Visual perception in a blind subject with a chronic microelectronic retinal prosthesis
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 18, 2026

A Gaze-Contingent Display Framework for Perceptual Learning Research with Simulated Central Vision Loss
Published on: April 11, 2025
Mark S Humayun1, James D Weiland, Gildo Y Fujii
1Doheny Retina Institute at the Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street (Room 3600), Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 14627, USA. humayun@usc.edu
Abstract:
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, an intraocular electrode array (platinum disks, 4 x 4 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) on 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.
More Related Videos
09:29A Standardized Obstacle Course for Assessment of Visual Function in Ultra Low Vision and Artificial Vision
Published on: February 11, 2014
10:00Techniques for Processing Eyes Implanted with a Retinal Prosthesis for Localized Histopathological Analysis: Part 2 Epiretinal Implants with Retinal Tacks
Published on: February 14, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Vision
Anatomy of the Eyeball
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
Color Vision