Eye and Brain最新文献

{"title":"The Eye-Brain Axis in High Myopia: From Retinal Deformation to Cortical Network Reorganization.","authors":"Dongqing Yuan, Weihua Yang, Hua Zhong, Qin Chen","doi":"10.2147/EB.S639442","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/EB.S639442","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>High myopia is a major cause of irreversible visual impairment and is increasingly recognized as a condition involving interactions between ocular remodeling and central neural systems. This scoping review synthesizes current evidence on structural, functional, genetic, and regulatory links between the eye and brain in high myopia. We systematically searched PubMed and Web of Science from database inception to August 2026, identifying 54 eligible primary studies. The available evidence indicates that high myopia is associated with retinal and optic nerve abnormalities, altered white matter microstructure, occipital cortical changes, and functional reorganization across visual and higher-order brain networks. However, most neuroimaging evidence is cross-sectional, and Mendelian randomization analyses have not provided evidence for a clear causal effect of myopia on brain volumes. Genetic studies suggest modest overlap between refractive error and cognitive traits, whereas educational exposure appears to contribute causally to myopic refractive development. Experimental and observational evidence also supports reciprocal regulation of ocular growth through circadian, dopaminergic, autonomic, and behavioral pathways, although several proposed mechanisms remain incompletely established in humans. Overall, the eye-brain axis provides a useful integrative framework for understanding high myopia, but longitudinal and interventional studies are required to determine causal relationships and evaluate whether neural or behavioral targets can improve clinical outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":51844,"journal":{"name":"Eye and Brain","volume":"18 ","pages":"639442"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13654250/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149169948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Resting-State Brain Activity, Functional Connectivity, and Orbital Imaging Changes in Restrictive Myopathy Associated with Thyroid Eye Disease.","authors":"Haiyang Zhang, Zilin Fang, Duojin Xia, Songnan Liang, Yuwei Wang, Mengda Jiang, Xiaofeng Tao, Yinwei Li, Jing Sun, Xingtong Liu, Huifang Zhou","doi":"10.2147/EB.S606171","DOIUrl":"10.2147/EB.S606171","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Restrictive myopathy is an important subtype of thyroid eye disease (TED) characterized by ocular motility restriction. Emerging evidence has indicated brain remodeling in TED restrictive myopathy, yet the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Therefore, this study aims to investigate brain activity and extraocular muscles (EOMs) abnormalities in TED restrictive myopathy, providing a deeper insight into the relationship between ocular motility restriction and brain functional changes.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>This prospective observational study recruited 45 TED patients recruited (28 with restrictive myopathy and 17 without). Brain function parameters and EOMs metrics were obtained. The two-sample <i>t</i> test was performed to compare intergroup differences, and correlation analysis was applied to uncover the association between brain functional activity and EOMs involvement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>TED restrictive myopathy exhibited increased intraocular pressure (IOP), long diameters (LD) and short diameters (SD) of inferior rectus, and decreased visual functioning score in Graves' orbitopathy-specific quality of life questionnaire (GO-QoL). Increased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG.L) were found in TED restrictive myopathy. The functional connectivity (FC) analysis further discovered higher FC between MTG.L and the right cerebellum_8 and bilateral middle frontal gyrus (MFG). The brain imaging parameters were significantly correlated with vertical deviation, exophthalmos and EOMs metrics in TED restrictive myopathy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study explored the brain alterations in TED restrictive myopathy, underscoring oculomotor restriction-associated brain functional changes. The study also serves as a preliminary exploration of the alterations in visual pathway in restrictive strabismus, represented by TED with restrictive myopathy.</p>","PeriodicalId":51844,"journal":{"name":"Eye and Brain","volume":"18 ","pages":"606171"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13429137/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148664825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"AstroOphthalmology: Basic and Pathophysiological Concepts of Space-Induced Ocular Changes.","authors":"Kasra Cheraqpour, Mansoor Shahriari, Mahya Ghazi, Navid Heydari, Saeedreza Moshfeghi, Seyed Mohammad Mousavi Ganji, Sina Asgari, Shaqayeq Cheraqpour","doi":"10.2147/EB.S611235","DOIUrl":"10.2147/EB.S611235","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Long-duration space missions pose a considerable risk to eye health, and visual dysfunction is recognized as a primary health concern for astronauts. Hence, we have developed a series of review reports to study the effects of space on the eye, called AstroOphthalmology (including Basics, Ocular Anterior Segment, Ocular Posterior Segment). This report serves as the first report of our series, and integrates the current insights into the pathophysiological consequences of the space environment on the eye. The two key space-specific stressors include microgravity and cosmic radiation. Both stressors are the interconnected pathways of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which inflict damage on cellular components and disrupt the function of essential ocular tissues. Microgravity triggers a cephalad fluid shift, which leads to vascular congestion, changes in hemodynamics, and increased intracranial pressure. The aforementioned changes are considered to be culprits in the onset of spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). Exposure to galactic cosmic radiation and solar particle events presents a substantial risk for the formation of cataracts, retinal cotton-wool spots, and optic neuropathy. This review indicates that ocular damage during spaceflight is influenced by multiple factors, resulting from the synergistic interaction of fluid shifts and radiation. In addition to pathophysiology, we summarize the current in-flight evaluations such as optical coherence tomography and fundoscopy. Future research should focus on assessing combined countermeasures and establishing predictive biomarkers to mitigate these risks, which is imperative for the success of future lunar and Martian missions.