On February 15th, the Argus II retinal prosthesis was given the final clearance by the FDA as an ocular device to restore some amount of sight to patients with advanced Retinitis Pigmentosa (or RP).  This devastating disease is usually genetically inherited, and can cause severe vision loss as the photoreceptors in the retina are progressively destroyed.  While only about 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease, this is the first medical device that has been proven to restore some of their lost vision.  In these patients, even a little help can make a difference in their daily life.

Argus II consists of a camera mounted on a pair of glasses image via

Argus II is really a small camera mounted to a pair of glasses that collects light information that is then transmitted to electrodes implanted in the patient's own retina.  Early research shows that the device can help patients regain the ability to detect differences in shades of light--allowing them to discern whites, grays, and blacks as different.  These differences sound small, but they can help patients regain the ability to see curbs along streets, stay on sidewalks when walking, or find and differentiate household items based on shade or color.  Some patients even reported being able to see large words or letters.  Stem cell research is also being investigated to restore the integrity of damaged photoreceptors in patients with RP, but research is still early in its progress.

The camera device transmits info to an implanted electrode, seen here image via