Applications of Advanced Technologies to Retinal Prosthesis

The following sections are included:

• Introduction

• Basic Concepts of Retinal Prothesis

  • Epiretinal implantation

  • Subretinal implantation

  • Other major considerations

• Interfacing Electrical Devices to the Retina

  • What is the minimum electrical current for neuron activation?

  • What is the maximum current that can be used and what electrode materials support these current levels?

  • What are the optimum conditions for stimulating retinal neurons and what is the desired response?

  • What attachment methods should be used for minimizing any possible damage to neural tissue?

• System Architecture for Retinal Prothesis

  • Second sight

  • Optobionics

  • Retinal implants

  • IMI Intelligent Medical Implants AC

  • How is the image acquired; for example, an external cameral versus and intraocular imaging array?

  • What techniques can be used for supplying wireless power to the system and how efficient are they?

  • What image processing is necessary before stimulating the retina and how can it be accomplished?

• Advanced Technologies for High Resolution Devices

  • Flexible electrode designs

  • Rigid electrode designs

  • Supporting microelectronics

  • Integration and packaging

• Conclusions

• References

• Review Questions