Exposure to near-infrared light helps protect the retina from damage, according to a new study.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) can deliver near-infrared light which is able to increase the amount of energy in cells, say researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin. They studied the new methods in rats whose retinas had been damaged by methanol, a toxic chemical.

It is known that methanol harms the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within the cells. But exposure to an LED light could prevent this damage. The researchers believe that this method, which they call photobiomodulation, may turn out to be a non-invasive way of treating retinal injury and preventing blindness. The LED light has already proved useful in the treatment of wound healing in diabetics, and mouth sores from chemotherapy in children with cancer.

Source

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 28th February 2003