Development of an inductively coupled epiretinal vision prosthesis

Electrical stimulation of the retina elicits visual perception in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Using the potentials of microsystem technology, neural prostheses to restore vision become feasible that are completely implantable in the eye. In this paper, we describe the development of an inductively coupled epiretinal vision prosthesis. Microelectronic chips for data encoding and stimulation were assembled on flexible substrates with an integrated electrode array. The system was encapsulated with parylene C and silicone rubber. The receiver part was placed into an artificial intraocular lens. Microcables led to the stimulation array in the macula region. This prototype elicited spatio-temporal patterns in the visual cortex after electrical stimulation of the retina in the cat.