Bionic Eye

Surgeons in Manchester has restore a man’s vision through the first bionic eye implant.

20:25 22 July 2015

Surgeons in Manchester has performed the first bionic eye implant to help 80-year-old Ray Flynn restore his vision. Ray, who is suffering from dry age-related macular degeneration, has loss his central vision and uses retinal implants to convert video images from a miniature video camera worn on his glasses.

 

The Argus II Implant has been previously used to treat patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Ray’s operation marks the first time that the implant, which was manufactured by the US firm Second Sight, was implanted in a patient with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

 

Ray Flynn said: "I'm unable to put the numbers in for my card when paying in a shop or at the bank, and although I was a keen gardener, I can't tell the weeds from the flowers anymore."

Paulo Stanga, the consultant ophthalmologist and vitreo-retinal surgeon at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and who led the operation, said: "Mr Flynn's progress is truly remarkable, he is seeing the outline of people and objects very effectively.

"I think this could be the beginning of a new era for patients with sight loss."