A man suffering from Retinitis Pigmentosa is now able to see objects and people again for the first time in a decade with the help of a new bionic eye implant. Remarkable footage released by the Mayo Clinic shows woodworker Allen Zderad experiencing the moment when he saw his wife for the first time in a decade:

Click here to watch the video

Retinitis Pigmentosa is an inherited degenerative eye condition which results in the deterioration of photoreceptors in the retina. The new implant works by bypassing the retina altogether and sending impulses directly to the optic nerve. Wires from the implant are connected to a pair of “glasses” which capture visual images and translate them into pulses which the retina can recognise.

Dr Raymond Iezzi jr, an ophthalmologist from the Mayo Clinic, writes: “to be able to have offered Mr Zderad the retinal prosthesis to enhance what he can already do was a great honour for me.”

The new implant technology offers hope to others who have degenerative eye conditions, and Dr Iezzi would like to see the technology developed to help those suffering eyesight loss through conditions such as Glaucoma.

Sources:

1. Medical News Today:
   'Bionic' eye allows man to see wife for the first time in a decade..
2. The Telegraph:
   Man with bionic eye allows man to see wife for first time in a decade..

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