Global - Technology - Review

Scientists at Stanford University have developed a retinal implant that is powered by light. It is hoped  it could reverse blindness caused by macular degeneration and retinal pigmentosa in which cells die.  The new technology involves a special pair of glasses which beam light into the eye to power the implant rather than the usual need for battery connections. The implant can then be smaller and  the operation to fit it less complicated.

Tests on people are planned shortly but so far work on rats has proved to be successful in restoring useable sight.