One thing that almost everyone experiences as they age is a decrease in their vision, though a new study in the Journals of Gerontology reveals that this problem may have a surprisingly simple and affordable solution. By observing a deep red light for just 3 minutes a day, the older participants were able to significantly improve their vision.
The human retina contains two types of photoreceptor cells, known as rods and cones due to their respective shapes. The rods are located around the boundary of the retina and provide peripheral vision, while helping us see in low light conditions, while the cones give us color vision.
Both types of cells have high energy demands and receive this energy in the form of a compound called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is produced by their mitochondria. However, from the age of 40 onwards, our mitochondria begin to function less efficiently, which means that there is less energy available to our rods and cones and, subsequently, our vision begins to deteriorate.
Long-wavelength light ranging from 650 to 1,000 nanometers, which has a deep red color, was previously found to improve mitochondrial performance, which is why the study authors decided to investigate whether this could be used to restore vision in old people.
To carry out their study, the team recruited 24 volunteers between the ages of 28 and 72, none of whom had any eye disease. On the first day, each participant received a series of tests designed to determine how well their rods and cones worked.
The sensitivity of the bar was examined by asking participants to try to detect dim light signals in the dark, while the cone function was determined using a color contrast test, which involves identifying colored letters on a one-tone background. very similar.
The participants were then given a cheap LED torch that emits deep red light with a wavelength of 670 nanometers and asked to examine it for 3 minutes a day for two weeks. This could also be done with the eyes closed, since the eyelid does not filter red light.
When the eye tests were re-administered at the end of this period, participants over the age of 40 showed a significant increase in cone function, with an average improvement of 22 percent. This increased color sensitivity was especially pronounced at the blue end of the spectrum, which was to be expected as this range of color vision is known to be particularly affected by mitochondrial deterioration.
Improvements in bar function were also noted, although they were less impressive. This may be because poles are known to die when their energy demands are not met, and most people lose about 30 percent of their poles at the age of 70. However, the cones simply stop working but do not die, and it would appear that red light treatment restored the efficiency of these cells.
In a statement, study author Glen Jeffrey said the study “shows that it is possible to significantly improve diminished vision in older individuals through simple brief exposures to the wavelengths of light that recharge the energy system that has decreased in the cells of the retina, rather like recharging a battery. “
The technology is also cheap to manufacture, which means it could be available in the not-too-distant future. “Our devices cost around £ 12 [$15] do, making technology highly accessible to members of the public, “said Professor Jeffery.
