Advances in Understanding Visual Disorders Linked to Cortical Dysfunction

Vision is a complex sensory function, significantly governed by the cerebral cortex. As a consequence, an extensive array of cortical dysfunctions can affect visual function. Symptoms experienced by patients range from loss of vision, such as in hemianopia and cortical blindness, to complex perceptual disturbances including visual hallucinations, metamorphopsia and simultanagnosia. The conditions can manifest through disruption of function in both primary and/or the large number of extra-striate visual cortical areas, involved in processing the many submodalities of vision. The resulting visual symptomatology is accordingly highly diverse and includes impaired ocular motor control as well as disorders of visual perception. Understanding the anatomical bases of these manifestations, alongside their pathological basis, is crucial for neuro-ophthalmologists, emergency neurologists, and specialists in many other fields including neurodegenerative disease, epilepsy, stroke, and neuropsychiatry.

Goal
This Research Topic aims to collate a collection of high-quality studies and review articles focusing on the vast spectrum of visual impairments linked to cortical dysfunction. The objective is to clarify underlying mechanisms, pinpoint therapeutic targets, and improve diagnostic and management strategies. We are particularly interested in contributions that can expand our knowledge and propel forward the field of neuro-ophthalmology.

Scope and information for authors
To gather further insights into the complex neurological challenges of visual disorders linked to cortical dysfunction, we welcome the submission of various types of manuscript supported by the journal (including Original Research, Reviews, Brief Research Reports, Perspective, Mini-Review, etc.), addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Delineating the diverse causes and mechanisms behind visual impairments in cortical dysfunctions.
- Investigating distinct visual disorders tied to cortical abnormalities.
- Identifying predictive markers for early diagnosis and tailored treatments.
- Advancing diagnostic methodologies for accurate assessment.
- Exploration of visual restoration therapies.
- Utilizing brain imaging to decode visual disorders from a cortical perspective.
The themes outlined pursue a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between cortical dysfunctions and visual disorders, aiming to push the boundaries of current medical practice and research in neuro-ophthalmology and cognitive neurology.

Articles accepted after peer review will be published and appear online as soon as approved for publication.

Keywords: Cortical visual loss, Visual cortex, Simultanagnosia, Visual hallucination, Metamorphopsia, Stroke, Prion disease, Encephalitis, Psychosis, Epilepsy

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.