Argus II ‘bionic eye’ implanted for first time in patient with AMD

Ray Flynn, 80, had the Argus II device implanted during a four-hour procedure carried out by Prof Paulo Stanga at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.

The device, developed by Sylmar, California-based Second Sight and previously implanted into to patients with advanced retinitis pigmentosa, converts video images from a miniature camera installed in Flynn’s glasses.

Flynn’s condition, shared by over 500,000 people in the UK, is not painful but it does impair a person’s central vision, making it difficult to recognise faces and rendering everyday tasks such as reading or driving impossible.

“The dry form of AMD is a common, but untreatable condition,” Prof Stagna said in a statement. “In the western world, it is the leading cause of sight loss. Unfortunately, with an ageing population, it is becoming more common.”

Flynn was fitted with the device in June, which was activated on 1 July.

Prof Sagna said: “Mr Flynn’s progress is truly remarkable. He is able to detect the orientation of lines and objects very effectively while using only the newly acquired central visual function.