Optogenetics, visual prosthesis and electrostimulation for retinal dystrophies.

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.

SUMMARY:

We review recent advances in optogenetics, visual prosthesis and electrostimulation to treat outer retinal degenerations.

• Authors: Sunir J Garg, Jay Federman
• Journal: Current opinion in ophthalmology (Curr Opin Ophthalmol) Vol. 24 Issue 5 Pg. 407-14 (Sep 2013) ISSN: 1531-7021 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23799487 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Electric Stimulation Therapy
• Humans
• Optogenetics
• Retinal Dystrophies (therapy)
• Visual Prosthesis