Bionic eye returns sight to two men after over 20 years of blindness
By STEPHEN MCGINTY
Published on Friday 4 May 2012
TWO blind men have regained partial sight for the first time in more than 20 years after becoming the first in Britain to be fitted with a bionic eye.
Scientists said the first clinical trials of the microchip eye implant, which measures just 3mm across and is fitted behind the eyeball, have proved successful and exceeded expectations.
Eye experts developing the pioneering new technology said the first group of British patients to receive the implants were regaining useful vision just weeks after undergoing surgery, with one of them describing dreaming in vivid colour for the first time in 25 years.
The news will offer fresh hope for people suffering from retinitis pigmentosa (RP) a genetic eye condition that leads to incurable blindness.
Read the full article at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/health/bionic-eye-returns-sight-to-two-men-after-over-20-years-of-blindness-1-2274027#
Bionic Eye Helps Blind Man See
By Derek Johnson
May 3rd, 2012
A British man who has been blind for more than 20 years was implanted with a bionic eye that now allows him to see outlines of certain shapes, doctors in London said.
According to Sky News, Chris James, 54, became the first patient to undergo the operation. The bionic eye is like a digital chip that is used in cell phone cameras, according to the report.
James inherited an eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa, which destroys the retna.
Doctors believe that James may eventually be able to recognize faces as his brain learns to see again.
Read the full article at:
http://www.longislandpress.com/2012/05/03/bionic-eye-helps-blind-man-see/