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BREAKING NEWS: FDA Approves Argus II
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A
fundus image of an implanted Argus™ II microelectrode
array. |
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The
U.S. Department of Energy�s (DOE�s) Artificial Retina Project was a collaborative, multi-institutional effort to develop an implantable
microelectronic retinal prosthesis that restores useful vision
to people blinded by retinal diseases. The ultimate goal of the
project was to restore reading ability, facial recognition, and
unaided mobility in people with retinitis pigmentosa and age-related
macular degeneration.
The project tapped into
the unique research technologies
and resources developed at DOE national laboratories to surmount
the many technical challenges involved with developing a safe,
effective, and durable product. The research
team included six DOE national laboratories, four universities,
and private industry.
Three models were
in development or testing. Model 1, with 16 electrodes, was
implanted in six patients. As of mid-July 2009, a second model
integrating a 60-electrode array had been implanted in 30 human
subjects domestically and internationally.
Clinical testing of
the devices was supported by the National Eye Institute of the
National Institutes of Health and others. For information on eligibility
for participation in these studies, see How
to Participate.
DOE funding for this work ended in FY 2011.
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Watch
a video about the Artificial
Retina Project |
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Overview
