Using electronic devices to restore vision in people with retinal degeneration
Official title: Electronic photoreceptors for restoration of sight in retinal degeneration
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11075774 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new gadget that helps people with vision loss from age-related macular degeneration see better by turning light into signals that can stimulate the remaining healthy cells in their eyes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $658,179 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035227-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075774 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are blind or have severely impaired vision due to atrophic age-related macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with retinal degeneration caused by conditions other than atrophic age-related macular degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of electronic photoreceptor that can restore sight in individuals suffering from retinal degeneration, particularly those with atrophic age-related macular degeneration. The approach involves creating a photovoltaic device that converts light into electrical signals, stimulating surviving retinal neurons to produce visual information. The project aims to enhance the resolution of these devices by reducing pixel size, which could lead to improved visual outcomes for patients. Clinical trials have already shown the safety and effectiveness of earlier versions of this technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve vision restoration for patients with retinal degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of similar electronic devices for vision restoration, indicating a promising avenue for further development.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palanker, Daniel V — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Palanker, Daniel V
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.