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 06 July 2008 03:17 BST

Scientists create 'bionic' eyes at London hospital

Tuesday, 22 Apr 2008 08:52
London-based surgeons have put artificial retinal devices into two blind people's eyes

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Surgeons in London have implanted an artificial retinal device into the eyes of two blind patients to provide a basic level of sight.

The operations, which were carried out earlier this month at Moorfields Eye Hospital, were the first time such devices have been implanted in Britain.

The retinal devices help the person to see spots of lights and shapes of light and dark.

The team behind the trial hope to restore a basic level of useful vision to people suffering severe blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa, a group of inherited eye diseases that affects the retina.

A tiny camera and transmitter mounted in a pair of glasses transmit a wireless signal to an ultra thin electronic receiver and electrode panel that is implanted in the eye and attached to the retina.

A signal is then passed along the optic nerve to the brain, which perceives patterns of light and dark.

Consultant retinal surgeon Lyndon da Cruz carried out the operations with a team at the Vitreo Retinal department at Moorfields, one of three sites in Europe chosen to be part of the new technology.

He said the operations were successful and both patients are recovering well from the procedure.

"It is very special to be part of a programme developing a totally new type of treatment for patients who would otherwise have no chance of visual improvement," said Mr da Cruz.
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