</p>","PeriodicalId":51844,"journal":{"name":"Eye and Brain","volume":"18 ","pages":"611235"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13207920/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148044459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artificial Intelligence in Neuro-Ophthalmology for Optic Disc Pathologies and Neurodegenerative Disease.","authors":"Abhimanyu S Ahuja, Alfredo A Paredes Iii, Mallory L S Eisel, Cole Miller, Nina Truong, Julie Falardeau","doi":"10.2147/EB.S555894","DOIUrl":"10.2147/EB.S555894","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping neuro-ophthalmic care by extracting clinically significant information from imaging, biomarkers, and patient-level clinical data. We review recent advances across neurodegenerative disease detection using retinal biomarkers, automated recognition of optic disc swelling and its mimics, glaucoma screening and quantification, and classification of hereditary optic neuropathies. Using fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), contemporary machine learning (ML) systems, including deep learning as well as other supervised learning models, report strong discrimination for papilledema versus pseudopapilledema, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) against similar presenting entities, and glaucomatous damage including indirect estimation of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. Early work also suggests that retinal features can aid detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and major neurocognitive disease. However, despite promising results, most studies remain retrospective and single-center, while focusing on imaging-only, limiting generalizability and clinical interpretability. Therefore a variety of challenges related to dataset heterogeneity, overfitting, limited external validation, and the gap between high diagnostic accuracy and practical clinical utility remain unresolved. Future prospective, multicenter evaluations focusing on integrating multimodal clinical data through explainable AI systems are necessary to improve diagnostic consistency, shorten time to care, and expand access for underserved populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":51844,"journal":{"name":"Eye and Brain","volume":"18 ","pages":"555894"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12996973/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147488467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Brain-Computer Interfaces for Vision Recovery in Precortical Vision Loss.","authors":"Christopher D Yang, Alan Guo, Ken Y Lin","doi":"10.2147/EB.S561691","DOIUrl":"10.2147/EB.S561691","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Precortical vision loss remains a major global health challenge. Advances in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) offer a new pathway towards restoring functional vision by bypassing damaged structures in the visual pathway.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This narrative review aims to synthesize the current evidence on BCIs for precortical vision recovery, including non-invasive and invasive techniques. Device design, testing, and outcomes are discussed, with an emphasis on developments in technology and engineering.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Non-invasive BCIs induce neuroplasticity and may restore vision in conditions of precortical vision loss such as glaucoma and optic neuropathy. Cortical visual prostheses demonstrate the ability to evoke visual precepts and recover functional vision. Integration of artificial intelligence and high-density electrode arrays has improved image encoding and device adaptability to enhance user experience and rehabilitation potential. Patient selection, safety, and long-term outcomes remain active areas of investigation.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>BCIs present a paradigm shift in treating precortical blindness that offers hope for patients with no alternative options. Yet, challenges persist, including surgical risks, durability, and variability in response. Personalization of stimulation protocols and further technical refinement are needed to optimize efficacy and accessibility.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>BCIs are a promising experimental modality for precortical vision restoration. Continued research and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to address current limitations.</p>","PeriodicalId":51844,"journal":{"name":"Eye and Brain","volume":"18 ","pages":"561691"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12991285/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147475380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Routine Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid Markers in Newly Diagnosed Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: An Exploratory Case-Control Study.","authors":"Nadja Skadkær Hansen, Isabella Falkenberg Schmidt, Therese Wallentin Steenfos, Johanne Juhl Korsbæk, Niklas Rye Jørgensen, Connar Stanley James Westgate, Steffen Hamann, Dagmar Beier, Rigmor Højland Jensen","doi":"10.2147/EB.S552739","DOIUrl":"10.2147/EB.S552739","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is an enigmatic syndrome of raised intracranial pressure and papilledema with metabolic underpinnings, although the exact etiology remains obscure. We aimed to evaluate routine blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers covering several organ systems in newly diagnosed IIH and compared to controls.