The Protective Effects of UV-blocking Spectacle Lenses and Class 1 UV-blocking Contact Lenses (Senofilcon A) on Superoxide Dismutase-2 and Catalase Expression in Lens Epithelial Cells Following UVB Radiation Exposure: An Experimental Study in Animal Model

Introduction: To determine SOD2 and CAT expression in lens epithelial cells with the protection of UV-blocking spectacle lens and UV-blocking contact lenses after UVB radiation. Methods: 32 eyes of Rattus norvegicus mice were subjected to UVB radiation from Philips PL-S 9W/01 narrowband 311 nm lamps at a distance of 18 cm for 30 minutes. Divided into four groups: a control group, P1 group exposed to radiation, P2 group wearing UV-blocking spectacle lens, and P3 group wearing UV-blocking contact lens. The mice were euthanized three days later and had their eyes removed. Immunohistochemistry analysis was used to evaluate the expression of SOD2 and CAT. Results: P1 demonstrated a statistically significant SOD2 expression (p=0.002) compared to the control group. Neither P2 nor P3 exhibited significant differences in SOD2 expression (p=0.693; p=0.365). The SOD2 of the P1 group was significantly different compared to the P2 and P3 groups (p=0.007; p=0.023). No statistically significant difference between groups P2 and P3 (p=0.606). The CAT levels in the P1 group significantly differed from the control group (p=0.001). The differences between the P2 and P3 groups and the control groups were statistically insignificant (p=0.894; p=0.120). CAT P1 group had a significant difference with P2 and P3 groups (p=0.001; p=0.033). No statistically significant difference was observed between groups P2 and P3 (p=0.154). Conclusions: UV-B exposure decreases the expression of SOD2 and CAT. Both protection can provide equally good protection.