The unexpected sight: improvement of visual function following intracortical microstimulation of the human occipital cortex

We describe the case of a participant in a clinical trial investigating intracortical microstimulation of the visual cortex to provide a limited yet functional sense of vision to the profoundly blind. Prior to his formal enrolment, he was completely blind due to bilateral Non-arteritic Anterior Isch...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Alfaro, A, Soo, L, Waclawczyk, D, Morollón, R, Grani, F, Fernandez, E
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO)
Repositorio:r-FISABIO. Repositorio Institucional de Producción Científica
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:r-fisabio___::3234b91a3439677c19382c5ef9bd8da0
Acceso en línea:https://fisabio.portalinvestigacion.com/publicaciones/20654
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:electrical stimulation
visual cortex
artificial vision
Descripción
Sumario:We describe the case of a participant in a clinical trial investigating intracortical microstimulation of the visual cortex to provide a limited yet functional sense of vision to the profoundly blind. Prior to his formal enrolment, he was completely blind due to bilateral Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy. Following the initiation of brain electrical microstimulation experiments, he experienced a remarkable recovery of spontaneous vision. The regained sight, after more than 3 years of complete blindness, enabled him to perceive light and motion again and even read large characters and words, enhancing his confidence in mobility and daily activities. We conducted several behavioural and electrophysiological tests to assess and quantify his vision over time. Alfaro et al. report the case of a blind individual who participated in a clinical trial involving intracortical microstimulation of the visual cortex. Following electrical stimulation, the participant experienced a significant recovery of vision, enabling light perception, motion detection and reading of large characters, thus improving mobility and daily activities. 10.1093/brain/fcaf504_video1 Video Abstract fcaf504media1 6388674390112