Dr. Michael Bennett MD, FACS, founder of The Retina Institute of Hawaii, has been named one of thirteen prestigious surgeons across the United States to conduct the procedure for the Argus® II Retinal Prosthesis System. The Argus II (also called the “bionic eye”) is an implantable visual prosthetic and was selected in 2013 CNN’s Top 10, Time Magazine’s Best Inventions and in 2014 Cleveland Clinic’s Top 10 Medical Innovations.
Retina Institute is dedicated to patient care with the pursuit of all opportunities to help patients restore vision. Approved by the FDA in February of 2013, ophthalmologists began to implant the Argus II in U.S. patients in late 2013. Enabling blind individuals to achieve greater independence, The Argus II can help patients see black-and-white images. To date, seventy-four patients have received the implant.
“Patients learn to interpret these visual patterns with their retinal implant. This allows the person to locate lights and windows and identify objects around them,” says Dr. Bennett. “We are very excited to be part of a unique, quality-of-life product that helps patients navigate through life more easily. We look forward to working with our local ophthalmologists and optometrists in identifying and working with those patients who qualify to receive this treatment option.” Retina Institute has recently identified eight qualified patients for the procedure.
Implanting centers currently offer consultations to patients with retinitis pigmentosa (“RP”), a rare disease that destroys the photoreceptor cells in the eye’s retina. Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited retinal degenerative disease that causes gradual loss of the light-sensitive retinal cells, resulting in slow but progressive vision loss. The device is intended to provide electrical stimulation of the retina to induce visual perception in blind individuals. Medicare has agreed to cover the device procedure if a patient qualifies.
The doctors at Retina Institute of Hawaii have consistently been recognized for awards, including Best Doctors in the U.S., Best Doctors in Hawaii, Governor’s Innovation, Pacific Business News Business Award, and Retina Society Distinction Award. Visit www.retinahawaii.com or call (808) 955-0255 for a consultation.
It's important to consider your contact lenses when swimming. In fact, we suggest removing them before taking a dip in the pool or ocean. The lenses can absorb the water, trapping potential bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens against your eye.🙅🦠 Avoid these risks and dive into the summer with healthy eyes! 🏊♀️🏖️ #SummerEyeCare #healthyeyes ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Did you know that dry eye has a variety of causes? From hormonal changes and environmental factors like wind and smoke, to certain medications and underlying health conditions. One of the most common causes of significant dry eye is from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction or MGD. Contact us to schedule your dry eye exam and discover the cause of your dry eye. #DryEyeAwarenessMonth #eyehealth #dryeyedisease ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Do your eyes feel dry, gritty, or irritated? Experiencing blurred vision or sensitivity to light? Are your eyes constantly watering? Surprisingly, these all can be symptoms of dry eye disease. Don't ignore the signs! Dry eye can cause discomfort and affect your daily life. Contact us for your dry eye exam. #DryEyeAwarenessMonth #eyehealth #symptomsmatter #eyecenterofhawaii ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Mahalo Yvonne. We are so glad we could make your transition from the mainland to Hilo an easy one.
#TestimonialTuesday #review #eyecare #hilo #eyecenterofhawaii ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
It's UV Protection Month and we want to remind you the importance of good sunglasses. You should be wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays when outdoors to protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation, which can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions. Visit our optical in Kona to find the perfect pair.
#UVProtection #sunglasses #kona #eyehealth ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We are proud to welcome Dr. Reddens to our Kona office. Dr. Redens prides himself as a problem solver with a deep understanding of anterior segment surgery. He has many, many patients with significant and complex ocular issues who see well as a result of his care. Dr. Reddens has strong friendships and real connections to the island and its people, and very much looks forward to strongly positively contributing to their ocular health and well-being.
#welcome #eyecare #eyecenterofhawaii ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook