Woman Blind For Years Can See Again Thanks To "Bionic Eye"
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A Tampa woman, after 16 years of blindness, can see again thanks to an innovative "bionic eye" system.
Carmen Torres had the "bionic eye" system implanted by a surgical team at Bascom Palmer Institute, part of UHealth.
The procedure, according to the eye institute which is ranked no. 1 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, was the first of its kind in Florida.
Torres is one of 100 patients around the world, and the first in Florida, who has received the "bionic eye," called the Argus II Retinal Prothesis system
In patients like Torres, with severe retinitis pigmentosa, the system delivers electrical stimulation to the retina in order to restore visual perception.
The procedure implants a tiny photosensitive array of electrodes on the retina.
"The most important step is attaching the array over the retina and it requires a technique that surgeons are not trained to do," said Lead Chair in Ophthalmology Ninel Gregori. "It involves placing a titanium tack to the retina so that it does not move out of place."
After the surgery, the patient wears special glasses with a miniature video camera that captures a visual scene that is then processed by a small computer attached to a belt or purse. The reprocessed signal is then sent back to the glasses and transmitted to the retinal implant.
Torres said at first it was hard to decipher what things were.
"It's very hard to identify this in the beginning because it's like learning a new language," she said.
Essentially the device creates the perception of patterns of light. It is up to the patient to learn to interpret what the patterns of light mean.
"My critical thinking comes into play to identify what I'm seeing," she said.
Torres said the first time she used the device she was very confused, but she began visual therapy and that changed everything.
"When I walk on the sidewalk crossing the street I can see the marks on the pavement," she said as an example.
According to the hospital, she is now able to locate doors and windows, see sidewalks and buildings, and watch the stars outside her Tampa home at night.
After losing her sight, Torres said she was distraught, but this new bionic eye has given her hope.
"In the future I see I'm moving forward to use the best of this device for my own benefit of mobility," she said. "I am very happy with the results of this new procedure."
And the one thing she is most excited about?
"I can watch my grandson roll a ball across the carpet in my living room, catch it, and roll it back to him," she said.
