The Light-Eye-Brain Axis: Neurobiological Links Between Mood Disorders and Myopia-A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology
• Chronobiology

Background:

• Light is a critical environmental signal influencing circadian rhythms, mood, and eye growth.
• Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) play a key role in processing light information for non-visual pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose the
• light-eye-brain axis
• conceptual framework.
• To integrate how retinal light encoding modulates neuroendocrine, autonomic, and inflammatory processes.
• To explore the bidirectional relationship between mood disturbances and myopic progression.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual framework development.
• Literature review and synthesis of existing evidence.
• Integration of data from neuroscience, ophthalmology, and chronobiology.

Main Results:

• The proposed
• light-eye-brain axis
• framework links environmental light to mood and refractive development.
• Mood disturbances may exacerbate myopia through behavioral and physiological pathways.
• High myopia may increase susceptibility to anxiety and depression via shared neural and immune mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Light-dependent signaling significantly impacts both emotional and refractive health.
• The
• light-eye-brain axis
• provides a foundation for understanding these complex interactions.
• Future research should focus on mechanistic studies and optimizing light exposure for holistic health.