[h=1]Researchers Successfully Test Bionic Eye Implant Device[/h] July 2, 2015 1:30 PM
(Photo illustration by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) — Bionic eye implants were successfully placed in the retinas of patients blinded by retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited and degenerative eye disease that causes severe vision impairment.
The experimental trial for implanting the Argus II device successfully restored low levels of vision in patients who are functionally blind, The Latest News reports. The promising results from the Argus II are continuing in patients with optic nerve diseases, central retinal artery or vein occlusion or a history of detachment or trauma.
The Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System has three parts: a small electronic device implanted in and around the eye, a tiny video camera attached to a pair of glasses, and a video processing unit that is worn or carried by the patient.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that the system is designed to improve the visual function of patients and may produce the sensation of light.
Trials were conducted on 30 subjects in 10 centers across the U.S. and Europe. The tests showed that 89 percent of patients received strong images when using the device implementing a microscopic video camera located in patients’ glasses. The device sends the information it collects to a special processing unit that then converts the signals to an electronic device implanted into the retina.
Results of the clinical study showed that the System helped subjects: “Identify the location or movement of objects and people; recognize large letters, words, or sentences; and helped in other activities of daily life, such as detecting street curbs and walking on a sidewalk without stepping off.”
Lead scientist of the study, Dr. Allen Ho of the Wills Eye Hospital, said the promising results show the device could be used to treat a wide-range of eye complications. It could also assist people with medical allergies or others who cannot receive invasive eye surgery procedures.
“I look forward to future studies with this technology, which may make possible expansion of the intended use of the device, including treatment for other diseases and eye injuries,” Ho told Zonopa.
The Argus II currently has a cost of about $100,000 and was approved by the FDA in 2013.
http://atlanta.cbslocal.com/2015/07/02/researchers-successfully-test-bionic-eye-implant-device/
ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) — Bionic eye implants were successfully placed in the retinas of patients blinded by retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited and degenerative eye disease that causes severe vision impairment.
The experimental trial for implanting the Argus II device successfully restored low levels of vision in patients who are functionally blind, The Latest News reports. The promising results from the Argus II are continuing in patients with optic nerve diseases, central retinal artery or vein occlusion or a history of detachment or trauma.
The Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System has three parts: a small electronic device implanted in and around the eye, a tiny video camera attached to a pair of glasses, and a video processing unit that is worn or carried by the patient.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that the system is designed to improve the visual function of patients and may produce the sensation of light.
Trials were conducted on 30 subjects in 10 centers across the U.S. and Europe. The tests showed that 89 percent of patients received strong images when using the device implementing a microscopic video camera located in patients’ glasses. The device sends the information it collects to a special processing unit that then converts the signals to an electronic device implanted into the retina.
Results of the clinical study showed that the System helped subjects: “Identify the location or movement of objects and people; recognize large letters, words, or sentences; and helped in other activities of daily life, such as detecting street curbs and walking on a sidewalk without stepping off.”
Lead scientist of the study, Dr. Allen Ho of the Wills Eye Hospital, said the promising results show the device could be used to treat a wide-range of eye complications. It could also assist people with medical allergies or others who cannot receive invasive eye surgery procedures.
“I look forward to future studies with this technology, which may make possible expansion of the intended use of the device, including treatment for other diseases and eye injuries,” Ho told Zonopa.
The Argus II currently has a cost of about $100,000 and was approved by the FDA in 2013.
http://atlanta.cbslocal.com/2015/07/02/researchers-successfully-test-bionic-eye-implant-device/
