UK Docs Implant Bionic Eyes

Fix for macular degeneration could be available in 5 years

(NEWSER) - A pioneering stem cell technique developed by British scientists and backed by an anonymous American benefactor could soon cure blindness in millions of people suffering from macular degeneration, the Daily Mail reports. The procedure involves injecting lab-grown embryonic stem cells into the back of an affected eye to repair the damaged area. More»

Sight restored to people blinded by chemical burns

(NEWSER) - Stem cell transplants have helped dozens of people blinded by chemical burns to see again, Italian researchers say. Doctors used stem cells from undamaged parts of the patients' eyes to replace the damaged cornea. The procedure resulted in a successful transplant roughly 75% of the time. One man who badly damaged both his eyes 60 years ago now has near-normal vision after undergoing the procedure, the AP reports. More»

(NEWSER) - Doctors in Miami have used a woman’s tooth to help restore her vision, the Los Angeles Times reports. A disease that destroyed tissue in her left eye left Sharon Thornton unable to undergo a cornea transplant, so surgeons cut a canine tooth and bone out of her upper jaw and used them as an anchor for an artificial cornea. Thornton, 60, now has sight in both eyes for the first time since 2000. More»

Surgery allows boy to see colors, corrects vision problems

(NEWSER) - Surgeons in Cincinnati implanted a prosthetic iris this week in the eye of a 7-year-old boy, the first US child to get one. “It’s just like Mom’s,” said Nathaniel Brantley as he looked in a mirror. “Just like it’s supposed to be.” Born without irises, Nathaniel suffered a rare condition that prevented his pupils from contracting. Bright light hurt his eyes, he couldn’t focus well, and he suffered partial color blindness. More»

Rising UV levels will hit developing countries hardest

(NEWSER) - As climate change drives ozone depletion and increases the level of ultraviolet rays reaching Earth's surface, humans' eyesight will be suffering more and more, AFP reports. UV rays are one of the leading causes of cataracts, which in turn cause 50% of avoidable blindness worldwide. The trend is likely to have the biggest impact in developing nations. More»