Regenerative ophthalmology: Technologic and pharmacologic approaches to restoring sight via retinal prosthesis

Retinal prosthesis technology can restore rudimentary form vision in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) who have lost all eyesight. This continually advancing field within regenerative ophthalmology represents the merger of micro-electromechanical systems technology with neurosensory retina. This man-machine interface is reliant upon the long-term health of a neurosensory retina undergoing progressive pathophysiologic changes. Pharmacologic approaches that address the pathophysiologic consequences of RP will likely play an important role for all regenerative treatment strategies.