German Scientists May Have A Way to Restore Sight in the Blind

research is being done around the world to find a cure for retinal degenerative diseases like RP. I've told you about the artificial retinas being created in the states and Australia, as well as the possibility of using stem cells. Scientists in Germany are currently working on developing a micro-chip that will be implanted behind the retina.

Last year researchers implanted the micro-chip into 11 people. Their results were very good. All of the patients were able to identify objects and read letters. The fact that they could read at all is very impressive since most of the other micro-chips are not providing enough vision to do this. The micro-chip has 1500 photo cells, and the surgery only takes 4 hours. In their small number of participants, there was no rejection of the implant. Since the device still needs further study, participants are only allowed to have the implant for a few weeks.

The researchers are hoping that soon they will be able to demonstrate that the micro-chip is safe enough for patients to have it implanted permanently. In fact, they're hoping to have the implant put in over a dozen people this year. If this micro-chip continues to restore people's vision, this could be the answer that those of us with degenerative eye diseases have been looking for.

To read the whole article on the micro-chip, visit this link.