| In the US, there is a research program called the | | | | environment, and perceive motion. To date one |
| 'Artificial Retina Project' It is developing a "bionic | | | | implant had to be removed for unrelated health |
| eye" for people with disease of the retina. The | | | | reasons, one patient passed away, and the |
| goal is to allow patients with little or no light | | | | remaining four patients continue to use the device |
| perception to gain unaided mobility. | | | | at home. |
| It consists of a miniature camera and computer | | | | The Argus 2 began human testing in 2008. Its the |
| chip mounted on a pair of spectacles, and a small | | | | latest model of an artificial retina and due to |
| implant behind the ear linked to an array of | | | | miniaturization now has 60 electrodes. It |
| electrodes attached to the cells of the retina. As | | | | incorporates revolutionary DOE national laboratory |
| an image is picked up by the camera, the | | | | technologies and is designed to last a lifetime. The |
| information is converted into electronic signals that | | | | array is surgically attached to the retinal surface |
| are passed via the implant to the electrodes on | | | | and used in conjunction with an external camera |
| the retina, from where they travel via the optic | | | | and video-processing system to provide |
| nerve to the brain. Whats very important is that | | | | rudimentary sight to the implanted subjects. Fitting |
| the device processes information in real time. | | | | neatly into the eye socket, the new prosthesis is |
| The implant is manufactured by Second Sight | | | | only about a fourth the size of the original retinal |
| Medical Products Inc and takes the place of the | | | | implant, thereby dramatically reducing surgery and, |
| damaged photoreceptors. These devices are | | | | potentially, recovery times. |
| experimental and not yet commercially available. | | | | Surgeons at the Doheny Eye Institute (University |
| The Argus 1 began human testing in 2002. Six | | | | of Southern California Medical Center) are |
| people received the retinal prostheses. It consists | | | | currently enrolling subjects blinded by retinitis |
| of 16 electrodes embedded in an array. Each of | | | | pigmentosa (RP) to receive an Argus II. |
| these previously blind individuals gained the ability | | | | A third, far less invasive and even higher |
| to detect light, identify objects in the surrounding | | | | resolution model is also under development. |