[Subretinal microphotodiode array as replacement for degenerated photoreceptors?]

Ophthalmologe. 2001 Apr;98(4):357-63. doi: 10.1007/s003470170141.
[Article in German]

Abstract

A survey is given on the status of developments, concerning a subretinal electronic microphotodiode array that aims at replacing degenerated photoreceptors. Various prototypes have been developed, tested, and implanted in various experimental animals up to 18 months. The fact that electrical responses were recorded from the visual cortex of pigs after electrical stimulation by subretinal electrodes and the fact that responses are also recorded in-vitro in degenerated rat retinae, shows the feasibility of this approach. However, there are a number of open questions concerning the biocompatibility, the long-time stability, and the type of transmitted image to be solved before application in patients can be considered.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Implants, Experimental
  • Materials Testing
  • Microcomputers*
  • Microelectrodes*
  • Photoreceptor Cells / surgery*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Prosthesis Implantation*
  • Retinal Degeneration / physiopathology
  • Retinal Degeneration / rehabilitation*
  • Visual Acuity / physiology*
  • Visual Perception / physiology