The optic nerve implant is an entirely different and new approach from the subretinal or epiretinal implants. Instead of working with the retina, a spiral cuff nerve electrode is implanted and attached to the optic nerve. This cuff is implanted intercranially with a cable passing through the skull and skin to the outer surface. Then it also passes through the neck and comes out below the clavicle. Fortunately there are no acute or chronic symptoms for this electrode. The implantation of the cuff has been proven to be a very safe and reliable medical procedure. The equipment used is biocompatible and efficient for electrical stimulation.
The cuff works by stimulating the nerve fibers electronically. This produces phosphene sensitivity over a large portion of the visual field. This image is then captured by a camera and then transferred to the electrode array which stimulates the optic nerve. Over a certain period of time, patients with optic nerve implants will be able to recognize patterns in color, motion, and spatial localization.
Optic nerve implant research has been positively received since it does not require large processing equipment or power such as the other implants. I believe that as the future approaches, more and more research will follow the optic nerve since it seems to be more cost efficient and the equipment has been proven to be safe and reliable.
http://www.escrs.org/eurotimes/September2003/3.asp
http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~dh329/bmes212/opticnerve.html
(I realize my memo was supposed to be on retinal implants but I thought it would be interesting to see the other forms of implants)
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I found your memo really interesting as it added another type other than the epiretinal and subretinal implants. The optic nerve implant appears to have strong, positive results.
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