Mass Device, along with several other media, reports that the FDA has granted approval on Second Sight Medical's 'bionic eye' system designed for patients with blindness due to late stage retinitis pigmentosa. The Argus II retinal prosthesis is the first 'bionic eye' to enter the US market. The device offers hope to patients who were without any available treatment options until now.
The device is comprised of an eyeglass-mounted camera and an electrical stimulator implanted in the eye. It works by converting video images captured by a miniature camera located in the patient's glasses into a series of small electrical pulses that are transmitted wirelessly electrodes on the surface of the retina.
According to the manufacturer, the pulses are intended to stimulate the retina's remaining cells resulting in the corresponding perception of patterns of light in the brain. The patient then learns to interpret these visual patterns thereby regaining some visual function. Apparently, some patients with the disease who were only able to see bright lights experienced significant improvements in their vision.
Read the Mass Devices article about the Argus II retinal prosthesis for treatment of blindness.