Plasticity and Macular Degeneration: the Reorganization of Adult Cortical Topography

Abstract

This study evaluated whether cortical reorganization occurs in response to macular degeneration (MD), a progressive disorder of the retina that results in central vision loss. Past research has observed the ability of V1 to adapt to retinal damage, demonstrating that deafferented cortex is activated by the stimulation of intact retinal areas. It is still unclear, however, if and to what degree cortical reorganization is associated with specific forms of macular degeneration. This study evaluated the retinal health of MD participants (both age-related and juvenile) as well age-matched controls with computerized microperimetry. Contrast-reversing stimuli were then presented to different parts of the visual field while participants were scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). For MD participants, stimulation of peripheral retinal areas elicited activation in deafferented cortex. This activation occurred for retinal areas adapted for eccentric viewing (preferred retinal locations), but not in preserved retina at the same eccentricity. These findings add to the scientific knowledge of plasticity in sensory systems by supporting an experience driven understanding of cortical reorganization. They could also have a meaningful impact on how macular degeneration is treated by informing the design of therapeutic training regimes.