Second Sight Medical of Sylmar, California has received European approval for its bionic eye system that can bring a modicum of sight to people with advanced retinal degenerative diseases. The Argus II system uses a head worn video camera to capture the scene, processes it by a computer, and sends a signal to an implant that stimulates the retina’s still functioning cells. Although the resulting sight is nowhere near normal, it is nevertheless a major improvement on total blindness.
•Most clinical experience of any retinal prosthesis ever developed
•Improvements in ability to perform visual tasks demonstrated in many patients
•Upgradable hardware and software to benefit from future innovations
•Minimal time from implantation to first system use and use at home
•Implant is compatible with MRI testing
•Video processor with adjustable settings for individual preferences, for example:•Edge enhancement
•Contrast enhancement•20° maximum possible field of view
•Can be compared to a 30 cm (12 in.) ruler held out at arm’s length
•Audible signals that provide information on system functionality
Press release: Second Sight Medical Products Announces European Market Approval of a Retinal Prosthesis for the Blind…
Product page: Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System …
Flashbacks: Experimental Bionic Eyes Give Hope to Totally Blind ; Second Sight Medical Retinal Prosthesis to Receive a Wider Trial; Argus II Retinal Prosthesis Implanted Into First Two Patients in Europe; Second Sight Medical Retinal Prosthesis Receives FDA Approval for Clinical Trials