A TRUE VISION PIONEER

Dallas, Texas – (Spring 2009) – When Larry Hanson went entirely blind from retinitis pigmentosa, one of the last things he ever saw were fireworks. He has since seen fireworks again. Larry is 59 years old, a life-time resident of Dallas, and one of two pioneering patients in the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis program at the Retina Foundation of the Southwest.

The Argus II, designed and manufactured by Second Sight Medical Products, is currently undergoing clinical trials at the Retina Foundation of the Southwest and several other sites in the United States, Mexico, and Europe. When asked why he is involved in this research, Larry says that he wants to contribute something to science, to do something important.

It is not so much what he gets out of it personally as what it can mean for others. He was in his twenties when a doctor told him, "Go home and prepare to be blind in ten years." He strongly believes that others should not ever have to hear those words again and that the Argus II is an important step in that direction.

Research is not entirely new to Larry. He has been a pioneer before. Quite a few years ago he participated in a randomized trial of vitamin A and vitamin E supplementation for retinitis pigmentosa at Harvard Medical School, which he says helped him to prepare for this latest experience. Then, about two years ago, Dr. David Birch of RFSW, whom Larry had known for about fifteen years, approached him at the annual Racing for Sight event and suggested he visit the Rose-Silverthorne Retinal Degenerations Laboratory to discuss the Argus II program.

After being given a comprehensive and realistic description of the potential, the limitations, and the risks, Larry completed the informed consent procedure and became the first Pioneer in the Dallas program. About eighteen months ago, Dr. Rand Spencer surgically implanted the Argus II in Larry's right eye. Larry remembers that first day after surgery. During initial testing of the device he saw a rising arc of light resembling a Jacob's Ladder, a favorite special effect of old science fiction movie fans.

"That was way cool," says Larry. "That said 'wow' to me." The Argus II includes a miniature video camera mounted on glasses worn by the patient. The camera sends image information to be processed by a tiny computer strapped over the shoulder.

After processing, a signal is then sent back to the glasses, where it is wirelessly transmitted to the electronics of the Argus II implant. The electronics control an array of sixty electrodes resting inside the eye, very close to the retina. The array electrically stimulates the retina with image information to produce phosphenes, sensations of light.

In the course of the Argus II clinical trials, Larry meets weekly for psychophysical experiments and testing with Research Scientist, Dr. Eugene Filley, at the Retina Foundation of the Southwest. Larry says, "I really like being on a first name basis. This is a whole new level of doctor-patient relationship." "Larry is definitely a full member of the team," says Dr. Filley. "There are subtle points in this research and Larry is always contributing his gifts for keen observation, clear communication, and exceptional persistence in his weekly visits.

He has a great sense of humor, too. After surgery, Larry asked, 'Am I a pioneer?' I answered, 'Of course you are.' Larry said, 'Good! Pioneer sounds a whole lot sexier than guinea pig!' It is a real pleasure to work with him."

Since receiving the Argus II implant, Larry has had quite a few visual adventures, including two cruises, one to Alaska and one to the Bahamas. He is looking forward to seeing a recital by his two granddaughters.

He has seen trees, buildings, whitecaps on the water, icebergs, glaciers, Mount McKinley, fireworks on the Fourth of July, and Christmas lights. He has counted steps and climbed them, walked along sidewalks and followed shadows.

He has counted stained glass windows in his church, and watched streetlights go by at night while riding in the car.

"Riding, not driving!" he laughingly points out. "My wife, Jackie, has been with me and helped me enormously through all of this. She talks with me. She finds ways to challenge me. She takes me places and shows me things. I can always count on her love and support. She has made this possible."

For more information about participating in this research project, please contact Dr. Eugene Filley or Dr. David Birch at 214-363-3911.