Implantation of Modular Photovoltaic Subretinal Prosthesis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Establish the surgical procedure for subretinal implantation of multiple photovoltaic arrays for the restoration of sight. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multiple silicon photovoltaic arrays of 1 mm in diameter and 30 mu m in thickness were implanted subretinally via single retinotomy in rabbits. Ophthalmoscopic imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were used to validate the implants' placement. RESULTS: Vitrectomy, followed by subretinal fluid injection for retinal detachment and retinotomy, allowed accurate placement of seven modules in the bleb, covering approximately a 3.5-mm diameter area on the retina via a single 1.5-mm retinotomy. OCT confirmed complete reattachment of the retina over the implants. CONCLUSION: Subretinal implantation of multiple photovoltaic arrays via a single retinotomy, followed by their tiling, minimizes the scleral and retinal incisions and provides better fit to the spherical shape of the eye ball, compared to a single, larger module. Such minimally traumatic procedure can be performed with 20-gauge intraocular instruments.