Vision and Psychosis: A Clinical Translational Perspective

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Vision Science

Background:

• The visual system is a well-understood central nervous system component.
• Alterations in the visual system are increasingly recognized in psychosis spectrum disorders.
• Existing neuroimaging biomarkers for psychosis are often invasive and costly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical translational potential of visual system alterations in psychosis spectrum disorders.
• To emphasize the relevance of visual system changes across neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative processes.
• To highlight vision science tools as feasible, accessible, and cost-effective alternatives.

Main Methods:

• Review of current evidence on visual alterations from the retina to mid-level visual brain regions.
• Comparison of vision science tools with traditional neuroimaging biomarkers.
• Discussion of therapeutic applications of visual system assessments.

Main Results:

• Visual system alterations are clinically significant across the spectrum of psychosis.
• Vision science tools offer practical advantages over invasive neuroimaging.
• Visual assessments hold therapeutic promise for personalized treatment and symptom monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Leveraging the visual system can enhance diagnostic precision in psychosis spectrum disorders.
• Vision science tools can guide personalized treatments and monitor therapeutic responses.
• Integrating visual system assessments into clinical practice can improve patient outcomes.