Jignesh I Patel1. 1. Ophthalmology Department, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia. jigs37@hotmail.com
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is a suggestion of increased risk or progression of age-related macular degeneration after cataract surgery, which is related to the increased exposure of the retina to short-wavelength light. RECENT FINDINGS: Cell culture and animal work has described retinal and retinal pigment epithelium phototoxicity on acute light exposure. Clinical studies suggest that the use of short-wavelength-blocking intraocular lenses can help but may also affect visual function and circadian rhythm. SUMMARY: Evidence to date fails to prove conclusively that light alone or cataract surgery can induce or cause the progression of age-related macular degeneration. A randomized clinical study of the use of short-wavelength (blue)-blocking lenses to prove or disprove the ability of these intraocular lenses to help in preventing progression of age-related macular degeneration is needed.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is a suggestion of increased risk or progression of age-related macular degeneration after cataract surgery, which is related to the increased exposure of the retina to short-wavelength light. RECENT FINDINGS: Cell culture and animal work has described retinal and retinal pigment epithelium phototoxicity on acute light exposure. Clinical studies suggest that the use of short-wavelength-blocking intraocular lenses can help but may also affect visual function and circadian rhythm. SUMMARY: Evidence to date fails to prove conclusively that light alone or cataract surgery can induce or cause the progression of age-related macular degeneration. A randomized clinical study of the use of short-wavelength (blue)-blocking lenses to prove or disprove the ability of these intraocular lenses to help in preventing progression of age-related macular degeneration is needed.