Long-term visual outcomes and rehabilitation in Usher syndrome type II after retinal implant Argus II

BMC Ophthalmol. 2018 Aug 22;18(1):205. doi: 10.1186/s12886-018-0880-5.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this article is to describe visual outcomes and posterior rehabilitation of the first Usher syndrome type II (USH2) patient receiving an Argus II (®) prosthesis.

Case presentation: We present a case of a USH2 patient who underwent Argus II prosthesis surgery at the age of 53. He had hearing loss from birth and presented a very poor visual field with good light perception. He communicated through sign language translated by his interpreter, who explained all the information regarding the surgical procedure and who assisted in the posterior visual therapy. Sixteen months after surgery, the patient communicates more fluently with sign language and is able to identify letters with high contrast over 6 cm and words up to four letters.

Conclusions: This is the first case described in the literature of a USH2 patient receiving an Argus II prosthesis This is an alternative treatment for USH2 patients, whose interpreters are essential in the selection process and subsequent rehabilitation after surgery.

Keywords: Argus II; Rehabilitation; Retinitis pigmentosa; Usher syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / rehabilitation*
  • Postoperative Care / methods*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Retina / surgery*
  • Time Factors
  • Usher Syndromes / physiopathology
  • Usher Syndromes / rehabilitation
  • Usher Syndromes / surgery*
  • Visual Acuity*
  • Visual Fields*
  • Visual Prosthesis*