Application and research progress of optogenetic technology in retinal diseases

Optogenetics is a technique combining optics and the power of light with genetics; it uses light-mediated protein-protein interactions to control the open/closed state of channels or the activation/inactivation states of signaling components within live cells.Recently developed optogenetic tools offer exciting opportunities by enabling signaling regulation with superior temporal and spatial resolution.The eye is a light-bioelectric conversion system.Compared with diseases of other organs, there are great advantages to apply optogenetics to the treatment of ophthalmic conditions, as new optical genetic tools are rapidly emerging.This article will focus on the main methods of optogenetic control of cells and the current status and outlook of its application in retinal diseases.