Argus retinal prosthesis

Retinal prosthesis system

The Argus retinal prosthesis is a type of bionic eye designed to restore some degree of vision to individuals who are blind due to retinitis pigmentosa or other degenerative eye diseases. Developed by Second Sight Medical Products, the Argus system is one of the first retinal implants to receive regulatory approval for commercial use.

Overview

The Argus retinal prosthesis system consists of a small electronic device implanted in and around the eye, and a pair of glasses equipped with a camera. The camera captures video, which is processed by a small computer worn by the user. This processed video is then transmitted wirelessly to the implant, which stimulates the retina to create a perception of patterns of light in the brain.

Components

Implant

The implant component of the Argus system is surgically placed on the surface of the retina. It consists of an array of electrodes that directly stimulate the remaining viable retinal cells. The implant is designed to be biocompatible and durable, capable of functioning for many years within the eye.

External Equipment

The external equipment includes a pair of glasses with a built-in camera and a video processing unit (VPU). The camera captures the visual scene and sends the data to the VPU, which processes the images and converts them into electrical signals. These signals are then sent wirelessly to the implant.

Functionality

The Argus system is designed to provide visual information to individuals who have lost their vision due to retinal degeneration. While it does not restore normal vision, it can help users perceive light, movement, and shapes, which can significantly improve their ability to navigate and perform daily tasks.

Surgical Procedure

The implantation of the Argus system is a complex surgical procedure that requires specialized training. The surgery involves attaching the electrode array to the retina and securing the implant in place. Post-surgery, patients undergo a period of rehabilitation to learn how to interpret the visual information provided by the system.

Limitations and Challenges

While the Argus system represents a significant advancement in visual prosthetics, it has limitations. The resolution of the visual information is low, and the system requires extensive training and adaptation by the user. Additionally, the surgery carries risks, and not all patients are suitable candidates for the implant.

Future Developments

Research and development continue to improve the technology behind retinal prostheses. Future iterations aim to increase the resolution of the visual information, improve the ease of use, and expand the range of conditions that can be treated with such devices.

Related pages

• Retinal implant
• Bionic eye
• Retinitis pigmentosa
• Visual prosthesis