Medical Reports: Gift of Sight

WSVN -- Three blind patients were able to see shapes and objects within days of getting the new implant.

Prof. Robert Maclaren: "Well as an ophthalmologist I am extremely excited. You can't imagine having a blind patient, who's been blind for several years being able to see again."

In test cases, the retinal implant enabled two men and one woman to see well enough to read clocks and decipher letters.

One man saw his girlfriend smile for the very first time, it was an encouraging sign.

David Head: "Hope is absolutely fundamental. If you're faced with the loss of your sight, to see this type of news, it's really quite inspiring, there's absolutely no doubt about that."

But doctors say more research still needs to be done.

David Head: "It is important as I said earlier that this particular technology still has some way to go."

And for now, the implant is only helping some forms of inerherited blindness but doctors say any kind of progress like this is a step in the right direction.

Prof. Robert Maclaren: "Even something, a small amount, someone being able to see again is truly a revolutionary breakthrough."

Christine Cruz: The device developed by German researchers oculd eventually change the lives of up to 200,000 people worldwide.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Medimise:
http://www.medimise.com/medical-research/germans-develop-bionic-eye-implant