Macular degeneration patients can look forward to a new eye implant which is already making waves in Europe. Three patients in Germany were able to see shapes and objects within days of the implant being installed.
One was even able to identify and find objects placed on a table in front of him, as well as walking around a room independently and approaching people, reading a clock face and differentiating seven shades of grey, reports journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
The implant sits beneath the retina and works as a direct replacement for light receptors lost to the condition. Because it is internal, it uses the eye's natural image processing capabilities beyond the light detection stage to produce a visual perception in the patient that is stable and follows their eye movements. Previous implants sit outside the retina and require the user to were an external camera and processor unit.
If successful, the implant can be used for macular degeneration sufferers. The device is being hailed as an "unprecedented advance" in visual aids.
Professor Eberhart Zrenner, chairman of the University of Tuebingen Eye Hospital, told Daily Telegraph: "The results of this pilot study provide strong evidence that the visual functions of patients blinded by a hereditary retinal dystrophy can, in principle, be restored to a degree sufficient for use in daily life.
Professor Eberhart Zrenner, chairman of the University of Tuebingen Eye Hospital, told Daily Telegraph: "The results of this pilot study provide strong evidence that the visual functions of patients blinded by a hereditary retinal dystrophy can, in principle, be restored to a degree sufficient for use in daily life.
"The present study presents proof-of-concept that such devices can restore useful vision in blind human subjects, even though the ultimate goal of broad clinical application will take time to develop."
David Head, chief executive of the British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society, said that it was exciting news but that it was early days. This is very significant process but it is a long way off being a bionic eye."
David Head, chief executive of the British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society, said that it was exciting news but that it was early days. This is very significant process but it is a long way off being a bionic eye."
Professor Robert MacLaren, of Oxford University, who will carry out trials in Britain next year, said: "This is quite a breakthrough. It is akin to someone paralysed with a spinal injury standing up and walking."
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