The results showed that short-wavelength blue light negatively affects mitochondrial function. During exposure, oxidative stress and increased cell death occurred.
The authors found that blue light dose-dependently reduces the survival of retinal precursor cells R28. Ischaemia, which can occur in retinal diseases such as glaucoma, causes a decrease in ATP levels and RGC cell numbers throughout the retina. These effects were exacerbated in the experiment when ischaemia was induced in the presence of blue light. This suggests that chronic exposure to blue light, even at low levels, may be harmful to retinal mitochondria.
Long-wavelength red light improved the functioning of mitochondria and counteracted the harmful effects of blue light.
According to the results of the study, red light attenuates the negative effects of mitochondrial toxins and blue light on the viability of R28 cells. The intensity of the red light used in the experimental studies counteracted the resulting damage such as mitigating the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) caused by ischaemia. Thus, exposure of the retina to therapeutic levels of red light may be a potential solution to promote healthy mitochondrial function and RGC survival.
