Light and inherited retinal degeneration

Br J Ophthalmol. 2006 Aug;90(8):1060-6. doi: 10.1136/bjo.2006.097436. Epub 2006 May 17.

Abstract

Light deprivation has long been considered a potential treatment for patients with inherited retinal degenerative diseases, but no therapeutic benefit has been demonstrated to date. In the few clinical studies that have addressed this issue, the underlying mutations were unknown. Our rapidly expanding knowledge of the genes and mechanisms involved in retinal degeneration have made it possible to reconsider the potential value of light restriction in specific genetic contexts. This review summarises the clinical evidence for a modifying role of light exposure in retinal degeneration and experimental evidence from animal models, focusing on retinitis pigmentosa with regional degeneration, Oguchi disease, and Stargardt macular dystrophy. These cases illustrate distinct pathophysiological roles for light, and suggest that light restriction may benefit carefully defined subsets of patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / etiology
  • Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / genetics
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Light / adverse effects*
  • Mice
  • Rats
  • Retinal Degeneration / etiology*
  • Retinal Degeneration / genetics
  • Retinal Degeneration / prevention & control
  • Rhodopsin / genetics

Substances

  • Rhodopsin