Institute for Ophthalmic Research

Who will be able to participate in future studies?

Eligible are adults suffering from hereditary retinal degenerations (retinitis pigmentosa, choroideremia, cone-rod dystrophy) provided that they are:

• Completely blind (at least in one eye) or, if some residual light perception is present, the patient should not depend on it for orientation.
• Former visual experience should have existed at least up to age 12.

Who cannot be considered for studies with retinal implants in Tübingen ?

Unfortunately, the retinal implant is not suited for patients suffering from

• retinal circulation disorders (vascular obliteration, thrombosis)
• diabetic retinopathy (in diabetes)
• retinal detachment
• glaucoma
• blindness due to stroke
• optic nerve injuries, e.g. due to accident
• patients with general diseases prohibiting anesthesia for several hours

Also, at present the subretinal implant is not applicable in patients with age-related macular degeneration.