Neuroplasticity and amblyopia: vision at the balance point
Vijay K Tailor1, D Samuel Schwarzkopf, Annegret H Dahlmann-Noor
1aDepartment of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology bUCL Experimental Psychology cUCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, London, UK.
Current Opinion in Neurology
|December 22, 2016
Summary
New research explores visual system plasticity, offering potential treatments for amblyopia in children and adults. Understanding triggers and brakes of plasticity may revolutionize visual rehabilitation and improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Visual experience drives plasticity, peaking in early childhood.
- Inhibitory interneurons and synaptic changes regulate visual development.
- Critical period closure involves brakes like acetylcholine signaling dampening and perineuronal nets, limiting plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review new insights into visual system plasticity triggers and brakes.
- To explore the translation of these insights into novel treatment approaches.
- To assess potential improvements for both children and adults.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent findings on visual plasticity mechanisms.
- Analysis of new behavioral, physical, and pharmacological interventions.
- Evaluation of ongoing randomized controlled trials.
Main Results:
- Visual plasticity is highest in early childhood, influenced by inhibitory interneurons.
- Normal development refines visual acuity and binocular fusion.
- Amblyopia arises from imbalanced visual input and can cause permanent deficits.
Conclusions:
- New interventions aim to balance visual input and processing for amblyopia treatment.
- These approaches show promise for children and adults.
- Careful safety monitoring is crucial due to potential adverse events when re-inducing plasticity.
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