Towards a Completely Implantable, Light-Sensitive Intraocular Retinal Prosthesis

Abstract

An electronic retinal prosthesis is under development to treat retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, two presently incurable diseases of the outer retina that afflict millions world-wide. Previous studies have established the feasibility of the retinal prosthesis. Short-term tests in blind humans have shown that degenerated retina will respond to light in a way that is consistent with form vision. Postmortem analysis of human eyes with RP and AMD show a significant survival of inner retinal cells despite near complete degeneration of the photoreceptors in the outer retina. Long-term implants have demonstrated that the retina can tolerate the physical presence of an electrode array without degenerating due to pressure or other mechanical affects.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 25, 2001
Accession Number
ADA411973

Entities

People

  • B. Justus
  • C. Merrit
  • J. D. Weiland
  • J. Whalen
  • M. S. Humayun

Organizations

  • Johns Hopkins University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cells
  • Dendritic Structure
  • Electrodeposition
  • Electrodes
  • Fibers
  • Glass Fibers
  • High Density
  • Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • Military Research
  • Plating
  • Platinum
  • Porous Materials
  • Prostheses And Implants
  • Retinal Diseases
  • Standards
  • Wire

Readers

  • Trauma Surgery or Emergency Medicine.
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics