ABSTRACT
In patients with visual loss related to outer retinal layer pathology, stimulation of the relatively preserved retinal ganglion cells with electrical signals can result in visual perception. Retinal stimulation with electrodes placed either on the surface of the retina or in the subretinal space has been investigated. The implants usually consist of an encapsulated array of microelectrodes for localized electrical stimulation of the ganglion cells or the bipolar cells. Because of the simplicity, durability, biocompatibility, and implantation mechanism of the thin-film oxide optical micro-detector and implantation technology, its use is proposed in an attempt to restore vision in retinally blind patients. The method of transfer and implantation of the detectors uses a soluble polymer carrier layer supporting a microdetector array that is inserted into the subretinal space, allowing direct replacement of damaged photo-receptors in the retina of a retinally blind patient.
