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Abstract #86620 Published in IGR 21-2
Reversibility of visual field defects through induction of brain plasticity: vision restoration, recovery and rehabilitation using alternating current stimulation
Sabel BA; Gao Y; Antal A; Antal ANeural Regeneration Research 2020; 15: 1799-1806
See also comment(s) by Kouros Nouri-Mahdavi •
For decades visual field defects were considered irreversible because it was thought that in the visual system the regeneration potential of the neuronal tissues is low. Nevertheless, there is always some potential for partial recovery of the visual field defect that can be achieved through induction of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the brain to change its own functional architecture by modulating synaptic efficacy. It is maintained throughout life and just as neurological rehabilitation can improve motor coordination, visual field defects in glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or optic neuropathy can be improved by inducing neuroplasticity. In ophthalmology many new treatment paradigms have been tested that can induce neuroplastic changes, including non-invasive alternating current stimulation. Treatment with alternating current stimulation (e.g., 30 minutes, daily for 10 days using transorbital electrodes and ~10 Hz) activates the entire retina and parts of the brain. Electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed local activation of the visual cortex, global reorganization of functional brain networks, and enhanced blood flow, which together activate neurons and their networks. The future of low vision is optimistic because vision loss is indeed, partially reversible.
Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University of Magdeburg; Center for Behavioral and Brain Sciences (CBBS); Sabel Vision Restoration Center, Magdeburg, Germany.
Full articleClassification:
13.2.2.2 Improvement (Part of: 13 Therapeutic prognosis and outcome > 13.2 Outcome > 13.2.2 Visual field)
11.8 Neuroprotection (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
2.16 Chiasma and retrochiasmal central nervous system (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
11.20 Other (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
