Vision Augmentation by Pharmacological Enhancement of the Visual Experience

Cortical plasticity, attention, and learning lead to perceptual learning and might robustly enhance sensory perception in rodents and humans. Central neuromodulatory systems commonly control these brain functions, and consequently may modulate sensory perception. In particular, the pairing of cholinergic activation with visual stimulation increases neuronal responses, cue detection ability, and long-term facilitation in the primary visual cortex, as well as discrimination abilities. The present chapter reviews the research examining whether potentiation of the central cholinergic and/or monoaminergic systems aids visual perception and restoration. In particular, the effect of pharmacological enhancement of these systems during visual training is examined. The ability of this approach to improve residual vision and restore visual capacities following a wide range of visual deficits is also considered. Potential therapeutic outcomes facilitating vision restoration using commercially available pharmacological agents combined with visual training should prevent irreversible vision loss.