Non-invasive alternating current stimulation improves vision in optic neuropathy.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Partial blindness from visual system damage is typically irreversible.
• The brain retains plasticity and residual visual capacities.
• Optic nerve damage often leads to permanent vision loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of non-invasive alternating current stimulation (ACS) for vision recovery in patients with optic nerve damage.
• To assess if ACS can induce functional improvements in patients with long-standing partial blindness.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 22 patients with optic nerve lesions.
• Transorbital ACS was administered for 40 minutes daily over 10 days to the treatment group (n=12).
• Visual outcomes and electroencephalogram (EEG) were measured pre- and post-treatment.

Main Results:

• ACS significantly improved visual field detection by 69% compared to placebo.
• Improvements were observed in temporal processing, static perimetry, and visual acuity.
• EEG alpha-band changes indicated increased synchronization in posterior brain regions; improvements were stable for at least 2 months.

Conclusions:

• Non-invasive transorbital ACS can restore vision years after optic neuropathy.
• The treatment is well-tolerated and shows potential for vision restoration in optic nerve damage.
• EEG findings suggest enhanced neural synchronization as a possible mechanism for visual recovery.