Blue Filtering Intraocular Lenses

Abstract

Intraocular lenses (IOL) that filter some blue light were introduced in the 1990s and were suggested to reduce the risk of Age related macular degeneration and uveal melanoma. The potential benefits and harm from blocking blue light has been debated. In this chapter we will discuss the evidence for the protective effects and the negatives of these IOLs.

Keywords: Intraocular lens, blue light, macular degeneration, color vision, lipofuscin, melanoma, insomnia, melatonin, melanopsin, retinal damage, phototoxicity, compliment system, antioxidants, cataract, oncogenesis, scotopic vision, mesopic vision, circadian rhythm, suprachiasmatic nuclei, depression.