Limits of Restored Vision: Using Psychophysics to Predict What Sight Restoration Technologies Can Provide

Abstract

Sight restoration technologies targeting vision loss caused by retinal degeneration have shown significant progress in the past 30 years. Light perception can be achieved through electrical or optogenetic stimulation, replacement of the degenerated cells, or targeting associated genes if the genome is known. An important question that arises is how similar the restored vision is to neurotypical vision. Combining psychophysical methodology with computational modeling, we studied two sight restoration methods, retinal prostheses and optogenetic therapy, to examine what limits restored vision and identify key features to improve for future development. We argue that establishing a better understanding of the link between sight restoration technologies and the underlying neurophysiology prior to implementation is key for developing these technologies in an ethical and cost-effective manner.