The Argus® II retinal prosthesis system: An overview

The Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System is the only commercially-approved treatment for severe to profound Retinitis Pigmentosa in the world. Over 10 years of research and development have gone into this device; it is now commercially available in the European Economic Area, Saudi Arabia, and in the United States. The Argus II System consists of an implant (including an epiretinal electrode array, an electronics case, and a receiver antenna), as well as a body-worn computer and a pair of glasses with a miniature video camera. It converts video images from the camera into stimulation patterns that are transmitted to the implant in real time, allowing users to perceive patterns of light. All aspects of the System have been extensively bench tested and found to provide long-term reliability. These findings have been borne out in a clinical trial; in over 120 subject-years of testing, there has been only one device failure. Clinical trial results have established the safety and probable benefit of the Argus II System.