"Scientists have used an eye implant to improve the vision of dozens of people left functionally blind by age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The implant, which measures 2 millimetres by 2 millimetres, and is just 30 micrometres thick, is surgically inserted beneath the retina to replace the light-sensitive cells that have been lost to the disease. The clinical trial, which is described today in The New England Journal of Medicine, involved 38 people with advanced AMD whose retinas had degenerated severely."
"Despite some minor events related to implantation surgery, the trial's safety-monitoring board viewed the device's benefits as outweighing its risks. In June, the device's owners the San Francisco-based neurotechnology company Science Corporation applied for certification that would allow the device to be sold on the European market. I think this is an exciting and significant study, which has been well-designed and analysed."
A 2 mm by 2 mm, 30 micrometre-thick implant was surgically inserted beneath the retina to replace lost light-sensitive cells. A clinical trial enrolled 38 people with severely degenerated retinas from advanced dry age-related macular degeneration. One year after implantation, 80% of participants achieved clinically meaningful vision improvement, with restoration of vision where retinas were previously blind spots. Patients regained abilities such as reading letters and words and performing daily activities. The trial's safety-monitoring board judged benefits to outweigh risks despite some minor surgery-related events. The device's manufacturer has applied for European certification.
Read at www.nature.com
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