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We registered the results of routine blood and CSF analyses in patients consecutively included in a prospective cohort by clinically suspected IIH. We compared females with confirmed IIH (2013 criteria) to \"IIH mimics\" in whom IIH was refuted (controls). We excluded patients with secondary pseudotumor cerebri syndrome, pregnancy, IIH relapse, age >50 years, male sex, other significant disease, or use of medications associated with multiorgan biochemical abnormalities with a prevalence of >1%.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We compared 139 females with IIH to 78 controls of similar sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). In IIH, we found relatively higher plasma levels of leukocytes (p=0.02), neutrophils (p=0.04), and alkaline phosphatase (p=0.03), and lower levels of plasma urea (p=0.04) and CSF protein (p=0.02). Leukocytes and neutrophils correlated with lumbar opening pressure and were significantly higher in severe papilledema. Findings were not explained by BMI, smoking, or statistically influential covariates.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In a well-defined prospective cohort of newly diagnosed IIH restricted by careful censoring of secondary cases and confounding factors, we found relatively increased systemic inflammation in plasma which correlated with markers of more severe IIH disease activity. IIH is likely a heterogeneous and complex disease in which inflammation seems to be involved.</p>","PeriodicalId":51844,"journal":{"name":"Eye and Brain","volume":"18 ","pages":"552739"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12953034/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147357669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exosome-Based Approaches in Regenerative Medicine and Targeted Therapy for Eye Malignancies: A Comprehensive Review.","authors":"Mohammad Mehdi Falahi Tabar, Arian Yavari, Masood Bagheri, Parnian Yavari, Kamran Mansouri, Gelavizh Rostaminasab, Shima Rahmati","doi":"10.2147/EB.S563110","DOIUrl":"10.2147/EB.S563110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diagnosing and treating ocular malignancies-such as uveal melanoma, retinoblastoma, intraocular lymphoma, and conjunctival tumors-can be very difficult given their rarity, complicated pathophysiology, and a high potential for complications that threaten vision or life. Traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery result in limited clinical value because of systemic toxicity, versatile drug resistance, and insufficient local control. Exosomes (EXOs)-naturally occurring nanoscale vesicles held in biocompatible structures-represent a uniquely advantageous platform for targeting and delivering miRNAs, proteins and/or gene editing molecules across ocular barriers to create corrective, sustained, and targeted diagnostics, drug delivery, and immune modulation. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-EXOs) also possess regenerative potential in both animal and human models of retinal and ocular injury, engaging biological pathways involved in modulating inflammation and neuroprotection such as HMGB1 and PI3K/AKT pathways. While the use of EXOs presents a promising option for ocular treatment application, several factors complicate actual clinical translation, including standardization of isolation, scalable manufacture, and regulatory issues. In general, EXO-based nanomedicine may be a promising new direction for precision therapy and regenerative ophthalmology with the increasing introduction of synthetic and bioengineered EXOs introducing precursor paving new avenues for clinically scalable and biologically customizable EXO therapeutics.</p>","PeriodicalId":51844,"journal":{"name":"Eye and Brain","volume":"18 ","pages":"563110"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12927830/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147286167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Age-Related Differences in Perception of the Rotating Snakes Illusion Among Young and Older Adults with Normal Visual Acuity.","authors":"Kyoko Fujita, Eiji Suzuki, Akiyoshi Kitaoka, Kyohei Ueda, Eiji Watanabe","doi":"10.2147/EB.S574364","DOIUrl":"10.2147/EB.S574364","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Visual illusions are utilized to elucidate mechanism of visual information processing. For example, the Rotating Snakes illusion creates the illusory perception of motion when viewing a static image. This study investigated the difference in perception of illusory rotation between younger and older adults with normal visual acuity.</p><p><strong>Participants and methods: </strong>The participants included 105 younger adults (mean age: 23.7 years) and 100 older adults (mean age: 74.2 years). Each participant was presented with the Rotating Snakes illusion, then asked to respond whether they perceived the snakes to be \"rotating\" or \"not rotating\". The rate of perception of illusory rotation was compared between the two groups. To evaluate the effects of cataracts, a major age-related optical change, comparisons were also made between older participants with bilateral cataracts versus those with bilateral intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Rotation was perceived by 100% (105/105) of participants in the younger group, but only by 16% (16/100) of participants in the older group, showing a significant difference (p < 0.001). Among the older adults, the IOL and cataract groups had no significant difference in the rate of those who perceived the illusion (6/54 vs 10/45, p = 0.12).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Significantly more younger adults perceived illusory motion in the Rotating Snakes illusion versus older adults. Lens opacity due to aging likely does not contribute to this phenomenon.