Purpose: To investigate whether electrical stimulation of the optic nerve can elicit an electrical evoked potential (EEP) in rabbits and to determine whether such stimulation is a useful approach for the placement of a visual prosthesis.
Methods: Two needle-type electrodes were inserted into the optic nerve using a transvitreal approach. For electrical stimulation, monophasic and biphasic pulses were used. By stimulating the optic nerve, the EEP was elicited. After evaluation of the EEP, a histological study was carried out.
Results: When electrical stimulation was applied, the EEP could be recorded. The threshold with monophasic and biphasic stimulation was 10 +/- 0 microA and 20 +/- 8.2 microA, respectively. Histological examination revealed no major complications, such as bleeding or degeneration, which might have resulted from the insertion of electrodes or the electrical stimulation.
Conclusions: Electrical stimulation of the optic nerve can elicit an EEP, suggesting that this approach may be useful for a visual prosthesis system.