Retinal implants to restore light perception in individuals blinded by retinitis pigmentosa

Ellery B, Mundy L, Hiller JE
Record ID 32010001668
English
Authors' recommendations: Evidence of safety and effectiveness for retinal implants considered in this summary was low level. However, comparator treatments do not exist and the cases considered in two experimental trials (Yanai et al 2007, Caspi et al 2010) were shown to experience gains in visual percept from use of the device. The results of Yanai and colleagues indicated that increasing the number of electrodes may not directly translate to improved resolution of percept for patients, whereas Caspi and co-workers undertook experiments that showed a stronger connection between increased electrode number and improved resolution. The studies included very small sample sizes, which may explain discrepancies in the results.The level of evidence assessed was low. Retinal prostheses to treat retinitis pigmentosa (and possibly age-related macular degeneration) are currently at a developmental stage, especially within an Australian context. No further action by HealthPACT is required at this time.
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2010
URL for published report: Not Available
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: Australia
MeSH Terms
  • Blindness
  • Light
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Retina
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa
  • Visual Perception
Contact
Organisation Name: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment
Contact Address: School of Public Health, Mail Drop 545, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, AUSTRALIA, Tel: +61 8 8313 4617
Contact Name: ahta@adelaide.edu.au
Contact Email: ahta@adelaide.edu.au
Copyright: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.