An optical stimulation lead including a lead body including a distal portion and a proximal portion an optical fiber disposed within the lead body to emit light from a distal portion of the optical fiber and at least one flex zone disposed along the distal portion of the lead body. Each flex zone includes an elastomeric structure that is made of a flexible material different from the lead body. Optical stimulation leads can alternatively or additionally include filters or stabilizers. In addition, optical stimulation leads can utilize light sources, such as laser diodes, LEDs, or OLEDs, instead of optical fibers.
