Validation of an InVitro Model for Laser Eye Injury and the Adaptive Response in Retinal Pigmented Epithelial Cells
Abstract
The human eye focuses light onto the retina, with most of this light being absorbed by melanin pigments in the pigmented-epithelium of the retina, which are located behind the photoreceptors. Infrared (IR) light causes thermal damage to the retina at near infrared wavelengths (700 -1000 nm) and to more frontal parts of the eye at longer wavelengths (> 1000 nm), which represents a physiological threat to soldiers that work with IR-emitting lasers and other military and civilian personnel that may come in contact with them. Studies show that red light (632 nm wavelength, total irradiance: 2.88 mW/cm2) can induce a resistance to cell death in human pigmented retinal cells exposed to a pulse of 2 µm laser radiation. While existing laser eye protection is functional can protect ones eyes from laser damage, this comes at a significant cost, namely, reduced visibility. If exposure to red light can be used to prevent the death of retinal cells exposed to harmful wavelengths of light, to a point where the required levels of laser protection could be significantly reduced, it would greatly simplify the design and fabrication of laser eye protection, improve their performance (i.e.,visible light transmission), and reduce their cost. The next logical step in the accomplishment of this aim and the goals of the proposed work are to identify the biological pathways that prevent retinal cell death upon exposure to red light, and to determine how the prevention of cell death can be prolonged. Completion of the proposed work will further our understanding of novel aspects of cellular respiration, a fundamental process by which mitochondria, a major cellular organelle, use oxygen to make energy (i.e., ATP). Specifically, it will provide insight on the effects of red light on cellular respiration, a basic and fundamental cellular process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910015
Entities
People
- Tiffany Oliver
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Spelman College