Light-sensitive proteins are a major part of a membrane protein group,which is widely distributed in prokaryotic organisms, plants and animal visual systems.They can be divided into two types: one type is the G-protein-coupled receptor that can activate G-protein signal pathways in response to light, such as those affected by rhodopsin; the other is a light-sensitive ion channel that can cause changes in membrane potentials in response to light, such as ChR2 and NpHR.Genetic techniques can be used to control the optics of a cell after making it express light-sensitive proteins.Deisseroth called this method that combined photics and genetics as optogenetic technology.Optogenetic technology is being applied more widely because of its ease in handling,intact stimulus,high temporal and spacial precision,quantifiability and repeatabilty.This article reviews the influence of optogenetic technology on medical science studies.