Glaucoma and short-wavelength light sensitivity (Blue light)

Abstract

Glaucoma is caused by a group of different eye diseases and is in the group of neurodegenerative diseases and is a major cause of blindness. Glaucoma occurs mainly by an increased pressure within the eye, due to excessive fluid (aqueous humor), which over time induce damage in the optic nerve. Recent studies suggest that ipRGC (intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells), one of the types of retinal ganglion cells (RGC), are damaged in glaucoma. Besides, ipRGCs contain melanopsin and have a peak sensitivity within the short-wavelength light (blue light), at 480 nm (nanometers) in humans and are involved in non-visual responses to light. The aim of the present paper is to contribute to a better knowledge about the impact of short-wavelength light on visual and non-visual systems in glaucoma. In order to accomplish such goals, the research will be conducted throughout literature review.