World's first bionic eye implant | Ray Flynn's Macular degeneration cured.

Ray flynn, Image credit - BBC

Ray Flynn, a 80yr old man, has dry age-related macular degeneration which has led to the total loss of his central vision. But with the help of a revolutionary science technology and world's first bionic eye, now he is using a retinal implant which converts video images from a miniature video camera worn on his glasses. He can now make out the direction of white lines on a computer screen using the retinal implant.

Mr Flynn said he was "delighted" with the implant and hoped in time it would improve his vision sufficiently to help him with day-to-day tasks like gardening and shopping.

Bionic Eye - Argus II

The Argus II implant, manufactured by the US firm Second Sight, has previously been used to restore some vision to patients who are blind as a result of a rare condition known as retinitis pigmentosa. 

The operation, at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, is the first time it has been implanted in a patient with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which affects at least half a million people in the UK to some extent. The operation took four hours and was led by Paulo Stanga, consultant ophthalmologist and vitreo-retinal surgeon at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and professor of ophthalmology and retinal regeneration at the University of Manchester. He said: "Mr Flynn's progress is truly remarkable, he is seeing the outline of people and objects very effectively. I think this could be the beginning of a new era for patients with sight loss."

Ray flynn said: "I'm unable to put the numbers in for my card when paying in a shop or at the bank, and although I was a keen gardener, I can't tell the weeds from the flowers anymore."

How this Bionic Eye works?

The bionic eye implant receives its visual information from a miniature camera mounted on glasses worn by the patient. The images are converted into electrical pulses and transmitted wirelessly to an array of electrodes attached to the retina. The electrodes stimulate the remaining retina's remaining cells which send the information to the brain.

In a test, two weeks after surgery, Mr Flynn was able to detect the pattern of horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines on a computer screen using the implant.

He kept his eyes closed during the test so that the medical team could be sure that the visual information was coming via the camera on his glasses and the implant. He said: "It was wonderful to be able to see the bars on the screen with my eyes closed."

The implant cannot provide any highly detailed vision - but previous studies have shown it can help patients to detect distinct patterns such as door frames and shapes. Prof Stanga said that in time, Mr Flynn should learn how to interpret the images from the implant more effectively.

Cathy Yelf, of the Macular Society, said: "This is an exciting result and we are following the progress of these trials with great interest. "Macular degeneration can be a devastating condition and very many people are now affected as we live longer. These are early trials but in time this research may lead to a really useful device for people who lose their central vision."

References:

Material provided by University of Manchester.