Blue light-filtering intraocular lens may inhibit onset, progression of age-related macular degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 50(10):4777-4785.

March 19, 2010

Implantation of a blue light-filtering intraocular lens (IOL) may prevent or delay the development of age-related macular degeneration, according to a study.

In a prospective, randomized study of 42 patients; 21 patients were implanted with an AcrySof Natural IOL (Alcon) and 21 patients received an AcrySof three-piece acrylic IOL (Alcon). The AcrySof Natural has blue light-filtering capability. Mean patient age was 74 years in the AcrySof Natural group and 71 years in the AcrySof group.

Investigators measured macular pigment optical density 1 week before surgery, 1 week after surgery, and 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Serum concentrations of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin were also assessed at each follow-up visit.

Results revealed that average macular pigment optical density across the retina was significantly increased at 3 months in the AcrySof Natural group; macular pigment optical density was stable in the AcrySof group. Results showed that implantation of a blue light-filtering IOL increased macular pigment optical density in the absence of raised lutein and zeaxanthin serum levels.

Authors noted: "However, further study is required in the form of controlled long-term trials to investigate whether implantation of a blue light-filtering IOL is effective in preventing or delaying development or progression of AMD.

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