Bionic Eye Enables Blind Man See Wife For First Time In 10 Years
For the first time in more than a decade, a Minnesota man is able to see his wife.
Nearly 20 years ago, 68-year-old Allen Zderad, began losing his vision. He was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa. About 10 years ago, Zderad lost all vision and was unable to see anything other than extremely bright light.
Dr. Raymond Iezzi Jr., a Mayo Clinic researcher and ophthalmologist, connected with Zderad after treating Zderad’s grandson for early stages of retinitis pigmentosa. Dr. Iezzi rendered Zderad the ideal candidate for the first clinical trial of a bionic eye implant system called Second Sight in Minnesota.
In January, a tiny chip was embedded in Zderad’s right eye and doctors attached wires to it in an intricate surgical procedure. Two weeks later, the rest of the prosthetic device, which is set in a dark pair of glasses, was activated. The Mayo Clinic explains that the bionic eye implant “sends light wave signals to the optic nerve, bypassing the damaged retina.”
Once the bionic eye system was activated, Zderad was able to make out human forms, objects and other outlines. He was even able to see his own reflection as a silhouette in a window pane.
The first indication that the device worked came when Zderad reached out to grab his wife’s hands as she sat before him. They both broke into tears.
The Mayo Clinic says more adjustments and many hours of physical therapy and instruction are in order to make full use of the device.
Zderad excitedly said of his vision, “It’s crude but it’s significant. It’ll work!”
There are limitations to the bionic eye. Zderad will not be able to see full detail of images or faces. It does, however, allow him to navigate his way through public places filled with people without using his cane.
wow to science, technology and God. we will survive all health issues in this world. God is good
I can imagine the emotions that followed this !! Thank God for science and technology.
Wow technology is just something else
Technological advancement, if only all can use it positively such as this.
Wow…. this is lovely. Thank God for using this technology to grant him a second chance.
Happy for them
Awww..so happy for them
Wow
Amazingly stunning.
Wat technology is doing
waoh! thank God for technology
The miracle of technology. ..
Chia see tecnologytechnology at work. thank God for new innovations.
Dats a gud news,tank God
It must be really emotional for them
Science is such a beautiful thing, giving hope to the hopeless
Wow..so emotional…Thank God for technology.
Wow. Thank God for the wisdom of science.
Awesome
I thank God for technology. Am happy 4 them
Atleast its better than complete blindness
Atleast its better than complete blindness.Wonders of technology
Woo..science at work