The effect of continuous light exposure on the retina in albino and pigmented rats

The effect of exposure to continuous light on the electroretinogram of albino and pigmented rats was studied. Two series of animal groups, adult or new-born at the start of the exposure period, were given different light-dark regimes for different periods of time. Increase of the a- and b-wave threshold was only found in the albino rats exposed to continuous light. In none of the groups an effect on wave threshold of age at the start of the exposure or exposure duration was seen. Reduction of the amplitude of the a- and b-wave, and lengthening of the time to peak of both waves was seen in all groups exposed to the high light intensity, though the effects of overexposure were much stronger in the albino rats. Moreover the changes in ERG parameters in the albino rats after overexposure were strongest in the adult at the start of the exposure period animals. Morphological damage of the retina after exposure was only seen in albino rats after continuous light exposure.