RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Light and inherited retinal degeneration
JF British Journal of Ophthalmology
JO Br J Ophthalmol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
SP 1060
OP 1066
DO 10.1136/bjo.2006.097436
VO 90
IS 8
A1 Paskowitz, D M
A1 LaVail, M M
A1 Duncan, J L
YR 2006
UL http://bjo.bmj.com/content/90/8/1060.abstract
AB 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.