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Bionic Eyes: Vision Restoration Through Electronic or Photovoltaic Stimulation

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Regenerative Biology of the Eye

Part of the book series: Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine ((STEMCELL))

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Abstract

Recent advances in the fields of medical bionics and micro-technology have enabled rapid progress in the field of visual prostheses. Once believed to be the realm of science fiction, these photovoltaic and electronic devices are showing efficacy in restoring rudimentary vision to people who are profoundly vision impaired.

Visual prostheses offer hope to many people who have severe vision loss or blindness, but the technology still is in its infancy. This chapter will outline the history, current progress and future potentials for visual prostheses.

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Abbreviations

ADLs:

Activities of daily living

AMD:

Age-related macular degeneration

ASR:

Artificial silicon retina

BaLM:

Basic assessment of light and motion

BDNF:

Brain-derived neurotrophic factors

BVA:

Bionic vision Australia

LGN:

Lateral geniculate nucleus

QoL:

Quality of life

RCS:

Royal College Surgeon

RP:

Retinitis pigmentosa

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Eye Research Australia, The University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Level 1, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia

    Lauren N. Ayton, Robyn H. Guymer, Penelope J. Allen & Chi D. Luu

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  1. Lauren N. Ayton
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Correspondence to Lauren N. Ayton .

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  1. Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    Alice Pébay

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Ayton, L.N., Guymer, R.H., Allen, P.J., Luu, C.D. (2014). Bionic Eyes: Vision Restoration Through Electronic or Photovoltaic Stimulation. In: Pébay, A. (eds) Regenerative Biology of the Eye. Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0787-8_13

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