Ageing Res Rev. 2025 Oct 22:102925. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2025.102925. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
The “eye-brain axis” refers to the dynamic system of interactions between the eyes and the brain, collectively encompassing the visual signal transmission and integration pathways. The eyes and the brain exhibit structural and functional synergy, and visual dysfunction not only impairs information processing within the eye but also induces structural and functional remodeling of the central nervous system (CNS) via the eye-brain axis. For instance, the effects of glaucoma on the visual cortex are manifested as reduced blood perfusion and decreased efficiency of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. Moreover, the eye can serve as an important window and biomarker for the early diagnosis and intervention of neurodegenerative diseases of the CNS. Relevant research findings include the parallelism of beta amyloid (Aβ) and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) between the retina and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), glaucomatous neurodegeneration with AD-like features, and the role of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) expression along the eye-brain lymphatic pathway in regulating intraocular pressure (IOP) and correcting macular edema. Therefore, eye-brain axis research provides novel perspectives for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying visual dysfunction and related disorders, while simultaneously supporting the development of cross-organ neuroprotective strategies. This review explores the anatomical foundations, immune regulation, and bidirectional interactions of the eye-brain axis, and evaluates its relevance to the diagnosis and treatment of visual dysfunction and degenerative diseases of the CNS.
PMID:41135777 | DOI:10.1016/j.arr.2025.102925