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Artificial vision device implanted; clinical testing to start in January
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ZUG, Switzerland — A retinal implant designed to provide artificial vision for patients with incurable vision loss has been implanted in two humans, according to the makers of the device. Clinical testing of the 50-electrode Learning Retinal Implant in these two patients will begin next month, said Intelligent Medical Implants in a press release.
The company said that in a previous European multisite study of a one-electrode version of the device in 20 people classified as totally blind, 19 were able to see a small point of light after implantation.
The implant replaces the signal-processing functions of a healthy retina and provides input to the retinal nerve cells that provide input to the optic nerve and brain, according to Intelligent Medical Implants. The system consists of three parts: the implant, a pair of spectacles for the user and a device worn at the patient’s waist to replace the information-processing function of the retina.
The company said a 231-electrode version of the implant is on schedule to begin pivotal clinical testing in 2006.