World's First Bionic Eye Launches

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World's First Bionic Eye Launches in U.S., FDA Declares Breakthrough Technology Safe [PHOTO and VIDEO]

The Argus II is the world's first bionic eye to be launched in the United States. It can treat patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa which is a rare genetic condition.

The FDA approved the world's first bionic eye in February, after 20 years in the making. The Argus II developer Second Sight says it has chosen 12 clinical centers in the U.S. to offer the breakthrough technology in the later part of 2013.

Adults ages 25 and up afflicted with severe to profound retinitis pigmentosa will have the chance to improve their vision with the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System. The world's first bionic eye does not actually restore a patient's vision but gives them the ability to identify light and dark. This helps patients identify the location and movement of objects around them.

Patients suffering from the rare and degenerative disease have slight or no light perception in both eyes despite having inner layer retinal function and ability to see forms. The rare condition affects 100,000 people in the U.S. which can result to partial or total loss of vision. Retinitis pigmentosa has no known cure.

The world's first bionic eye works using a set of electrodes implanted into the retina. The electrodes will transform images transmitted wirelessly from a video camera of an eyeglass-like device. Electrical impulses are converted to stimulate the retina to create images.

Director of University Hospital Eye Institute Center for Retina and Macular Disease Suber Huang said the Argus II is a "remarkable" treatment. Huang's institute will also be one of the first clinical centers to offer the retinal implant.

World's first bionic eye Image credit: Second Sight

Second Sight boasts of more than 20 years of research for Argus II, three clinical trials and funding of over $200 million from private and public investors.

The FDA classifies the world's first bionic eye system as a device for safe humanitarian use. There is reasonable assurance that the Argus II's probable benefits outweigh the risk of injury or illness.