Visual Neuroscience
Visual neuroscience focuses on understanding the neurological processes behind vision. This includes how light is converted into nerve signals in the retina, how these signals are processed in the brain, and how we perceive and interpret visual stimuli. Research in this area may include studies of binocular vision, eye movements, visual perception, and how brain injuries and eye diseases affect visual function.
Optometrists
Optometry is the main scientific field of optometrists. Optometry is thus a health care discipline that deals with the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of vision problems. Optometrists perform eye exams, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and can also detect and manage eye diseases.
Studies on eye diseases are essential for understanding and treating various vision problems. These studies include research into common eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataract, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, but also other diseases that affect vision such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's.
Research in this field aims to identify the causes of these diseases, develop diagnostic methods, and find effective treatments.
The combination of Visual Neuroscience and Optometry
When these two areas are combined, we gain a deeper understanding of how the visual system works both on a neurological and practical level. This can lead to improved diagnostic methods and treatments for vision problems, especially for patients with complex vision disorders caused by eye diseases and neurological conditions. Research and education in this combined field can help develop new techniques and therapies to improve vision health.
Photo: Johanna HannoHe looks at brain disorders through the retina
With the help of OCT analysis, there is a simple and inexpensive way of examining the eyes in order to monitor the progression of disease and effect of treatment in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
We can do this since loss of nervous tissue in the brain is reflected in the retina, says Optometrist and researcher Rune Brautaset who uses OCT for his research.