See the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System in action [VIDEO]

This video animation demonstrates how the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System (Second Sight Medical Products Inc.) operates. After more than 20 years of research and development, the system received U.S. market approval from the FDA to treat individuals with late-stage retinitis pigmentosa (RP). This announcement follows receipt of the European approval in 2011, and a unanimous recommendation by the FDA’s Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Panel in September 2012 that this product be made available to treat this patient population in the United States. Argus II is intended to provide electrical stimulation of the retina to induce visual perception in blind individuals with retinitis pigmentosa and has the capacity to offer life-changing visual capabilities to those currently unable to see anything except, at best, extremely bright lights, according to the company. (Video courtesy of Second Sight Medical Products Inc.)