Posters

The effect of light exposure from an operating microscope on an in vitro dry eye model

Poster Details

First Author: T.Ipek UK

Co Author(s):    F. Menduni   A. Hartwig   J. Wolffsohn   A. Hamid   C. O’Donnell        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

This study aims to investigate the effect of light irradiation from an operating microscope on an in vitro dry eye model.

Setting:

Optegra Eye Hospital, Aston University

Methods:

A porcine conjunctival fibroblast in vitro dry eye model was simulated using hyperosmolar media (370, 412 and 480 mOsm/kg). A scratch assay was performed followed by 10 minutes of light exposure from an operating microscope (121 W/m2 at 15cm) positioned perpendicular to the samples and the effect on wound healing was assessed. Assessments of cell viability, apoptosis rate and level of inflammation marker IL-6 were carried out.

Results:

With increasing hyperosmolarity, light exposure delayed the wound healing response compared to without light exposure. An increased apoptosis rate (with 480 mOsm/kg, p=0.004), increased IL-6 levels (with 370 and 412 mOsm/kg, p=0.002, p=0.03 respectively) and decreased cell viability (with 480 mOsm/kg, p=0.02) were observed compared to control culture conditions (328 mOsm/kg) with the same treatment.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that light exposure might be one of the possible contributory factors for dry eye after ophthalmic surgery. Further studies exploring the effect of light on different types of ocular surface cells using in vivo models are indicated.

Financial Disclosure:

None