What Did the Research Discover?
Researchers studied how vision works and what happens when certain parts of the eye stop functioning properly. They focused on the retina, the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that helps us see by turning light into signals sent to the brain. The study explained how the retina has two types of photoreceptors: cones, which help us see colors in daylight, and rods, which help us see in the dark.
The researchers examined retinal degeneration, a group of diseases that damage photoreceptors and lead to vision loss. Two common types of retinal degeneration are age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). AMD mostly affects older people and causes problems with central vision, making it hard to read or recognize faces. RP is a genetic condition that often begins in young adulthood and can eventually cause complete blindness.
The study also explored retinal implants, which are devices that attempt to restore vision by replacing damaged photoreceptors with electronic systems. These implants use tiny electrodes to send signals to the remaining healthy retinal cells, which then pass information to the brain. Some of these implants are placed directly on the retinal surface (epiretinal), under the retina (subretinal), or behind the retina (suprachoroidal).
While no device can fully restore sight, some patients with severe vision loss were able to see light and detect motion with retinal implants. The Argus II, an epiretinal implant, has been tested in more than 200 patients, helping them perceive light and movement. Another device, the Alpha IMS, a subretinal implant, showed even better results, with some patients able to recognize objects and read large text.
How Can I Apply This Information?
This study provides hope for people experiencing vision loss due to retinal diseases. While retinal implants cannot yet fully restore vision, they can help people with severe blindness perceive light and basic shapes, improving their ability to navigate their surroundings.
These findings are still in the research phase, meaning that scientists are continuing to develop and improve retinal implants. Future technology may create implants with higher resolution and better image processing, allowing blind individuals to regain more detailed sight.
If you or someone you know has AMD or RP, it’s important to stay informed about these advancements. While these treatments are not widely available yet, ongoing clinical trials may offer new opportunities in the future.
Source:
Palanker D, Goetz G. Restoring sight with retinal prostheses. Physics today. 2018 Jul 1;71(7):26-32. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6934168/
