In a world first, researchers at Bionic Vision Australia (BVA) have successfully implanted an early prototype bionic eye with 24 electrodes. The patient, Dianne Ashworth, said when her bionic eye was switched on she saw a flash and then a different shape with every stimulation.
Professor Anthony Burkitt, Director of Bionic Vision Australia said the project demonstrates how much can be achieved when multi-disciplinary teams work together.
“Funding from the Australian Government was critical in reaching this important milestone. The Bionics Institute and the surgeons at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) played a critical role in reaching this point.”
Professor Rob Shepherd, Director of the Bionics Institute, led the team in designing, building and testing the early prototype to ensure its safety and efficacy for human implantation. It was supported by Cochlear technology and Dr. Penny Allen, a specialist surgeon at the CERA, led the surgical team at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.
…when her bionic eye was switched on she saw a flash and then a different shape with every stimulation…
Ms. Ashworth’s implant was switched on in August, and according to Professor Emeritus David Penington AC, Chairman of Bionic Vision Australia, the results fulfilled expectations. “Much still needs to be done in using the current implant to ‘build’ images for Ms. Ashworth. The next big step will be when we commence implants of the full devices,” he said.
“This is a world first – we implanted a device in this position behind the retina, demonstrating the viability of our approach. Every stage of the procedure was planned and tested, so I felt very confident going into theatre,” said Dr. Allen.
The next phase of this work involves testing various levels of electrical stimulation with Ms. Ashworth.
“We are working with Ms. Ashworth to determine exactly what she sees each time the retina is stimulated using a purpose built laboratory at the Bionics Institute. The team is looking for consistency of shapes, brightness, size and location of flashes to determine how the brain interprets this information.
“Having this unique information will allow us to maximise our technology as it evolves through 2013 and 2014,” said Professor Shepherd.
How it Works
BVA’s early prototype consists of a retinal implant with 24 electrodes. A small lead wire extends from the back of the eye to a connector behind the ear. An external system is connected to this unit in the laboratory, allowing researchers to stimulate the implant in a controlled manner in order to study the flashes of light. Feedback from Ms. Ashworth will allow researchers to develop a vision processor so that images can be built using flashes of light.
Although the early prototype does not incorporate an external camera, this is planned for the next stage of development and testing. Researchers are continuing development and testing of the wide-view implant with 98 electrodes and the high acuity implant with 1024 electrodes. Patient tests are planned for these devices in due course.
