In a groundbreaking experiment, a British man has become the first person in world history to have a bionic implant surgically inserted into the eye that combats and corrects age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness among adults.
Ray Flynn, 80, underwent the procedure at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital back in June. Before the implant was placed, Flynn had no central vision; around one month post-surgery, it has been reported that Flynn has regained low-resolution central vision, making the procedure a success.
The retinal prosthesis system used for the implant procedure is the Argus II, which is manufactured by Second Sight, an American firm based in Sylmar, California. According to their website, the Argus II is the first approved device intended to rehabilitate partial function for people living with blindness. The prosthesis is authorized for implantation in the European Economic Area and the United States.
The Argus II uses an array of electrodes placed over the central region of the retina (the primary working source for high-res central vision) to stimulates neuron networks within the macula and the optic nerve. A battery and a wireless antenna help transmit signals — 60 pixel monochromatic images — to a pair of external glasses (i.e., a wearable camera) that the implantee must wear. The array essentially reinvigorates the muscles and deteriorating tissue within the macula, or the pigmented area within the retina responsible for high-acuity vision.
Watch the video below for more information about the Argus II and a before-and after testimony from Flynn.
