I-20125, Milan, Italy
| | - F Miglio
- Department of Materials Science, University of Milano-Bicocca, via R. Cozzi 55 - I-20125, Milan, Italy; Research Centre in Optics and Optometry (COMiB), University of Milano-Bicocca, via R. Cozzi 55 - I-20125, Milan, Italy
| | - A Duse
- Department of Materials Science, University of Milano-Bicocca, via R. Cozzi 55 - I-20125, Milan, Italy; Research Centre in Optics and Optometry (COMiB), University of Milano-Bicocca, via R. Cozzi 55 - I-20125, Milan, Italy
| | - F Zeri
- Department of Materials Science, University of Milano-Bicocca, via R. Cozzi 55 - I-20125, Milan, Italy; Research Centre in Optics and Optometry (COMiB), University of Milano-Bicocca, via R. Cozzi 55 - I-20125, Milan, Italy
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Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Potential of Indian Sandalwood Oil against Environmental Stressors In Vitro and Ex Vivo. COSMETICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/cosmetics8020053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Distilled from the heartwood of Santalum album, Indian sandalwood oil is an essential oil that historically has been used as a natural active ingredient in cosmetics to condition and brighten the skin. It has been documented to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative activities. Here, we investigated the protective and anti-aging effects of Indian sandalwood oil in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HaCaT cells and in human skin explants after exposure to oxidative stress. Using a probe DCFH-DA, the antioxidant capacity of Indian sandalwood oil was monitored following exposure to blue light at 412 nm and 450 nm or cigarette smoke. The anti-aging effect of sandalwood oil was also explored in human skin explants via the assessment of collagenase level (MMP-1). We reported that Indian sandalwood oil possessed antioxidant potential that can scavenge the ROS generated by a free radical generating compound (AAPH). Subsequent exposure to environmental stressors revealed that Indian sandalwood oil possessed superior antioxidant activity in comparison to vitamin E (alpha tocopherol). Using human skin explants, this study demonstrated that Indian sandalwood oil can also inhibit the pollutant-induced level of MMP-1. The findings indicated that Indian sandalwood oil can potentially serve as a protective and anti-aging active ingredient in cosmetics and dermatology against environmental stressors.
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Mao T, He X, Liu G, Wei Y, Gou Y, Zhou X, Tao L. Fluorescent polymers via post-polymerization modification of Biginelli-type polymers for cellular protection against UV damage. Polym Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0py00503g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Biocompatible fluorescent polymers with UV-protective capability have been developed by the combination of the Biginelli reaction and the postpolymerization modification method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Mao
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian
- Beijing
- P. R. China
- Science and Technology on Advanced Ceramic Fibers and Composites Laboratory
- National University of Defense Technology
| | - Xianzhe He
- The Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)
- Department of Chemistry
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- P. R. China
| | - Guoqiang Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)
- Department of Chemistry
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- P. R. China
| | - Yen Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)
- Department of Chemistry
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- P. R. China
| | - Yanzi Gou
- Science and Technology on Advanced Ceramic Fibers and Composites Laboratory
- National University of Defense Technology
- Changsha
- P. R. China
| | - Xingui Zhou
- Science and Technology on Advanced Ceramic Fibers and Composites Laboratory
- National University of Defense Technology
- Changsha
- P. R. China
| | - Lei Tao
- The Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)
- Department of Chemistry
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- P. R. China
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Rahmani S, Nazari M, Baghban AA, Ghassemi-Broumand M. How Much of Hazardous Blue Light is Transmitted By Spectacle Lenses? J Ophthalmic Vis Res 2020; 15:435-437. [PMID: 32864077 PMCID: PMC7431718 DOI: 10.18502/jovr.v15i3.7465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Rahmani
- Department of Optometry, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Nazari
- Department of Optometry, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Akbarzadeh Baghban
- Proteomics Research Center, Department of Biostatistics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ghassemi-Broumand
- Department of Optometry, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Łabuz G, Auffarth GU, Özen A, van den Berg TJTP, Yildirim TM, Son HS, Khoramnia R. Reply to Comment on: The Effect of a Spectral Filter on Visual Quality in Patients with an Extended-Depth-of-Focus Intraocular Lens. Am J Ophthalmol 2020; 213:322. [PMID: 32145900 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Fluent MT, Ferracane JL, Mace JG, Shah AR, Price RB. Shedding light on a potential hazard: Dental light-curing units. J Am Dent Assoc 2019; 150:1051-1058. [PMID: 31761019 DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2019.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dental light-curing units (LCUs) are powerful sources of blue light that can cause soft-tissue burns and ocular damage. Although most ophthalmic research on the hazards of blue light pertains to low levels from personal electronic devices, computer monitors, and light-emitting diode light sources, the amount of blue light emitted from dental LCUs is much greater and may pose a "blue light hazard." METHODS The authors explain the potential risks of using dental LCUs, identify the agencies that provide guidelines designed to protect all workers from excessive exposure to blue light, discuss the selection of appropriate eye protection, and provide clinical tips to ensure eye safety when using LCUs. RESULTS While current literature and regulatory standards regarding the safety of blue light is primarily based on animal studies, sufficient evidence exists to suggest that appropriate precautions should be taken when using dental curing lights. The authors found it difficult to find on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration database which curing lights had been cleared for use in the United States or Europe and could find no database that listed which brands of eyewear designed to protect against the blue light has been cleared for use. The authors conclude that more research is needed on the cumulative exposure to blue light in humans. Manufacturers of curing lights, government and regulatory agencies, employers, and dental personnel should collaborate to determine ocular risks from blue light exist in the dental setting, and recommend appropriate eye protection. Guidance on selection and proper use of eye protection should be readily accessible. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for Infection Control in the Dental Health-Care Setting-2003 and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Bloodborne Pathogen Standard do not include safety recommendations or regulations that are directly related to blue light exposure. However, there are additional Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations that require employers to protect their employees from potentially injurious light radiation. Unfortunately, it is not readily evident that these regulations apply to the excessive exposure to blue light. Consequently employers and dental personnel may be unaware that these Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations exist.
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