Retina Implant restores vision in RP patients

Patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) who were implanted with subretinal microchips have had functional vision restored during a trial in Germany.

The research by microchip developer Retina Implant has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Proceedings of the Royal Society, a statement said.

Functional vision was restored in the majority of the nine patients during the course of a three- to nine-month observation period.

Researchers at University Eye Hospital in Tubingen, Germany, led the study with patients implanted with a subretinal wireless 3x3mm2, 1,500 pixel Alpha IMS microchip. They were able to adjust the level of stimulation received to view objects at varied distances.