Getting signals into the brain: visual prosthetics through thalamic microstimulation.

ABSTRACT: Common causes of blindness are diseases that affect the ocular structures, such as glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and macular degeneration, rendering the eyes no longer sensitive to light. The visual pathway, however, as a predominantly central structure, is largely spared in these cases. It is thus widely thought that a device-based prosthetic approach to restoration of visual function will be effective and will enjoy similar success as cochlear implants have for restoration of auditory function. In this article the authors review the potential locations for stimulation electrode placement for visual prostheses, assessing the anatomical and functional advantages and disadvantages of each. Of particular interest to the neurosurgical community is placement of deep brain stimulating electro

SUBMITTER: Pezaris JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2848996 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature