Abstract
Presentation Description :
Epidemiological studies have observed that spending greater amounts of time outdoors during childhood reduces the probability of developing myopia. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain this protection, in what is most likely a multifactorial process. One suggested component is the greater luminance levels experienced outdoors. Therefore, this presentation will review the role of light in the regulation of ocular growth and its implications for treating myopia. It will examine the biochemical, perceptual (contrast resolution) and entrainment (diurnal) changes that occur in response to altered luminance levels, and their link to the development of myopia, with a particular focus on the role of the dopaminergic system. This presentation will also discuss how modulating the temporal frequency and colour composition of light, as well as the duration and time-of-day at which light is applied, can affect the protection afforded against myopia (as demonstrated in animal models).
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.