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A
fundus image of an implanted Argus™ II microelectrode
array. |
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The
U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Artificial Retina Project
is a collaborative, multi-institutional effort to develop an implantable
microelectronic retinal prosthesis that restores useful vision
to people blinded by retinal diseases. The ultimate goal of the
project is to restore reading ability, facial recognition, and
unaided mobility in people with retinitis pigmentosa and age-related
macular degeneration.
The project taps into
the unique research technologies
and resources developed at DOE national laboratories to surmount
the many technical challenges involved with developing a safe,
effective, and durable product. The research
team includes six DOE national laboratories, four universities,
and private industry.
Three models are now
in development or testing. Model 1, with 16 electrodes, has been
implanted in six patients. As of mid-July 2009, a second model
integrating a 60-electrode array has been implanted in 30 human
subjects domestically and internationally. A third model, an array
with a higher electrode count, is under development.
Clinical testing of
the devices is supported by the National Eye Institute of the
National Institutes of Health and others. For information on eligibility
for participation in these studies, see How
to Participate.
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Watch
a video about the Artificial
Retina Project |
| 
Overview
