The Associated Press

This undated product image provided by Second Sight Medical Products shows a small video camera and transmitter mounted on a pair of glasses. Images from the camera are processed into electronic data that is wirelessly transmitted to electrodes implanted into the patient's retina. The FDA approved the device on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, from Second Sight Medical Products for patients 25 years and older. (AP Photo/ Second Sight Medical ProductsA)

By MATTHEW PERRONE AP Health Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Patients who have lost their sight due to a rare disorder may be able to regain some vision using a new implantable device that takes the place of damaged cells inside the eye.

The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System as the first treatment for an inherited disorder that causes the breakdown of cells in the retina, a membrane inside the eye.

The technology will initially only be available to a small number of patients, but could eventually be used to treat vision disorders that affect millions of people. The device was previously approved in Europe in late 2011.

The system includes a small video camera and transmitter mounted on a pair of glasses. Images from the camera are processed into electronic data that is wirelessly transmitted to electrodes implanted into the patient’s retina.

FDA says that while the device will not fully restore patients’ vision, ‘‘it may allow them to detect light and dark in the environment,’’ which could help them perform daily tasks.