Light-emitting diode-derived blue light overexposure accelerates corneal endothelial cell aging by inducing abnormal ROS accumulation

Blue light, defined as short-wavelength visible light ranging from 400 to 500 nm, is recognized for its high energy within the visible light spectrum. The prevalent use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has significantly increased exposure to blue light. Corneal endothelial cells (CECs) playing a crucial role in maintaining corneal transparency to get clear visual field. However, the specific effects of blue light on corneal endothelium remain unclear. To investigate this, in vivo and in vitro models of LED blue light irradiation were established. We examined changes in CEC fate and indicators related to oxidative stress. Our findings revealed that blue light exposure led to increased production of ROS in CECs, causing oxidative stress primarily in mitochondria. This, in turn, resulted in cell senescence, dysfunction, and apoptosis, ultimately contributing to the aging of corneal endothelium with accelerated cell loss. Notably, the rise in ROS levels triggered the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in the early stages. This activation was associated with protective effects on CECs and inhibition of cell senescence. Our study sheds light on the intricate relationship between blue light exposure, oxidative stress, and the fate of CECs, providing valuable insights into the potential mechanisms underlying corneal aging.