A retinal prosthesis is a medical device implanted into the eye where photoreceptor cells have degenerated, such as in retinitis pigmentosa. The implant generates phosphenes by electrically stimulating the remaining retinal neurons. Currently, three methods of stimulation have been developed: epiretinal stimulation, subretinal stimulation, and suprachoroidal stimulation. Some of the implants have received FDA approval and CE mark. The visual function achieved by the current retinal prosthesis is still far from normal vision, but it is expected to evolve to help patients in their daily lives. The prospects for future research and development were discussed.
