gms | German Medical Science

Artificial Vision 2017

The International Symposium on Visual Prosthetics

01.12. - 02.12.2017, Aachen

Article

Send article

Prerequisites for future vision implants

Meeting Abstract

Search Medline for

  • Peter Walter - Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

Artificial Vision 2017. Aachen, 01.-02.12.2017. Düsseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2017. Doc17artvis41

doi: 10.3205/17artvis42, urn:nbn:de:0183-17artvis422

Published: November 30, 2017

© 2017 Walter.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. See license information at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Outline

Text

Objective: To review results from basic science and clinical trials with retina implants and to develop a consensus for future designs and concepts in active neurostimulation approaches for restoration of vision.

Materials and Methods: Review of published data.

Results: Current stimulation strategies for approved retina implant systems are based on technology and findings acquired some 10 to 20 years ago. Clinical experiences show limited success with some degree of complications. The concepts for retinal prostheses which are implemented in approved systems are lacking a fundamental understanding of the neural interaction of retinal cells surviving in the advanced stage of the degeneration. These findings have to be taken into account when future retinal implants are designed and manufactured.

Discussion: The author suggests that as one possible result of the conference a consensus paper should be produced where future recommendations for developing vision implants are given for developers and manufacturers.