Who is eligible for a retinal implant?

Retinal implant clinical trials are now open for enrollment of candidates affected by a group of inherited eye diseases known as retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

These clinical studies are being conducted by the Doheny Eye Institute at the University of Southern California Medical Center and other select sites in the United States. Testing will evaluate the safety and usefulness of Argus II, the latest model of a retinal prosthesis, in providing visual function to blind subjects with severe-to-profound RP.

Individuals interested in enrolling as implant candidates in this clinical trial must

• Have a confirmed history of retinitis pigmentosa, with remaining visual acuity of bare light perception or worse in both eyes.
• Have functional ganglion cells and optic nerve, as determined by a measurable electrically evoked response or documented light perception.
• Have a history of prior useful vision.
• Be 50 or older.
• Reside within 2 hours of land transport from a clinical site.
• Be able to communicate verbally in English.

The study requires each subject to be followed for at least 3 years, with visits to the implanting center up to twice a week. Those with optic-nerve disease, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, ocular trauma, or a history of retinal detachment are not suitable candidates.

• The Next Generation of Retinal Implants: FDA Approves Study to Evaluate an Artificial Retina Intended to Help Patients Blinded by Retinitis Pigmentosa [ USC Press Release, 02/15/07]
  
  
• Second Sight announces FDA approval to begin clinical trial to test newest generation of electronic retinal implant [Second Sight Press Release, 01/09/07]