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 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.