AMD affects more than 10 million Americans over the age of 50. It is caused by damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a layer of cells that supports the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
Blue light is a type of high-energy visible light that is emitted by the sun and electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. Previous studies have shown that blue light can damage the RPE, but the exact mechanism by which this occurs has been unclear.
In the new study, published in the journal _Cell Reports_, the UCI chemists showed that blue light triggers the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are molecules that can damage cells. ROS cause the RPE cells to undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death.
"Our study provides the first direct evidence that blue light can cause RPE cell death by triggering the production of ROS," said study leader Richard A. Cohen, UCI Distinguished Professor of chemistry and biochemistry. "This discovery could lead to new therapies to prevent or slow down AMD."
The researchers are now investigating ways to block the production of ROS in the RPE and protect the cells from blue light damage. They believe that these studies could lead to the development of new treatments for AMD.
"AMD is a devastating disease that can lead to blindness," said Cohen. "We are hopeful that our research will lead to new therapies that can help prevent or slow down this condition."
