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Techniques for Processing Eyes Implanted With a Retinal Prosthesis for Localized Histopathological Analysis
Published on: August 2, 2013
Blind subjects implanted with the Argus II retinal prosthesis are able to improve performance in a spatial-motor task
1Second Sight Medical Products, Sylmar, CA 91342, USA. aahuja@2-sight.com
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|October 1, 2010
Summary
The Argus II retinal prosthesis significantly improved spatial-motor task performance in individuals with retinitis pigmentosa. Artificial vision enhanced accuracy and repeatability compared to residual native vision alone.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) causes progressive vision loss.
- The Argus II retinal prosthesis aims to restore some visual function.
- Evaluating prosthesis efficacy in real-world tasks is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the Argus II retinal prosthesis's impact on spatial-motor task performance.
- To compare performance with the prosthesis ON versus native vision (OFF).
Main Methods:
- Subjects used a touch screen to locate and touch visual stimuli.
- Performance was measured with the Argus II system ON and OFF.
- Accuracy and repeatability of touch locations were recorded.
Main Results:
- 96% of subjects showed improved accuracy with the Argus II ON.
- 93% demonstrated enhanced repeatability with the prosthesis.
- A subgroup with better baseline vision also showed significant improvements.
Conclusions:
- The Argus II retinal prosthesis augments residual vision for spatial-motor tasks.
- Artificial vision provides functional benefits for individuals with RP.
- This study represents the largest cohort evaluating visual prosthesis recipients.

