Artificial vision devices or visual prostheses are designed to
electrically stimulate neurons along the visual pathways in
order to bypass dysfunctional distal stations in order to create
vision perception in blind patients. Retinal and optic nerve
prostheses are named according to the anatomic location of
implantation: cortical prostheses, retinal prostheses, and optic
nerve prostheses. Other devices include hybrid retinal implants
and sensory substitution devices. Each type has advantages and
disadvantages. Given that intact neurons along the visual
pathways can be found in almost all blind patients, only our
current lack of experience and capabilities in physiology,
biocompatibility and device-tissue interfacing prevents us from
stimulating them in a safe and effective manner. We can only
hope that the day such devices are widely used is in the near
future and not decades away. Eyal Margalit, MD, PhD; James D.
Weiland, PhD Company: Mediconcepts, Inc CE Credits: 1 CE Format:
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