Bionic Eye Approved by FDA

Senior Reporter

Published: Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Updated: Tuesday, February 19, 2013 23:02

Bionic Eye Approved by FDA

View the story "Bionic Eye Approved by FDA" on StorifyBionic Eye Approved by FDAThe bionic eye, named the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis, will not enable a complete restoration of a person's sight, but allows a rare genetic condition known as Retinitis Pigmentosa to be fixed.Storified by · Tue, Feb 19 2013 20:49:33The condition causes a gradual deterioration of the cells in the eye that translate light rays into images in the brain. The peripheral vision is lost first, then night vision, until finally all sight is lost.NihStemcellremedyThe Argus II Retinal Prosthesis created by Second Sight Medical Products is made up of a panel of electrodes surgically implanted in the eye, and come with a pair of glasses that has an attached camera. The camera sends images to the panel of electrodes in the eyes in order to get around the damaged cells and access the optic nerve, effectively sending images to the brain.

Dr. Robert Greenberg, Second Sight's chief executive, said that in the future, the company wants to develop an implant designed to go directly into the brain's cortex, to treat all forms of blindness.

Second Sight estimates that US insurance companies will cover the cost of the $100,000 device, as there are no alternative treatments for this condition.

For more information, visit: http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/19/health/fda-bionic-eye/

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Bionic Eye Approved by FDA