Making a Bionic Eye

Ten people in the UK are being given bionic eyes as part of a new study. The Argus II bionic eye is designed to help people with a degenerative retinal disorder called retinitis pigmentosa. The new technology uses an advanced pair of sunglasses to send electrical signals to retina cells. It also requires an implant directly into the eye, so it’s definitely not for the squeamish folks.

While the technology is still in testing, those who have been given the technology are already seeing improvement. The scientists hope to be able to roll out the Argus II to over 300 people suffering from the disorder in the near future. If only they had a single-payer healthcare program to help patients pay for it…