Bionic Eye Approved by FDA for Rare Disease [VIDEO]

FDA approved an implant of artificial retina called "bionic eye" in U.S. that can be used to treat certain kind of blindness.

The approved device combines a small video camera and a computer on a pair of eyeglasses and an artificial retina that is implanted inside the eye. The product Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System by Sight Medical Products Inc. will help patients with advanced retinitis pigmentsa, a rare genetic disease.

Argus II is already available in Europe approved in 2011, and it won't restore sight completely however can improve vision for those who can see almost nothing.

"This is a game changer in sight-affecting diseases, that represents a huge step forward for the field and for these patients who were without any available treatment options until now," said Second Sight Chief Executive Robert Greenberg.

Second Sight said Argus II is to become available later this year in U.S. clinical centers and would be adding sites to make the therapy more readily available.

"The fact that many patients can use the Argus implant in their activities of daily living such as recognizing large letters, locating the position of objects, and more, has been beyond our wildest dreams, yet the promise to the patients is real and we expect it only to improve over time," said Mark Humayun, a doctor and medical professor at the University of Southern California who was involved with developing the device.