Continuum Model of Light Response in the Retina

A continuum model is presented of the retinal ON cone pathway to simulate the effects of light stimulation, motivated to provide validation of retinal response to electrical stimulation from vision implants. The model embodies four cell types involved in the direct pathway of light from cones to retinal ganglion cells. Center and surround mechanisms were incorporated through lateral inhibition via horizontal cells and convergence of inputs at the level of bipolar cells. Simulations were performed to investigate the network response to large and small spots of light. The results indicate the presence of surround suppression is correlated to spot size, consistent with experimental findings.