Medical devices comprising an electroactive polymer powered by a photovoltaic cell. In one embodiment, the medical device has an electroactive component comprising an electroactive polymer. The medical device further comprises a photovoltaic cell as a source of electrical power for electrically stimulating the electroactive polymer. The medical device further comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, both of which are electrically connected to the photovoltaic cell. The electroactive component covers over at least a portion of the first electrode. Also disclosed is a method of treating a patient using a medical device having an electroactive polymer powered by a photovoltaic cell.