Blue light damages the photoreceptors of the retina even with a relatively short exposure. Long-term exposure contributes to the development of macular degeneration (AMD).
In the long run, chemical mechanisms modified by the cumulative effects of blue light may contribute to the development of AMD. AMD is a disease affecting photoreceptors, the retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE cells), which affects nearly a quarter of the population over the age of 65 and causes vision impairment or loss. With increasing age, an almost linear increase in lipofuscin was observed, the accumulation of which leads to retinal cell damage.
Research has reported beneficial effects of red/NIR light therapy in animals and in patients with AMD, including a reduction in the size of retinal drusen and improved vision.
Low-level red and infrared (NIR) radiation has been found to prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Irradiation of retinal cells with red LED light (670 nm) increases their ability to remove degradation products, and in patients with dry AMD the use of a combination of long wavelengths (590 nm, 670 nm and 790 nm) led to a reduction of drusen on the retinal surface. These findings confirm that light with a high blue content and a lack of red component is a risk factor for AMD.
