Beyond Sight – Elucidating the Non-visual Consequences of Ocular Diseases

The eye is not just an extension of the brain. It’s a window to neurological health and a complex organ that, through intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), drives and modulates many non-visual cerebral functions such as circadian entrainment, cognition, alertness, sleep, and mood. Beyond vision, ocular diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can alter the non-visual signaling between the eye and the brain, leading to various impairments in non-visual functions and reducing the patient’s quality of life. Our goal is to translate fundamental findings in visual neurosciences into implementable screening and therapeutic interventions.

Altered Non-visual Photoreception in Patients with Glaucoma: Impacts on Sleep, Alertness, Mood, and Cognition.

Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, affects a class of photoreceptors (ipRGCs) involved in the entrainment of circadian rhythms, acute suppression of melatonin, pupillary light response, photic regulation of mood and sleep, and alertness. The objective of this study is to evaluate associations between non-visual photoreceptors and sleep, mood, alertness, and cognition in patients with glaucoma. Furthermore, we aim to evaluate the efficacy of a refined environmental lighting intervention to alleviate sleep, mood, alertness, and cognitive dysfunction in these patients. By addressing non-visual consequences and developing targeted interventions, this study aims to enhance the overall wellbeing and quality of life for patients with glaucoma.

Led by Daniella Mahfoud (PhD Student)