Surgeons in Manchester performed the first bionic eye implant surgery on a patient with the most common sight loss problem in the developing world. The operation was done on an 80 years old man by the name of Ray Flynn. He had an average age-related case of degeneration of eyesight which led to his loss of central vision. This man is currently using a retinal implant which converts video images from a miniature video camera worn on his glasses. He now can differentiate white lines on a screen using retinal implants. Mr. Flynn said he was “delighted” with the implant and hopes to regain sufficient vision in time to do day to day tasks like gardening and shopping.
The implant called Argus II ( developed by the U.S firm second sight) has been used to restore some amount of vision to patients with a rare condition known as retinitis pigmentosa. This first-time operation was done at “Manchester Royal Eye Hospital” in a patient with (AMD) age-related macular degeneration which is suffered by roughly half a million people in the U.K.
On the surgery of Mr. Ray Flynn last month, he describes how only his peripheral vision remains and the central vision is wholly disappeared. He says he is unable to do his basic work like shopping, gardening. He sits close to the T.V set to see anything, and he has given up watching football as he cants differentiate what’s happening.
After the surgery, to date, he is progressing remarkably. He can see the outlines of objects and people accurately.
After the surgery, to date, he is progressing remarkably. He can see the outlines of objects and people accurately.
What’s the science behind it?
The bionic eye receives visuals from a miniature camera stuck to the glass worn by the patient. The images are then converted as electrical impulses and transferred wireless to a bunch of electrodes attached to the retina. The electrodes stimulate the remaining cells which send information to the brain.
The bionic eye although it can detect distinct patterns and shapes it still cannot provide any highly detailed vision.
Doctors believe that in the days to come Mr. Flynn will learn to interpret images from the implant more effectively.
The bionic eye although it can detect distinct patterns and shapes it still cannot provide any highly detailed vision.
Doctors believe that in the days to come Mr. Flynn will learn to interpret images from the implant more effectively.