What is electrical stimulation therapy?
Electrical stimulation is treatment using small electrical charges. This type of treatment is under investigation to determine whether, if when applied to the retina, it can stimulate the production of a number of important biological ‘factors’ that in turn could trigger light-sensitive cells (photoreceptors) to regenerate.
Research into electrical stimulation started because it was noted that some patients who had a retinal prosthesis, experienced small improvements in their vision, even when the device was switched off. In theory, transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) undertaken with corneal electrodes, might protect dying retinal cells and improve retinal function, although as yet there is very limited evidence to support this theory. So far electrical stimulation has only been trialed in a few small studies in patients so the risks and possible benefits have yet to be determined.
For further information on retinal prosthesis see, Is there any research into artificial vision?
Further information on research into sight loss can be found on the Retina UK website.
