Advancements in Visual Neuroprostheses: Techniques and Challenges

This lecture discusses the advancements in visual neuroprostheses, focusing on the use of electrical stimulation techniques for restoring vision in blind patients. It begins with an overview of visual prostheses that stimulate the optic nerve, highlighting the challenges of achieving focal stimulation and understanding the retinotopic distribution. The instructor explains various types of implantable peripheral nerve interfaces, including cuff electrodes, which are less invasive but have limited selectivity. The lecture further explores the performance of optic nerve-induced phosphenes and the use of intraneural electrodes for improved selectivity. The discussion includes the design and functionality of retinal visual prostheses, emphasizing the differences between epiretinal and sub-retinal devices. The lecture concludes with a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of different target sites for visual prostheses, underscoring the complexity of restoring visual functions and the ongoing research in this field.