May 4 2016
Scientists have successfully implanted a prosthesis that restores some central vision in patients with only limited peripheral vision remaining to them – the first time artificial and natural vision has ever been integrated in humans. The research is being presented at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) this week in Seattle, Wash.
No patient reported confusion with the implant “on” and both eyes open. One patient performed significantly better on direction and motion testing with the system “on” than “off,” reporting that they were able to recognize the outline of faces and some facial characteristics, such as open/closed mouth within their central vision.
Four patients with significant loss of central vision stemming from dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were selected for the implant. The safety of the implantation was monitored for approximately six months.
Abstract Title: ARGUS II® electronic epiretinal prosthesis in advanced dry AMD: safety and feasibility study and preliminary functional results
Presentation Start/End Time: Tuesday, May 3, 2016, 11:00am – 12:45pm
Location: Exhibit/Poster Hall
Abstract Number: 3733 - D0194
Source: http://www.arvo.org/