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Review
. 2021 Jan 1;18(1):109-119.
doi: 10.7150/ijms.52980. eCollection 2021.

Near Infrared (NIR) Light Therapy of Eye Diseases: A Review

Qin Zhu  1 , Shuyuan Xiao  1 , Zhijuan Hua  1 , Dongmei Yang  2 , Min Hu  2 , Ying-Ting Zhu  3 , Hua Zhong  1
Affiliations
Review

Near Infrared (NIR) Light Therapy of Eye Diseases: A Review

Qin Zhu et al. Int J Med Sci. .

Abstract

Near infrared (NIR) light therapy, or photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), has gained persistent worldwide attention in recent years as a new novel scientific approach for therapeutic applications in ophthalmology. This ongoing therapeutic adoption of NIR therapy is largely propelled by significant advances in the fields of photobiology and bioenergetics, such as the discovery of photoneuromodulation by cytochrome c oxidase and the elucidation of therapeutic biochemical processes. Upon transcranial delivery, NIR light has been shown to significantly increase cytochrome oxidase and superoxide dismutase activities which suggests its role in inducing metabolic and antioxidant beneficial effects. Furthermore, NIR light may also boost cerebral blood flow and cognitive functions in humans without adverse effects. In this review, we highlight the value of NIR therapy as a novel paradigm for treatment of visual and neurological conditions, and provide scientific evidence to support the use of NIR therapy with emphasis on molecular and cellular mechanisms in eye diseases.

Keywords: eye disease; mechanism; near infrared light; photobiomodulation therapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists.

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