Retinal prosthesis improves visual performance of spatial motor tasks

Artificial vision provided by the Argus II retinal prosthesis strengthens vision in spatial motor tasks, according to findings published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

A study led by Dr Ashish K. Ahuja, Sight Medical Products, Sylmar, California, USA, involved 27 participants implanted with the Argus II retinal prosthesis. A 19 inch touch screen was used to display high-contrast square stimuli. The square appeared at random locations on the screen and participants were told to touch the square when it was present and then again when it disappeared. The coordinates of the square's centre were recorded.

Of the 27 eyes examined, 26 demonstrated a significant improvement in accuracy and 25 eyes demonstrated significant improvement in repeatability of results. In the group, 4 subjects showed a significant improvement in both repeatability and accuracy.

Argus II retinal prosthesis is successful in significantly improving performance in spatial motor-tasks.