Restoring Vision with Noninvasive Brain Stimulation: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Vision impairment from visual pathway defects was historically irreversible due to limited neural plasticity post-critical period.
• Advances in noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) offer new therapeutic avenues by modulating neural plasticity and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of NIBS effects on neural plasticity and visual restoration.
• To discuss clinical findings on NIBS for vision improvement, focusing on duration and optimal treatment parameters.
• To optimize the combination of NIBS with visual perceptual learning (VPL).

Main Methods:

• Elaboration of NIBS mechanisms at molecular, cellular, and systematic levels.
• Emphasis on the role of neural oscillations in cognition and their modulation by NIBS.
• Review of clinical studies on NIBS, with or without VPL, addressing treatment duration and timing.

Main Results:

• NIBS demonstrates potential to enhance neural plasticity and regulate neural systems for visual restoration.
• Neural oscillations are highlighted as a key target for NIBS interventions.
• Inconsistencies in current studies necessitate optimization of NIBS application.

Conclusions:

• NIBS offers a transformative approach to vision rehabilitation by enhancing neural plasticity.
• The effectiveness of NIBS in visual restoration depends critically on optimizing its location, timing, and form.
• Further research is needed to establish optimal treatment protocols for combining NIBS with VPL for sustained visual functional recovery.