Role of neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of myopia

Abstract

With complex pathogenesis, myopia is a common ophthalmology disease and a major causation for visual impairment in children. For years, studies found that neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, nitric oxide, acetylcholine, γ-aminobutyric acid, 5-hydroxytryptamine, insulin and prostaglandins, are associated with children's refractive development and axial length growth. However, there are still many disagreements in their mechanisms of action. This article makes a systematic review on the roles of neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of myopia including neurotransmitter receptors and antagonists to clarify the influence of different neurotransmitters on the occurrence and development of myopia, thus giving a comprehensive insight into its pathogenesis, building a basis for further research on the changes of neurotransmitters and providing new ideas and directions for the prevention and treatment of myopia.

Keywords

• myopia
• neurotransmitters
• dopamine
• nitric oxide
• acetylcholine
• γ-aminobutyric acid
• 5-hydroxytryptamine
• insulin