Improving Vision After the Critical Period

Binocular visual experience is necessary for normal visual development. When it is missing during a critical period early in life—because of an eye turn or a cataract—many aspects of later vision are compromised. Nevertheless, studies of animal models and human patients indicate that a variety of interventions are effective in improving vision after the end of the critical period. This talk will review the effective interventions and discuss the mechanisms that are likely to be involved.