The Impact of Glaucoma on Light-Mediated Mood and Sleep Disorders

Project Summary

A small population of retinal ganglion cells, the ipRGCs, communicates light information from the eyes to the brain for purposes other than vision such as the regulation of sleep and mood. Because glaucoma patients often suffer from light-mediated sleep and mood disorders, we aim to understand how ipRGCs control light’s effects on mood and sleep. 

This study represents a first attempt to explore the changes due to glaucoma in the ipRGC-based neural circuitry responsible for non-visual responses to light. This research will contribute to our understanding of the neural pathways underlying mood and behavioral changes experienced by glaucoma patients. Such insights are crucial for enhancing patient care and developing better treatments as glaucoma advances and evolves.