Development of visual Neuroprostheses: trends and challenges

Abstract

Visual prostheses are implantable medical devices that are able to provide some degree of vision to individuals who are blind. This research field is a challenging subject in both ophthalmology and basic science that has progressed to a point where there are already several commercially available devices. However, at present, these devices are only able to restore a very limited vision, with relatively low spatial resolution. Furthermore, there are still many other open scientific and technical challenges that need to be solved to achieve the therapeutic benefits envisioned by these new technologies. This paper provides a brief overview of significant developments in this field and introduces some of the technical and biological challenges that still need to be overcome to optimize their therapeutic success, including long-term viability and biocompatibility of stimulating electrodes, the selection of appropriate patients for each artificial vision approach, a better understanding of brain plasticity and the development of rehabilitative strategies specifically tailored for each patient.

Graphene Oxide–Based Nanomaterials: An Insight into Retinal Prosthesis

“…The technology of retinal prosthesis has developed gradually, allowing chip implants to electrically stimulate normal neurons to transmit signals. However, many problems still exist, including problems with the design of optical wireless transmission channels, signal resolution processing, and solar cell miniaturization [28][29][30][31]. On the other hand, there is a lack of research on the self-repair and regeneration of RGCs on these chips under electrical stimulation [32].…”

Bioelectronic Medicine: From Preclinical Studies on the Inflammatory Reflex to New Approaches in Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

“…These insights and advancing bioelectronic technology have led to clinical exploration of novel treatments of cardiovascular disease, paralysis, diabetes, blindness, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and many other diseases and conditions ( Fig. 3; Merabet et al 2005;Fregni and Pascual-Leone 2007;De Ferrari et al 2011;Lee et al 2015Lee et al , 2018Bouton et al 2016;Mishra et al 2016;Olofsson and Tracey 2017;Angeli et al 2018;Fernandez 2018;Kovatchev 2018;Salehpour et al 2018;Sanjuan-Alberte et al 2018). Successful team efforts of basic researchers and clinical scientists, including neurologists, gastroenterologists, cardiologists, and other colleagues will continue to be a driving force for broadening the scope of the field and novel clinical exploration (Fig.…”

Bioelectronic medicine: updates, challenges and paths forward

“…It was estimated that in 2015, 36 million people were blind, and 217 million had moderate or severe vision impairment (Bourne et al, 2017). Visual prostheses are medical devices designed to provide some degree of vision to individuals with blindness as a result of severe degeneration or damage to the retina, the optic nerve, or brain damage (Fernandez, 2018). Fernandez summarized the current state of studying electrical stimulation in this context and developing, and using visual prostheses (Fernandez, 2018).…”

“…Visual prostheses are medical devices designed to provide some degree of vision to individuals with blindness as a result of severe degeneration or damage to the retina, the optic nerve, or brain damage (Fernandez, 2018). Fernandez summarized the current state of studying electrical stimulation in this context and developing, and using visual prostheses (Fernandez, 2018). The author also outlines challenges in optimizing visual prostheses related to biocompatibility, biotolerability and viability of electrodes and devices in current use.…”

“…Other important questions are related to better understanding brain plasticity associated with the use of visual prostheses (Merabet et al, 2005;Fernandez, 2005) and developing personalized rehabilitative strategies (Fernandez, 2018). The use of optogenetics may offer ways to overcome limitations of currently used electrical stimulation approaches (Fernandez, 2018;Sahel & Roska, 2013).…”