Blind patients in Manchester join global trial of 'bionic eye'
Media Information from Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS
Eye surgeons at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital have implanted an intraocular electronic retinal prosthesis or 'bionic eye' in two Manchester patients who became blind due to advanced retinitis pigmentosa – an inherited and degenerative disease of the retina.
The surgery was carried out by Mr Paulo E Stanga, a consultant ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon and Reader in Ophthalmology at The University of Manchester and Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, and his team. It is part of a pioneering international trial of the artificial retina, which is intended to help some blind people regain a degree of vision. The Manchester patients are two of only 25 people worldwide to participate in the trial to date.
Using ArgusTM II technology, developed by Second Sight® Medical Products, Inc. (Sylmar, CA, USA) the implant aims to restore a basic level of useful vision, in the form of spots of light and shades of light and dark, to people with very severe retinitis pigmentosa.
The technology consists of a tiny camera and transmitter mounted in a pair of glasses. This camera transmits a wireless signal via a small processing device to an ultra-thin electronic receiver, an electrode panel that is implanted in the eye and attached to the retina. The electrodes are intended to stimulate the remaining retinal nerves, allowing a signal to be passed along the optic nerve to the brain, which perceives patterns of light and dark spots corresponding to which electrodes are stimulated.
“We are very encouraged by the trial’s results so far,” says principal investigator Mr Stanga. “The 'bionic eye' operations went exactly according to plan and both patients are doing well, although it will be several months before the functional outcome is fully known. We hope the implant will improve each patient’s orientation and mobility, spatial localisation, and motion detection, perhaps giving these patients navigational vision in familiar and unfamiliar environments.
“The trial remains inspiring in terms of presenting a very real and tangible step forward in treating people with total vision loss. These are early days and continued testing will be crucial in determining the success of the new technology. We are delighted to be able to offer participation in this pioneering international trial in the North of England.”
Extensive testing is just beginning on the two Manchester patients as the implant and video camera link are turned on to try and optimise retinal stimulation.
Manchester Royal Eye Hospital is also recruiting new subjects to the trial. To be eligible, patients must meet the following inclusion criteria:
- Be aged 18 years or older at the date of enrolment.
- Have a confirmed history of retinitis pigmentosa.
- Have a visual acuity of logMAR 2.3 or worse in both eyes.
- Have a functional optic nerve.
- Have a memory of former useful form vision in the worse-seeing eye.
- Understand and accept the obligation to attend all scheduled follow-up visits.
GPs and other professionals can get more details about referring patients to the trial from Kate Barugh on 0161 276 5615 or kate.barugh@cmft.nhs.uk.
Further information about retinitis pigmentosa is available from the British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society at www.brps.org.uk.
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Notes for editors
About the trial:
The Manchester Royal Eye Hospital trial is part of an international phase I clinical study, comprising feasibility studies in the United States, Europe and Mexico. Preliminary results were presented in October 2008 at the American Society of Retinal Specialists (ASRS) annual meeting in Hawaii.
A total of 25 people worldwide have been involved so far, two of whom received their treatment at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, part of the Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Mr Stanga's team includes clinical staff from the Trust and researchers from The University of Manchester and National Institute for Health Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre.
The Manchester Royal Eye Hospital trial is open only to subjects with complete vision loss from advanced retinitis pigmentosa and who meet the necessary criteria.
Interview requests:
No patients are currently available for interview.
Mr Paulo Stanga is available for interview on request via the Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust press office. Please contact Ben Grothusen on 0161 901 2659 or Jill Hulme on 07913 278514.
About Manchester Royal Eye Hospital
Established in 1814, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital is one of the largest eye teaching hospitals in Europe. Globally acknowledged as a centre of excellence, the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital is renowned for its pioneering work in all aspects of ophthalmology, including outpatient care, surgery and education. On 8th August 2009 it will move into new, state of the art facilities.
About Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
Second Sight is a company located near Los Angeles in California, founded in 1998 to create a retinal prosthesis to provide sight to subjects blinded from outer retinal degenerations, such as retinitis pigmentosa. Second Sight’s mission is to develop, manufacture and market implantable visual prosthetics to enable blind individuals to achieve greater independence. The company has received extensive US governmental support in developing this new technology and is grateful of the forward thinking of the National Institutes of Health/National Eye Institute and the Office of Science at the Department of Energy in supporting significant aspects of this work. For more information, please visit www.2-sight.com.
About the British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society
The British Retinal Pigmentosa Society is a registered charity dedicated to finding a treatment or cure for retinitis pigmentosa. The society also provides high-quality information about the condition and a telephone helpline for those who need to know more or need help. For more information, please visit www.brps.org.uk
