The Influence of Low-powered Family LED Lighting on Eyes in Mice Experimental Model

Ocular tissue damage because of exposure to visible light has been demonstrated by the results of human and animal studies. The short-wavelength visible light between 430 nm to 500 nm (blue light) is especially associated with retina damage. Recently, new powerful sources and relatively inexpensive blue energy of LED (light emitting diodes) family lamps in home illumination are available. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of illumination source from the low-powered and the conscious spectrum source of LED family lamps on retina tissues. The illumination source of LED family lamps was analyzed from 300 nm to 800 nm using an UVvisible spectrophotometer. In animal experiments, young adult mice were assigned to expose to family LED light for 2h every day ranging 2 to 4 weeks or light environment using LED family lamps for 39 weeks. After LED light treatment, sections of eyes were stained with hematoxylin and examined using histopathology. The data clearly demonstrated irradiation of the white LED is above 400 nm and is not within the ultraviolet light region. However, the analysis of spectrum distribution demonstrated that the family LED lighting exhibited power-peak at 450 nm is within the blue light region. Histological results showed that the photoreceptor layer is significantly reduced in thickness after 4 weeks of LED exposure 2h every day or LED illuminated environment. This study provides important data regarding the efficacy and safety of LED light in family illumination. It is impossible to consider these degenerative changes are related unavoidably part of their mechanism of action or an avoidable toxic effect. [Mei-Lin Peng, Cheng-Yu Tsai, Chung-Liang Chien, John Ching-Jen Hsiao, Shuan-Yu Huang, Ching-Ju Lee, Hsiang-Yin Lin, Yang-Cheng Wen, Kuang-Wen Tseng. The Influence of Low-powered Family LED Lighting on Eyes in Mice Experimental Model. Life Science Journal. 2012;9(1):477-482] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 72