Abstract
In addition to the role in vision, light also strongly affect human health and well-being. The recent discovery of photoreceptive retinal ganglion cells (pRGCs) provides information on how the non-visual brain centers exert functional control over the circadian and neuroendocrine responses. It is found that light exposure could influence the signals timing and amplitude. Aging limits the photoreception of pRGCs due to age-related influences, which may aggravate variety of common age-associated problems. Extensive research has not only been focused on the effects of light on circadian rhythms but also the subsequent interaction with alertness. In this review, (1) the visual and non-visual pathways were compared and the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN)s control over physiological rhythms are summarized; (2) the mechanisms on how circadian rhythms, cognition and alertness influenced by the amplitude, timing and duration of light are analyzed; (3) the effects of ocular aging and cataract surgery on circadian photoreception are summarized; (4) the application of electroencephalogram as an effective way to evaluate alertness are also reviewed.
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