Spontaneous and visible light-induced ultraweak photon emission from rat eyes

Here, we present the first experimental in vitro evidence of the existence of spontaneous and visible light-induced ultraweak photon emission from freshly isolated whole eye, lens, vitreous humor, and retina samples from rats. These results suggest that the photochemical source of retinal discrete noise, as well as retinal phosphenes, may originate from natural bioluminescent photons within the eyes. During normal vision, the eyes are continuously exposed to ambient powerful photons that pass through various parts of the eyes, which can produce ultraweak delayed bioluminescent photons that arise from diverse parts of the eyes. Although the importance and possible role of ambient light-induced permanent delayed photons (within different parts of the eyes) during vision requires further investigation, our study may provide evidence of an origin of discrete dark noise and retinal phosphenes.

Research Highlights►We proved spontaneous and light-induced biophoton emission from diverse parts of rat eyes. ►Our results can support the bioluminescent photon concept of retinal discrete dark noise. ►Our results may show that induced photon emission exists in the eyes during normal vision. ►Our results may suggest that retinal phosphenes result from excess of bioluminescent photons. ►Our experimental results may lead to new notions and designs of retinal prostheses.