Weeklong improved colour contrasts sensitivity after single 670 nm exposures associated with enhanced mitochondrial function

Abstract

Mitochondrial decline in ageing robs cells of ATP. However, animal studies show that long wavelength exposure (650–900 nm) over weeks partially restores ATP and improves function. The likely mechanism is via long wavelengths reducing nanoscopic interfacial water viscosity around ATP rota pumps, improving their efficiency. Recently, repeated 670 nm exposures have been used on the aged human retina, which has high-energy demands and significant mitochondrial and functional decline, to improve vision. We show here that single 3 min 670 nm exposures, at much lower energies than previously used, are sufficient to significantly improve for 1 week cone mediated colour contrast thresholds (detection) in ageing populations (37–70 years) to levels associated with younger subjects. But light needs to be delivered at specific times. In environments with artificial lighting humans are rarely dark-adapted, hence cone function becomes critical. This intervention, demonstrated to improve aged mitochondrial function can be applied to enhance colour vision in old age.

Shifting patterns of cellular energy production (adenosine triphosphate) over the day and key timings for the effect of optical manipulation

“…When the ATP levels of aged flies were improved by a morning 670 nm red light exposure this translated to increased mobility, cognition and retinal function [3]. Similar patterns have been found in aged human retinal function, with morning 670 nm light exposure improving colour contrast ability that was not possible when exposures were given in the afternoon [2]. Hence, these mitochondrial mechanisms are likely to be conserved across species [15].…”

“…This in turn can significantly improve central nervous system function including mobility and vision. This ability is highly conserved from fly through to human [1][2][3][4]. However, the capacity of longer wavelengths to influence ATP production appears to be uneven over the day [2][3][4][5].…”

“…This ability is highly conserved from fly through to human [1][2][3][4]. However, the capacity of longer wavelengths to influence ATP production appears to be uneven over the day [2][3][4][5].…”

Altered states of Ganzfeld: A systematic review

“…Conversely, there is a significant amount of evidence supporting the effects of light for cortical orientation tuning (Shinhmar et al, 2021;Roth et al, 2018;Carlson, 2014). In an imagery adaptation paradigm, Voges et al (2015) found improved spatial adaptations and implicit consolidated motor memory after repeated light-induced Ganzfeld trials compared to Altered states of Ganzfeld: A systematic review 3 free viewing of the surroundings.…”

“…Additionally, red flashes on a blue background may be most effective when isolating photopic negative responses from the inner retina (Berezovsky et al, 2021;Rangaswamy et al, 2007). Other interactions of red light induced altered states could decrease cortical arousal (Ben-Soussan et al, 2019;Le & Silverman, 2011) or improve mitochondrial function when exposed for three minutes in the morning for one week (Shinhmar et al, 2021).…”