Optogenetics, visual prosthesis and electrostimulation for retinal dystrophies

Purpose of reviewOuter retinal degenerations such as retinitis pigmentosa can cause profound vision loss. Various treatment strategies are being pursued to potentially restore functional vision in these patients.Recent findingsAdvances in retinal prostheses have restored some vision in patients previously blind from retinitis pigmentosa. Optogenetics is another area that shows promise for restoration of vision. Transcorneal electrostimulation shows some efficacy to treat these patients as well.SummaryWe review recent advances in optogenetics, visual prosthesis and electrostimulation to treat outer retinal degenerations.