Summary
A new eye implant has helped some blind patients read again. The implant works with a special camera and processor to send images to the brain. The trial, conducted at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, showed positive results for people with a specific type of vision loss.
Key Facts
- A small implant was placed in five patients in a trial at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.
- The implant helps people with advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), also known as geographic atrophy.
- AMD damages cells in the retina, leading to blurred or lost central vision.
- The implant is a 2mm square microchip placed under the retina.
- Patients use special glasses with a built-in video camera, which sends images to the implant.
- The implant and a processor work together to send clearer images to the brain.
- In a study, 27 out of 32 patients with implants could read again after a year.
- Sheila Irvine, a trial participant, described regaining her ability to read as an incredible experience.
