Chapter 2: Descriptive Information
Page 9
Figure 2 shows how the implant looks after it has been
implanted. Part of the implant sits on the outside of your eye
and part goes inside your eye. The implant is not visible to
other people.
The electronics case, implant antenna and scleral band sit
on the outside of the eye. The scleral band wraps around
your eye and holds the implant in place. A thin layer of
tissue that covers the white part of the eye also covers the
parts of the implant that sit on the outside of the eye.
A cable connects the electronics package to the electrode
array. This cable enters your eye through an incision made
during surgery. At the end of cable is the electrode array.
The electrode array is attached to the surface of your retina
with a retinal tack. The implant is not visible to other people.
The electrode array provides electrical stimulation to your
retina. It has 60 electrodes arranged in a rectangular grid.
Fifty-five of these electrodes are turned on at the time of
implant. Up to five of the remaining electrodes may be
functional. These could be turned ON only to replace an
electrode that is not working.
Patient Contacting Materials of the Implant and Tack
The implant and retinal tack are made of following materials:
• Niobium
• Platinum
• Polyimide (plastic)
• Silicone Rubber
• Titanium
