A method for electrically stimulating a retina of an eye to induce visual perception includes placing an electrode adjacent a retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer and selectively applying a biphasic asymmetrical waveform (BAW) to a portion of the axon. The BAW includes a pre-pulse phase and a stimulation-pulse phase. The pre-pulse phase has a first polarity, a first amplitude, and a first duration. The first amplitude and the first duration together define a pre-pulse charge having a first magnitude. The stimulation-pulse phase has a second polarity opposite the first polarity, a second amplitude, and a second duration less than the first duration. The second amplitude and the second duration together define a stimulation charge having a second magnitude. Application of the pre-pulse phase and the stimulation-pulse phase effects a change in excitability of the at least one ganglion cell and induces visual perception, respectively.