Does the use of energy saving bulbs trigger Macular Degeneration?

Alarmed by newest news more and more patients call and ask whether that was true. We cannot answer this question safely with a yes or no but we researched and found some interesting sources and information about energy saving bulbs in combination with macular degeneration.

Experts see a clear connection between energy saving bulbs and Macular Degeneration

Alexander Wunsch, light biologist and medic says that the forceful introduction of energy saving bulbs has nothing to do with common sense and declares further: "In numerous cell tests we found out that blue light damages the receptor cells of the retina in an oxidative way and furthers the development of an age-related macular degeneration (AMD)." Moreover he says: "Blue light is more dangerous than UV rays for the retina since the ultraviolet parts are already filtered in the front areas such as cornea and lens." "Visible short-waved light on the other hand infiltrates unharmed through the retina and creates oxidative stress there."

Macular Degeneration & energy saving bulbs: More Statements

The in Munich based ophthalmologist, Bernhard Lachenmayr, is more clear with regards to the dangers of energy saving bulbs and macular degeneration. Lachenmayr says: "People with a missing lens or very old intraocular artificial lenses, which did not have UV protection could be endangered." Lachenmayr says further that it could not be excluded that through the light of energy saving bulbs cases of age-related macular degeneration may occur.

Macular Degeneration & energy saving bulbs: Consequences

It is further said in studies that it could be observed that energy saving bulbs have a toxic effect of artificial light in combination the human hormone system. Light influences for example the sleep-awake rhythm and other body functions through a nerve connection between retina and hypothalamus. Blue light should also lead to hormonal stress reactions. It is also said that there were study results discussing a possible connection of artificial light and the development of breast cancer or large intestine and prostate cancer.

Macular Degeneration & energy saving bulbs: Relations and Studies

The bluish short-waved light of energy saving bulbs has been under suspicion for years to durable damage the retina of the eye. The age-related macular degeneration (AMD) could progress with the more often use of bluish light sources. Animal tests on rats showed already after four days a damage of the retina under the influence of fluorescence light (like energy saving bulbs). After 30 days a complete degeneration of the cell layer had taken place. We, of SOS Augenlicht E.V. ask ourselves what this could mean for the retina of a person with existing macular degeneration.

Prof. Dr. Richard Funk. Head of the Institute of Anatomy of the Technical University Dresden named the blue part emitted by mercury steam lamps (fluorescent tube, energy saving bulbs) at a congress in London even "Blue light Danger".
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Macular Degeneration & energy saving bulbs: Experts warn

Doctors and light biologist Alexander Wunsch say, "All modern TFT screens are also equipped with a mercury steam background lighting. LCD TVs, computers and laptop screens function after this principle. Mercury illumination contains an intensive energy peak at 436 nano meters". Exactly this wavelength could free cell damaging substances in the body (especially in the eye). Thus the distress for the retina is extremely heightened through blue light, Alexander Wunsch remarks.

Wunsch warns: "At the wrong use the occurrence of almost all civil diseases such as heart-blood circulatory diseases, diabetes, osteoporoses and disruption of the immune system could be furthered.
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Macular Degeneration & energy saving bulbs: Experts warn of additional high frequency rays

Experts moreover says that the energy saving bulb would emit along light and warmth also a remarkable part of radio frequent high frequency rays in the so called electronic part, similar to what is known about long-wave or middle-wave stations. The health consequences of such stations have been known for years the experts say: Sleep disruptions, depressions, joint pain as well as heightened cancer rates. It is said further that the intensity of the rays of an energy saving bulb which is installed over a dining table or desk would equal an about 2 km distant middle-wave radio station. What does this mean at macular degeneration?
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Macular Degeneration & energy saving bulbs: New Regulations on "Energy Saving Bulbs"

Since September 1, 2009 there has been a new regulation implemented and thus has given the doubts new wind.
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