Implants for artificial vision

Author: Walter, Peter

Source: Expert Review of Ophthalmology, Volume 4, Number 5, October 2009 , pp. 515-523(9)

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Abstract:

Several research groups have demonstrated that electrical stimulation of the retina using implantable microelectrode arrays is a useful approach to specifically activate the visual cortex in animal experiments. It has been further shown that blind subjects suffering from retinitis pigmentosa do have phosphene perception when electrical current was applied to the retinal surface. Research groups and companies are currently testing implantable systems for electrical stimulation of the retina in blind patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa in clinical trials. Recently published preliminary results revealed that the surgical procedures were well tolerated and that patients did have visual percepts, possibly helping to improve the patient's mobility and performance under daily-life conditions.

Keywords: blindness; electrical stimulation; retina implant; retinal dystrophy; retinitis pigmentosa; visual cortex; visual prosthesis; vitreoretinal surgery

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1586/eop.09.42

Affiliations: 1: Professor of Ophthalmology, Director and Chairman Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany., Email: pwalter@ukaachen.de

Publication date: 2009-10-01

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