It’s too late for the elderly of the world to undergo laser eye surgery, but all hope is not lost.  Researchers have developed an implantable telescope that completely restores vision, well sort of.

The easily implanted, pea sized telescope doesn’t actually restore vision, but in fact redirects incoming light to healthier areas of the retina.

The telescopic implant restores vision by projecting images onto an undamaged portion of the retina, which makes it possible for patients to again see people’s faces and the details of objects located directly in front of them.

Virginia Bane, an 89 year old artist from California, was the first person to undergo the surgery. According to Bane:

I can see better than ever now. Colors are more vibrant, beautiful and natural, and I can read large print with my glasses. I haven’t been able to read for the past seven years. I look forward to being able to paint again.

Richard Van Buskirk, an optometrist, explains that Virginia will continue to regain vision as she retrains her brain to see. The implant, which is only in her left eye, will help her to see details and small text, while her right eye will provide peripheral vision.

I’d like to get a pair of these telescopic eyes to help me be more romantic. I could view spectacular sunsets all around the world at anytime of the day! Sure, ocular telescopes might not be the most aesthetically pleasing sight, but they improve vision, so that totally equals out.

 

Sources:

http://gizmodo.com/5945406/this-tiny-telescope-implant-gives-eyesight-to-the-blind