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Who has developed the artificial retina?
This device has been developed by
multidisciplinary groups across the United States. The Doheny Eye
Institute of the University of Southern California, Oak Ridge National
Laboratory, and Second Sight lead the collaborative effort.
Who will the artificial retina assist?
The artificial retina has been designed
to assist people suffering from retinitis
pigmentosa, a hereditary group of diseases which destroy the
light-sensing cells (photoreceptors) in the retina.
How does the artificial retina work?
The device consists of a tiny camera and
microprocessor mounted in eyeglasses, a receiver implanted behind the
ear, and an electrode-studded array that is attached to the retina. A
wireless battery pack powers the entire device.
The camera captures an image and sends the
information to the microprocessor, which converts the data to an
electronic signal and transmits it to the receiver. The receiver sends
the signals through a tiny cable to the electrode array, stimulating it
to emit pulses. The pulses travel through the optic nerve to the brain,
which perceives patterns of light and dark spots corresponding to the
electrodes stimulated.
Patients can see spots of light occurring
in different patterns and learn to interpret the visual patterns
produced.
What type of vision does the artificial
retina produce?
An early trial of the device in six
patients in the United States has seen them
detect light, distinguish between objects
and perceive direction of motion. At this stage the device does not
enable patients to read large print.
Is this device available to the public?
The artificial retina is still in the
experimental stage and not yet available to the public.
When will a Victorian trial of this device
commence?
While the Royal Victorian Eye & Ear
Hospital has been considered as a local centre to trial this device, a
clinical trial is at least two to three years away. Hospital doctors are
still to undergo training in use and implantation of the device.
Are you currently accepting applicants for
the Victorian trial?
As a Victorian trial of the artificial
retina is still some years away, the hospital is not currently accepting
applicants for the trial.
Sources/Links:
http://artificialretina.energy.gov/about.shtml
www.theage.com.au
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