Retinal chip implant undergoes clinical trials
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Retinal implant with power cable (Image: Retinal Implant AG)
Detail cross section of implant in retina layers (Image: Retinal Implant AG)
Cross section of retinal implant chip (Image: Retinal Implant AG)
Patient with implant and power supply (Image: Retinal Implant AG)
Details of the retinal implant and image resolution (Image: Retinal Implant AG)
Diagram showing implant set up (Image: Retinal Implant AG)
Retinal implant installed in an eye (Image: Retinal Implant AG)
Article Summary
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a degenerative eye disease that affects 200,000 people in the United States and Europe and has left 15 million people permanently blind worldwide. German biotechnology firm Retina Implant AG has developed a microchip that provides a useful degree of artificial vision in patients who have been blind for even long periods. The 3 x 3 mm (0.118 in) chip is implanted below the surface of the retina where it electrically stimulates the optical tissues. After successful clinical trials in Germany, the chip is now being tested in Hong Kong and Britain before moving on to planned trials in the U.S.
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