Second Sight: Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System Review

The Second Sight Argus® II Retinal Prosthesis System is a type of technology that is implanted in the eye and activated with glasses, allowing the wearer to partially restore their sight. This is our review.

What is Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System?

Tragic accidents can strike at any time. If you are lucky enough to survive these accidents, you may still have some residual injuries, like blindness. Over 285 million people in the entire world suffer from some level of visual impairment, with 39 million of them suffering from total blindness. Most patients think that their blindness is permanent. However, recent developments in the medical community are making it possible to regain some of that sight with the Second Sight Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System.

The Second Sight Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System is the first approved device in the entire world to help patients who are experiencing blindness, depending on the circumstances. Right now, approval is valid for the United States and the European Economic Area.

Though you will learn in the next section exactly how the system works, you should be aware that this implant is not able to fully restore eyesight. It cannot reverse any condition that caused your blindness, and you will not be able to eliminate the use of the visual aids you presently have. This system, once surgically implanted, will help with the way that your eyes interpret light signals, but the actual vision you have will depend on your condition.

At this time, you should be able to gain about 3.5 inches by 6.5 inches of eyesight at about your arm’s length away. Since this device’s success largely depends on your current condition, the range can be larger or smaller.

How Does the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System Work?

To understand the way that the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System works, you first need to understand the way that a healthy eye functions. In your eye, there are photoreceptors in your retina. These photoreceptors are used to convert the light of the outside world into electrochemical impulses, which are guided through the optic nerve to reach the brain. However, if those photoreceptors stop converting that light, you are not able to see at all.

This system is designed to bypass this function all together. When you put on the classes, they record a scene, which is sent to the external video processing unit. The united sends the signal back to the glasses. Then, the pulse goes from the glasses to the implant wirelessly.

When the implant receives the signals, a small pulse of electricity is emitted, which bypasses the photoreceptors, stimulating what is left of the retina’s cells. This transmits the information to the optic nerve in the brain, giving the “perception” of light patterns.

Who Is Eligible for the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System?

Essentially, most patients who get this implant are able to see light and shadowy figures. Results have varied from patient to patient, with some seeing no change at all while others are able to see items as small as lettering in a nook. Your personal difficulties and condition will usually dictate the effectiveness. The Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System works best when used with patient that meet all of the following criteria:

• Over age 25
• Minimal or no light perception in both eyes
• A medical history that shows you were once able to see clearly
• Must be aphakic or pseudophakic
• Be willing to exactly follow instructions regarding the use of this implant

Surgery Implantation for The Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System

In order to use the Argus II, you must have a surgical procedure to implant the internal device, which takes about four hours with general anesthesia. With some patients, it’s possible to require an overnight stay, but many patients are able to leave after letting the medication wear off.

After your surgery, your doctor may prescribe medication as your eyes adjust. Depending on your comfort level, it may be best to ask a family member or friend to help during this time.

Along with your new implant, you will have some external equipment you will bring home and use on a regular basis. This equipment includes a set of glasses, a video processing unit (VPU), and a cable for the device.

This implant is only placed in one eye to send the signal to the brain.

You will undergo multiple follow-up appointments over the next few months, which helps the physician to customize the implant to your vision and to train you on using the system. After you’ve completed the follow-up care and the training, you will be ready to use the system at home without assistance. However, if you still need guidance, there are therapists available to you.

Pricing for The Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System

The pricing for the prosthesis system is not available on this website. To try out the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System for yourself, you will need to speak with a medical professional who is certified to do the implantation and surgery.

Contacting Second Sight

If you want to speak with the makers of this innovative product, you will need to contact Second Sight Medical Products, Inc via email or phone. To speak with a live agent, you can call (818) 833-5000 or (818) 833-5060

Any emailed correspondence should be initiated with the fill-in form online.

Conclusion

The Second Sight Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System is not meant to completely solve your blindness, but it is a great resource for helping you to have better security and clarity in your limited vision. There is no pricing information on the website, but you will be able to get a better idea of your out-of-pocket costs when you consult with your physician.

While the website can provide you with a wealth of information, you will need to ask your physician for information about the likelihood of success you have with your impairment. At this time, these are the facility locations of the implant centers that are currently active or will be active:

• Ann Arbor, MI
• Durham, NC
• Nashville, TN
• Atlanta, GA
• Honolulu, HI
• Philadelphia, PA
• Baltimore, MD
• Houston, TX
• Rochester, MN
• Chicago, IL
• Los Angeles, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Cleveland, OH
• Miami, FL
• Montreal, QC, Canada
• Denver, CO
• Minneapolis, MN
• Toronto, ON, Canada