The Effects of Coherent and Incoherent Light on Ocular Tissues and Visual Function in Non-Human Subjects.
Abstract
This joint investigation by personnel at the Pacific Medical Center (PMC) Eye Pathology Laboratory and the Division of Biorheology at the Letterman Army Institute of Research (LAIR) is designed to evaluate the functional and ultrastructural effects upon the retinas of non-human subjects of chronic repeated exposure to low levels of coherent and incoherent light. The eyes of 3 Rhesus monkeys were exposed to diffuse coherent light at 2 levels of intensity and duration. (20 microwatts/sq cm for 20 accumulated hours and 40 microwatts/sq cm for 40 accumulated hours). Following sacrifice, enucleation and fixation, selected areas of the retina, retinal pigment epithelium and choroid were dissected from both eyes of each animal and embedded in araldite. All blocks were sectioned at 1.0 micron and stained with toluidine blue. Parallel studies were performed at LAIR and PMC upon the same blocks. Each block was analyzed histopathologically and light photomicrographs obtained of segments from blocks with optimal orientation and fixation. Thin sectioning was then performed on these blocks and appropriate EM photomicrographs prepared. No artefact free ultrastructurla abnormalities attributable to exposure to coherent light were observed. No differences in retinal or retinal pigment epithelial structures were found when the exposed and the non-exposed (patched control) eyes of each animal were compared. On the basis of the tissues studied to data we were unable to detect histopathological evidence of adverse effects caused by diffusely applied coherent light at the exposure levels and durations utilized.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA151109
Entities
People
- W. H. Spencer