About this Research Topic
The intricate connection between ocular disorders and brain function is a rapidly emerging field that is reshaping our understanding of vision and neuroscience. Ocular conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, refractive error, cataract, and other retinal and optic nerve diseases have profound implications beyond the eye, potentially affecting overall neural health. Recent studies have highlighted the significant impact these disorders can have on brain functions, including cognitive decline and quality of life. Despite these findings, the underlying mechanisms linking ocular and brain health remain poorly understood, and there is a pressing need for comprehensive research to elucidate these connections. Current investigations are beginning to explore the role of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and vascular dysfunction in this interplay, yet gaps remain in our understanding of how these processes contribute to neurological dysfunctions. Addressing these gaps is crucial for developing innovative treatment approaches and preventive strategies that can mitigate the broader health impacts of ocular disorders.
This research topic aims to explore how various eye conditions influence brain health, emphasizing the clinical and pathological interplay between the two. By integrating clinical and pathological insights, this issue will provide a comprehensive overview of the eye-brain relationship, focusing on the impact of ocular disorders on brain functions, underlying mechanisms, and innovative treatment approaches. Specific questions include how ocular diseases can lead to neurological dysfunctions and what preventive measures can be implemented to manage these complications. The research will also test hypotheses related to the pathophysiological mechanisms linking eye and brain disorders.
To gather further insights into the complex interactions between ocular disorders and brain health, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Impact on Brain Functions: Exploring how ocular diseases can lead to neurological dysfunctions, including effects on cognitive function and quality of life.
- Pathophysiological Mechanisms: Investigating the mechanisms linking eye and brain disorders, such as neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and vascular dysfunction.
- Preventive Measures: Strategies to prevent and manage neurological complications arising from ocular diseases.
- Advances in Imaging Techniques: Utilizing ocular imaging or neuroimaging to better understand the eye-brain connection.
- Molecular Mechanisms: Studies on the molecular pathways involved in the interaction between ocular and brain health.
- Clinical Impacts: Evaluating the clinical manifestations and outcomes of ocular disorders with neurological implications.
This research topic aims to explore how various eye conditions influence brain health, emphasizing the clinical and pathological interplay between the two. By integrating clinical and pathological insights, this issue will provide a comprehensive overview of the eye-brain relationship, focusing on the impact of ocular disorders on brain functions, underlying mechanisms, and innovative treatment approaches. Specific questions include how ocular diseases can lead to neurological dysfunctions and what preventive measures can be implemented to manage these complications. The research will also test hypotheses related to the pathophysiological mechanisms linking eye and brain disorders.
To gather further insights into the complex interactions between ocular disorders and brain health, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Impact on Brain Functions: Exploring how ocular diseases can lead to neurological dysfunctions, including effects on cognitive function and quality of life.
- Pathophysiological Mechanisms: Investigating the mechanisms linking eye and brain disorders, such as neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and vascular dysfunction.
- Preventive Measures: Strategies to prevent and manage neurological complications arising from ocular diseases.
- Advances in Imaging Techniques: Utilizing ocular imaging or neuroimaging to better understand the eye-brain connection.
- Molecular Mechanisms: Studies on the molecular pathways involved in the interaction between ocular and brain health.
- Clinical Impacts: Evaluating the clinical manifestations and outcomes of ocular disorders with neurological implications.
Keywords: Ocular disorders, Neural projections, Brain functions, Neuro-ophthalmology, Visual system
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.
