Optogenetics, visual prosthesis and electrostimulation for retinal dystrophies

Garg, Sunir J.; Federman, Jay

MidAtlantic Retina, The Retina Service of Wills Eye Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Correspondence to Sunir J. Garg, MD, FACS, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, MidAtlantic Retina, The Retina Service of Wills Eye Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, 840 Walnut Street, Suite 1020 Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. Tel: +1 800 331 6634; fax: +1 215 825 9087; e-mail:[email protected]

Current Opinion in Ophthalmology24(5):p 407-414, September 2013. |DOI:10.1097/ICU.0b013e328363829b

Abstract

Purpose of review

Outer retinal degenerations such as retinitis pigmentosa can cause profound vision loss. Various treatment strategies are being pursued to potentially restore functional vision in these patients.

Recent findings

Advances in retinal prostheses have restored some vision in patients previously blind from retinitis pigmentosa. Optogenetics is another area that shows promise for restoration of vision. Transcorneal electrostimulation shows some efficacy to treat these patients as well.