Blind people may be able to regain some of their sight with the assistance of a new surgical procedure being performed by surgeons at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.
Surgeons recently placed an electronic device designed to mimic the retina in the eyes of two patients; the implants allowed them to see flashes of light as well as shapes.
A tiny camera and transmitter installed in a pair of glasses send signals to an electronic receiver and electrode panel (the retina) which then transmits signals to the patient’s optical nerve and to the brain.
Surgeons are working with patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa, a family of inherited eye diseases, anticipating that they may be able to restore some working vision.
According to Lyndon da Cruz, a surgeon in Moorfield’s Vitreo Retinal department, the opportunity to work with a program that is pioneering new treatment for patients with no other options is very exciting.