Clinical Trial Demonstrates Safety, Benefits of Bionic Eye

Monday, June 29 2015 | 00 h 00 min | Vision Science

The results of the 3-year clinical trial of the Argus II retinal prosthesis system, a “bionic eye” developed by Second Sight Medical Products to return sight to patients blinded by retinitis pigmentosa, were published this week in the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

The Argus II system transmits images from a camera mounted on the patient’s glasses to a device implanted on the retina, allowing the brain to interpret patterns of light.

The trial involved 30 patients aged 28 to 77 over a three year period, all having little or no perception in both eyes.

89 percent of patients performed better on visual function results with the implant. Eleven patients experienced serious adverse effects soon after the implantation, which were successfully treated.

The Argus II is approved by Health Canada. The first Canadian patient was given the implant in June 2014.

Further information: http://www.aaojournal.org/pb/assets/raw/Health%20Advance/journals/ophtha/ophtha_8651.pdf