Electric Stimulation in the Eye and Brain: Advancements and Applications

About this Research Topic

Background

The field of electric stimulation in the eye and brain is rapidly advancing, employing non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques to manipulate neural activity through electrical currents. This progressive approach shows great promise in both translational and research contexts, as it offers opportunities to comprehend neural circuits, treat neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, and restore sensory functions. These techniques aim to enhance retinal and visual functions, regulate inflammation, and initiate neuroprotective effects without requiring invasive surgical procedures. By externally administering electrical currents, these methods bypass surgical intervention. In the brain, delivery of the electric currents to specific regions of the brain allows for targeted modulation of neural activity. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing stimulation protocols, uncovering the underlying neurobiological mechanisms associated with these non-invasive techniques, and expanding their applications to encompass a wide range of neurodegenerative, inflammatory, ischemic and psychiatric conditions.


The field of electric stimulation is still in its early stages, and despite the existing literature, there are many unknowns regarding its effects. Electric stimulation involves various parameters, such as waveform, frequency, amplitude, voltage, and duration of application, leading to a multitude of approaches. The goals of this research topic include consolidating the most recent knowledge on electric stimulation. This includes optimizing stimulation protocols, comprehending the impact of electric stimulation on neural circuits, exploring its therapeutic effects on neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, investigating its potential in neurodegeneration and regeneration, exploring new forms of electric stimulation application, unraveling the biological mechanisms underlying its effects, and enhancing its translational potential to bridge the gap between research and practical applications.


We seek manuscripts exploring the modulation of biological activity through electrical currents in neuronal and non-neuronal cells in the brain and the eye. Authors are encouraged to address various themes within this field:

• Mechanism and pathway research: manuscripts focusing on the molecular events of electric stimulation at the cellular and subcellular levels in different types of brain and eye cells.

• Preclinical research: in vitro and in vivo studies at preclinical level investigating the effects of electric stimulation in various retinal and brain pathologies, vision, and cognitive functions.

• Clinical research: studies describing the effects of the clinical application of electric stimulation in different pathologies and in healthy volunteers.

We welcome Original Research articles and comprehensive Reviews that provide novel perspectives and contribute to advancing knowledge in electric stimulation, exploring new forms of stimulation application and elucidating the underlying biological mechanisms.





Topic Editor, Yukari Nakano, is employed by Nidek Company Limited. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

Keywords: electric stimulation, eye, brain, retina, optic nerve stimulation, brain stimulation, therapeutic applications

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.

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