http://kostaki89y.immensepots.com/ A coherent view of the current state of science, technology, art and philosophy es http://kostaki89y.immensepots.com/2009/04/11/implantable-eye-telescope-brings-sight-back-to-the-blind.html The Implantable Miniature Telescope, or IMT, is a miniscule prosthetic implanted into the patient’s eye. Rather than directing light to the damaged macula, the telescope projects the image onto a broader surface of the retina that surrounds the macula. In this way, visual information is redirected to healthy rods as well as cones, as well as can be processed in the brain as central vision. Both central as well as peripheral vision are important functions of the visual system. Because of this, the IMT is only implanted into one eye of patients with macular degeneration. One eye continues to process peripheral vision ordinarily (which is better suited on behalf of low-light vision, on behalf of example), while the implanted eye restores the central vision that was previously impaired. This allows individuals to again experience the full range of visual stimuli so necessary to everyday life.  And because of the fact that the implant is embedded in the iris, it goes unnoticed to others. The IMT was developed by VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, as well as the implant has recently completed Phase II/III clinical trials. The tests showed that the IMT doubled the vision of 2/3 of participants’ eyes (3 lines on a visual acuity chart) at the end of one year with the implant. Sat, 11 Apr 2009 10:23:06 -0400 kostaki89y