First Ever Combination of Robotic and Biological Vision in Humans

Newswise — Seattle, Wash. – 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 resultsPresentation Start/End Time: Tuesday, May 3, 2016, 11:00am – 12:45pmLocation: Exhibit/Poster HallAbstract Number: 3733 - D0194

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The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest eye and vision research organization in the world. Members include nearly 12,000 eye and vision researchers from over 75 countries. ARVO advances research worldwide into understanding the visual system and preventing, treating and curing its disorders.
All abstracts accepted for presentation at the ARVO Annual Meeting represent previously unpublished data and conclusions. This research may be proprietary or may have been submitted for journal publication. Embargo policy: Journalists must seek approval from the presenter(s) before reporting data from paper or poster presentations. Press releases or stories on information presented at the ARVO Annual Meeting may not be released or published until the conclusion of the presentation.