Visual perception in a blind subject with a chronic microelectronic retinal prosthesis

A retinal prosthesis was permanently implanted in the eye of a completely blind test Subject. This report details the results from the first 10 weeks of testing with the implant subject. The implanted device included an extraocular case to hold electronics, all intraocular electrode array (platinum disks, 4x4 arrangement) designed to interface with the retina, and a cable to connect the electronics case to the electrode array. The subject was able to see perceptions of light (spots) oil all 16 electrodes of the array. In addition, the subject was able to use a camera to detect the presence or absence of ambient light, to detect motion, and to recognize simple shapes. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.