Preventive effects of vitamin A and aspirin on UV light-induced retinopathy in an animal model

ABSTRACT

In order to identify the effects of vitamin A and aspirin on reducing UV light-induced retinopathy, ERG waves were compared before and after UV light exposure in rabbits. 30 rabbits were divided into 3 groups the first group received vitamin A, 50,000 units I.M., single dose, the second group received aspirin, 50 mg/ Kg/day PO and the third group did not receive any medication. All three groups were exposed to UV light generated by three 30 watt lamps for 14 days. Baseline ERGs were recorded for all rabbits prior to UV light exposure and the second ERG was taken 14 days after exposure. The control group showed a 62.6% decrease in voltage amplitude from the baseline of photopic flicker 30 Hz ERG. This decrease was 28.6% for those who received vitamin A and only 8.8% for those who received aspirin. Regarding photopic single flash ERGs, the decrease in the voltage amplitude for control, vitamin A and aspirin groups was 49.02%, 26.14% and 24.83%, respectively. It was therefore concluded that vitamin A and aspirin have a preventive role on the side effects of UV light in the rabbit eye retina. Further studies are needed to elicit the appropriate dosage of aspirin and vitamin A in preventing the side effects of UV light in the human eye