</p>","PeriodicalId":51844,"journal":{"name":"Eye and Brain","volume":"18 ","pages":"574364"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13015961/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147522781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing Retinal Thickness and Associations with Cognitive Function in Women with History of Preeclampsia.","authors":"Andrea J Ibarra, BaDoi N Phan, Steven M Silverstein, Jay Chhablani, Valerie Snyder, Ethan A Rossi, Meryl A Butters, Janet M Catov","doi":"10.2147/EB.S542082","DOIUrl":"10.2147/EB.S542082","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Women with preeclampsia are at risk of developing cognitive changes and dementia later in life. The retina - an extension of the brain - may provide insight about structural changes associated with preeclampsia and serve as a biomarker of long-term neural and vascular consequences. Our goal was to compare retinal thickness measurements between women with and without history of preeclampsia, and to determine associations with cognitive performance.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>This prospective cohort study recruited preeclampsia (N=17) and normotensive (N=18) women 10-15 years after delivery. We assessed retinal thickness using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Principal component analysis was used to detect retinal regional patterns. Cognitive performance was evaluated to assess memory (Wechsler Memory immediate and delayed), working memory-Letter-Number Sequencing, information processing speed (Digit Symbol, Stroop Word and Color) and executive (WAIS similarities, matrix reasoning, and Stroop interference) domains. Regression models estimated associations between retina measurements, preeclampsia history and cognitive performance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Using the standard early treatment diabetic retinopathy study grid, compared to normotensive, preeclampsia women had thinner outer retina subfields. Similarly, two out of three principal components suggested different patterns of retinal changes at the outer vs central region. The thinner inner nasal and superior quadrants were associated with lower scores on the executive function domain - Stroop Color test (β=12.2, <i>p=</i>0.032; β=12.9, <i>p=</i>0.037, respectively). In the memory domain, Letter-Number sequencing test, preE history significantly altered the relationship with the maximum fovea central subfield (β=-17.3, <i>p=</i>0.013).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study provides a novel, integrated assessment of preeclampsia by simultaneously evaluating retina and cognitive markers. Retinal imaging 10-15 years after delivery in women with a history of preeclampsia showed a decreased thickness in the outer region of the retina. Selective vulnerability of peripheral retinal regions to persistent microvascular changes after preeclampsia may reflect broader central nervous system changes associated with impairments in information processing speed, executive functioning and working memory.</p>","PeriodicalId":51844,"journal":{"name":"Eye and Brain","volume":"18 ","pages":"542082"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12810194/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145999620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Macular Pigment Carotenoid Supplementation for the Preservation of Visual Structure and Function Following a Collegiate Rugby Season.","authors":"Jon Kelly, Linda Papa, James M Stringham, Owen Griffith, Semyon Slobounov","doi":"10.2147/EB.S534495","DOIUrl":"10.2147/EB.S534495","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Repetitive head impacts (RHIs) and visual system dysfunction are often associated. Interventions to prevent or limit visual deficits following RHIs are not well understood. This study examined visual structure and function following exposure to RHIs and the effectiveness of a supplemental intervention of macular pigment carotenoids (MPCs) and omega-3 fatty acids in attenuating visual changes from pre- to post-season in collegiate rugby players. Additionally, blood biomarkers associated with neurodegeneration were examined.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Optical coherence tomography measured visual structure through ganglion cell complex (GCC) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. Bioavailability of the supplement was assessed through skin carotenoid concentration (SC). Contrast sensitivity (CS) and critical flicker-fusion frequency (CFF) were used to measure visual function. NF-L, GFAP, Tau, and UCH-L1 concentrations in blood samples were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-one rugby players (15M/16F; 19±1.4 years) were randomly assigned to supplement (n = 15) or placebo (n = 16) groups. Left eye GCC inferior region was thinner at post-season in supplement (102.1±4.4 vs 102.9±4.7 μm; <i>p</i> = 0.002) and placebo groups (101.4±5.3 vs 102.6±5.0 μm, <i>p</i> < 0.001). The supplement group had a higher SC score at post-season versus the placebo group (409.2±76.3 vs 323.4±61.3; <i>p</i> = 0.04). With regards to visual function, CFF approached a significant increase in the supplemental group versus placebo (27.6±1.8 vs 25.7±2.2 Hz, <i>p</i> = 0.08), but there were no differences found between groups in MPOD or CS. NF-L was different at post-season in the placebo (10.05 vs 7.21 pg/mL; <i>p</i> = 0.003) but not the supplement group (7.07 vs 7.78 pg/mL; <i>p</i> = 0.40). Tau was different between groups at pre- (1.2 vs 0.87 pg/mL; <i>p</i> = 0.04) and post-season (1.33 vs 1.01 pg/mL; <i>p</i> = 0.02) with greater concentrations in the supplement group. GFAP and UCH-L1 were not different. One season of collegiate rugby resulted in retinal thinning and increased concentrations of NF-L and Tau. Supplementation with MPCs and omega-3s may be useful in limiting retinal thinning and preventing increases in biomarkers of neurodegeneration.</p>","PeriodicalId":51844,"journal":{"name":"Eye and Brain","volume":"17 ","pages":"157-176"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12744580/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145859334","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}