Light effects on retinal degeneration: Light pollution concept

Abstract

Visible light is captured by the retina, part of the central nervous system, which processes information through the photoreceptor cells in the process called phototransduction. Others retinal cells, through neurotransmission, send information to the visual cortex and other brain structures for the process of vision and synchronization of the circadian system. However, excess light stimulation produces retinal damage by cell death, processes that may produce retinal degeneration. There are diverse animal models to study this phenomenon. They had been demonstrated mechanisms that explain the retinal degeneration; however, the complete mechanism is still not known. In this review we intend to make a general overview of the different models used for the study of retinal degeneration mechanisms, we joined basic concepts of the physics of light and methods study which involve the disciplines of bioengineering and cellular and molecular biology. The interactions of both disciplines enhance the ability to study the problem that will help to understand the possible consequences of light pollution.