What blindness can tell us about seeing again: merging neuroplasticity and neuroprostheses

Nat Rev Neurosci. 2005 Jan;6(1):71-7. doi: 10.1038/nrn1586.

Abstract

Significant progress has been made in the development of visual neuroprostheses to restore vision in blind individuals. Appropriate delivery of electrical stimulation to intact visual structures can evoke patterned sensations of light in those who have been blind for many years. However, success in developing functional visual prostheses requires an understanding of how to communicate effectively with the visually deprived brain in order to merge what is perceived visually with what is generated electrically.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blindness / physiopathology*
  • Blindness / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Vision, Ocular / physiology*