Abstract
Presentation Description :
Subretinal visual implants have been developed to restore vision in blind patients with photoreceptor degenerations. In the past years (2006-2017) three types of subretinal visual implants have been testen in clinical trials. Efficacy results from patients wearing the RETINA IMPLANT Alpha IMS showed that in nearly half of the patients useful low or very low vision can be restored, but the durability and life-time of the device was not optimal. The currently used RETINA IMPLANT Alpha AMS could increase the life-time of the device significantly and received the CE mark for commercial use in Europe in 2016.
RETINA IMPLANT Alpha AMS has currently clinical functionality of more than 4 years. Restoration of different levels of low vision is possible, enabling object localization, shape and rough details perception up to measurable visual acuity by Landolt C-rings. The functional outcome is interindividally different. Careful clinical evaluation before surgery, technical improvements in the contrast perception optimization and understanding of the individual differences in the inner retinal processing can improve clinical functional outcomes of subretinal implant users.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.