Clinical trials of artificial retina have been successful
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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After receiving permission for European action, Second Sight, developer of retinal replacement Argus II (Greek hundred-eyed), published the intermediate results of international clinical trials on blind patients with retinitis pigmentosis - a group of genetically determined degenerative eye diseases leading to incurable blindness.
Argus II uses a miniature camera that is in the patient's glasses, and converts the resulting image into a series of short electrical pulses that are transferred to a set of electrodes placed on the surface of the retina. These impulses stimulate the remaining cells of the retina that remain unaffected so that they in turn send signals through the optic nerve to the brain. Depending on which electrode sends the signal to the retina, the brain receives either a light or dark spot.
In clinical trials, 30 patients who were observed from six months to two and a half or more years underwent several tests for visual acuity, including the localization of squares, determination of the direction of movement of the object being moved, and all the known check letter table. In addition, two special tests were developed - orientation and mobility in the real world. In particular, it was necessary to find the door on the other side of the unknown room and follow the indirect white line on the floor.
The results published in the journal Ophthalmology indicate significant changes in the performance of orientation and movement tasks in the "external environment". Indicators for the localization of moving objects increased by 96%, for recognition of movement - by 57%, according to the tables of the examination of vision - by 23%.
According to Second Sight, the results of the tests demonstrate the reliability and efficiency of Argus II and suggest that the safety of the device for health "is at a level not inferior to standard already used ophthalmic devices and procedures."
"Argus II, speaking intelligibly, is able to help the blind see," said Dr. Stanislao Rizzo, director of the Center for Ophthalmic Surgery at the University Hospital of Pisa (in October 2011, he was the first in Europe to implant Argus II). - After we received the clinical data, we can talk about the appearance of hope for patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa. Their vision can be partially restored, and without additional risk. "
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