March 29, 2024

3-minute weak red light therapy helps restore vision

3-minute weak red light therapy helps restore vision

British ophthalmologists have found that three-minute exposure to far red light on the retina of the eye helps to partially restore weakened vision.

Over the years, our eyesight naturallyworsens, to some extent this is due to a decrease in the functionality of mitochondria in the cells of the retina. These organelles produce adenosine triphosphoric acid, which provides energy to the cells. According to the researchers' estimates, ATP production decreases by 70% during life, which impairs the performance of the retina, therefore, weakens vision.

While studying safe ways to increase mitochondrial activity, a team from the Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London found that short-term exposure to far-red light with a wavelength of650 to 900 nm is sufficient to stimulate the long-term functionality of the cell's power stations.

During clinical trials, scientists once a week in the morning (between 8 and 9 o'clock) shined a special LED device on the retinas of people fromThe results of the therapy were then compared using a daily test to assess color contrast.After the second week, there was an improvement in vision by an average of 12-17%, which lasted for several days.

In the second phase of the study, the team did the same thing, but in the evening. However, in this case, no significant changes were observed.

According to scientists, due to the influence of the circadian regimeto mitochondria, their response to weak red light differs greatly depending on the time of day. They also noted significant differences in the degree of vision improvement among the various participants, indicating the existence of as yet unknown factors.

However, this simple and safe type of therapy can help many people to recover some of the visual acuity that has been lost with age.

In addition to methods of maintaining vision, scientists alsoare actively exploring ways to get it back after a total loss. Recently, using gene therapy, a research team partially restored vision to a man who was blind for 40 years.

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