Bionic Eye Implant May Give Sight to Blind

So far only tested on 2 patients, but both are doing well...and doctors are optimistic...BD

The implant is a small panel that is implanted on the patient's retina. The panel contains a number of electrodes that, when activated, stimulate the remaining nerves on the person's retina. There may not be enough nerves left for normal sight but, when paired with this sensor, some level of vision can be returned. The sensor communicates wirelessly with a camera built into a pair of glasses. The artificial eye, connected to a camera on a pair of glasses, has been developed by US firm Second Sight.

The electrodes stimulate the remaining retinal nerves allowing a signal to be passed along the optic nerve to the brain. There is currently no treatment for patients so this device and research into stem cells therapies offers the best hope."