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Retina Implant Company Seeks FDA Trial Approval

Posted by Unknown on from the it's-all-fun-and-games-until dept.

cyachallenge writes with an excerpt from an article in Scientific American: "Several technologies to restore sight to retina-damaged eyes are making headway — one seeks to begin human trials in the U.S. and another has already hit the market in Europe. ... There is no effective treatment for the condition [retinitis pigmentosa], but researchers are making great strides to remedy this through implants that stimulate still-active nerves in the retina, the layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye. In mid-November Retina Implant AG got approval to extend the yearlong phase II human clinical trial of its retinal implant outside its native Tubingen, Germany, to five new sites — Oxford, London and Budapest, along with two additional locations in Germany."

6 of 46 comments (clear)

  1. I'm sorry, Sir. by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm afraid that the results are back and it is retinitis pigmentosa. Your only hope of avoiding permanent blindness is retinal implants.

    Unfortunately, your insurance coverage will only pay for 'retinal implants with special offers'. Not to worry, though, these implants will display offers from our trusted content partners, tailored to your interests as a consumer, only when they detect that your eyes are closed, or otherwise unused.

  2. Augmentation by blackicye · · Score: 4, Funny

    How much for the model with the Heads Up Display?

    1. Re:Augmentation by masternerdguy · · Score: 4, Funny

      95% of the people on Slashdot would be trying to run Linux on their retinal implant.

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    2. Re:Augmentation by mcgrew · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Other than the inevitable cataract problems

      Cataracts are no longer a problem, there are have been implants for cataracts since 1949 (developed in the UK). The surgery is fairly quick and entirely painless, although it does kind of freak you out when they stick a needle in your eye. However, you're getting a needle in the eye for the retina implant, too.

      You guys still want that HUD? Even though it means getting a needle stck in your eye, maybe more than once like I have?

      Cataract surgery is a piece of cake. A Vitrectomy is pure hell, and I would imagine that a retinal implant would involve a vitrectomy. BTW, the photos in that second link are not for the squeamish.

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  3. Macular degeneration? by taiwanjohn · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Anyone know if this would be effective for macular degeneration? This, more than anything else, led to my grandmother's decline in her final years (IMO). Even as her body grew frail and her hearing went bad, her mind stayed sharp because she loved to read, work crosswords, play cards, etc.. But once her sight failed, she was basically locked in her own little world. She only lasted a few more years after that.

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  4. If you are too lazy to read, watch the videos by jperl · · Score: 5, Informative

    I lately had to present a paper dealing with these retina implants from Germany. It is quite amazing what can be done.
    To have a quick view on what was possible there are some videos as additional material: Videos