Mathematical modeling has been used to study diverse biological topics ranging from protein folding to cell interactions to interacting populations of humans but has only recently been used to study retina degeneration. Computer (in silico) experiments in this area have given researchers invaluable insights and in some cases re-directed experimental research and theory. This talk will provide a brief overview of the relevant physiology of the eye as it pertains to photoreceptor degeneration. We will explore the experimentally observed photoreceptor death and rescue in retinal degeneration and provide a framework for future physiological investigations and potential ways to circumvent blindness using in silico experiments together with differential equations, control theory, and uncertainty and sensitivity analysis. Our work highlights the delicate balance between the availability of nutrients, and photoreceptors’ energy uptake and consumption needed for a normal functioning retina.
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