Argus® II
RETINA
Argus® II retinal prosthesis system is used to electrically stimulate the retina and thereby activate visual perception in the blind.
Argus® II is designed to provide visual function to individuals with serious to extreme loss of sight owing to external retinal degeneration.
Components
This consists of implanted and external components. The implant is an epiretinal prosthesis which includes a receptor, electronic components and a matrix of electrodes which are surgically implanted in the interior and around the eye.
The whole unit is connected to the retina by the macula using a retinal tack. The external components include glasses, a visual processing unit (VPU) and a cable. The glasses include a miniature video camera which captures video images and a coil which sends the data and stimulation commands to the implant.
Operation
The VPU converts the video images into stimulation commands and they are taken to the body. The wire connects the glasses to the VPU. The Argus® II systems operates by sending video images to electrical energy which activates the retina cells, taking the signal via the optic nerve to the brain where it is perceived as light.
Purpose
The Argus® II system provides electrical stimuli to the retina to induce visual perception in blind people. It is designed for patients aged over 25 years old with little or no light perception vision caused by the advanced retinitis pigmentosa.
Selection criteria
Argus® II is endorsed by the EC marking for people who meet the following criteria:
- Adults aged at least 25.
- Severe to deep degeneration of the peripheral retina.
- Slight residual perception of light.
- Having a useful insights into the shapes of the past.
