The Molecular Mechanism of Retina Light Injury Focusing on Damage from Short Wavelength Light

Abstract

Natural visible light is an electromagnetic wave composed of a spectrum of monochromatic wavelengths, each with a characteristic color. Photons are the basic units of light, and their wavelength correlates to the energy of light; short-wavelength photons carry high energy. The retina is a fragile neuronal tissue that senses light and generates visual signals conducted to the brain. However, excessive and intensive light exposure will cause retinal light damage. Within the visible spectrum, short-wavelength light, such as blue light, carries higher energy, and thus the retinal injury, is more significant when exposed to these wavelengths. The damage mechanism triggered by different short-wavelength light varies due to photons carrying different energy and being absorbed by different photosensitive molecules in the retinal neurons. However, photooxidation might be a common molecular step to initiate cell death. Herein, we summarize the historical understanding of light, the key molecular steps related to retinal light injury, and the death pathways of photoreceptors to further decipher the molecular mechanism of retinal light injury and explore potential neuroprotective strategies.