Visual Cortical Thickness Increases with Prolonged Artificial Vision Restoration.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology
• Medical Engineering

Background:

• Late-onset blindness causes structural changes in the brain, including thinning of visual cortical regions.
• It remains unclear if vision restoration via retinal prostheses can reverse this cortical atrophy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of the Argus II retinal prosthesis on cortical thickness in visual brain regions of late-blind patients.
• To determine if prolonged use of the Argus II system is associated with cortical rejuvenation.

Main Methods:

• Cortical thickness was evaluated using MRI in three groups: Argus II patients, blind patients, and sighted controls.
• Correlations between Argus II device usage duration and cortical thickness were analyzed.
• Case studies with pre- and post-implantation scans, including long-term follow-up, were examined.

Main Results:

• Argus II patients showed thicker Cuneus Cortex and Lateral Occipital Cortex compared to blind patients.
• Longer duration of Argus II use positively correlated with increased cortical thickness in visual regions.
• Case studies demonstrated cortical thickness increases in visual areas with extended device use, which persisted even after disuse.

Conclusions:

• The Argus II retinal prosthesis appears to rejuvenate visual cortical regions in late-blind patients.
• Prolonged use of the Argus II system is associated with structural plasticity and reversal of visual cortical atrophy.
• This study highlights the potential for vision restoration technologies to induce beneficial structural changes in the brain.