Retinal Prosthesis Testbed

Led by James D. Weiland, Ph.D.

The overall goal of this test-bed is to develop a retinal prosthetic system, designed to provide useful vision to millions of blind world-wide.  From psychophysical testing in sighted volunteers by our group and others, 1,000 electrodes in the central 6 mm diameter area of the human retina could allow large print reading and adequate face recognition vision as well as a 20 degree visual field. Consisting of several subsystems, the retinal prosthesis will be initially divided between implanted and external components. External components will include a camera, image processing unit and bi-directional telemetry. Implanted components will include bi-directional telemetry, hermetically packaged electronics, and a multi-channel electrode array. The implanted electronics will perform power recovery, management of data reception and transmission, digital processing, and analog output of stimulus current.

The figure above shows an intraocular retinal prosthesis will use an external system (visual capture/processing unit not shown other than the camera unit) to capture and process image data and transmit the information to an implanted unit. The implanted unit would decode the data and stimulate the retina with a pattern of electrical impulses to produce a perception.

Fundamental research projects in retinal prosthesis physiology are an essential element of our systems integration plan. For example, we have developed a novel method of measuring retinal response to electrical stimulation by using a custom built gene gun. This device propels nanometer size particles (coated with fluorescent indicators) into live retinal cells. We also have constructed multielectrode arrays with a layout similar to the proposed stimulating array. This will allow us to study stimulating channel interactions in isolated retina. Another isolated retina study involves analysis of the retinal response to natural images and the decomposition of that response into Volterra kernels. Such an analysis will lead to a further understanding of the system response of the retina and will allow us to create biomimetic stimulation strategies. From a biocompatibility standpoint, we have begun to study the response of retinal cells to electrical stimulation both in isolated cultured cells and in intact animal models. These studies will establish safe limits for electrical stimulation in the retina. Finally, we have begun to study the mechanical properties of the retina and other eye tissues. Our past experience with chronic implantation suggests that the mechanical damage to the retina is a significant concern for long-term implants. However, detailed knowledge of the mechanical properties of eye tissues is lacking, making it difficult to design electrode arrays whose mechanical properties match the retina. Thus, a study into the fundamental mechanical properties of eye tissues is needed to better design the electrode array. In summary, we have fundamental research projects in retinal electrophysiology, retinal neuropathology, and biomaterials that will provide a scientific basis for the retinal prosthesis systems design.

For more information, please visit http://artificialretina.energy.gov