Improving mitochondrial function significantly reduces the rate of age related photoreceptor loss.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Animal laboratory experiment
PubMed 31181197 · doi:10.1016/j.exer.2019.107691
What was done
Twelve-month-old mice were exposed to 670 nm light for 10 minutes daily over an 8-month period. Photoreceptor outer segments and the thickness of the retinal layer containing photoreceptor nuclei were quantified and compared against unexposed aged controls and 2-month-old reference mice.
What was found
Compared to 2-month-old mice, aged control mice experienced an approximate 30% decrease in photoreceptor outer segments and outer nuclear layer thickness. In mice treated with 670 nm light for 8 months, the reduction in outer segments was under 15% and the reduction in nuclear layer thickness was under 10%.
Why it matters
Shows that long-wavelength photobiomodulation targeting mitochondrial function can substantially attenuate structural photoreceptor loss during mammalian aging.
Limits
This is a preclinical mouse study and cannot be directly translated to human retinal aging. The abstract omits exact sample sizes (n), variance/confidence intervals, specific statistical test values, and functional visual testing such as electroretinography.
Cited by
- supports Daily exposure to red light reduces the rate of retinal photoreceptor cell loss in aging mice.