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Bionic Eye Implant Available In US Next Month

Posted by timothy on from the I'm-a-transhumanitarianist-myself dept.

kkleiner writes "Starting next month, Americans suffering from degenerative eye diseases can get excited about the launch of the Argus II, a bionic eye implant to partially restore vision. Designed for those suffering from retinitis pigmentosa, the Argus II is a headset that looks akin to Google Glass but is actually hard wired into the optic nerve to transmit visual information from a 60 electrode array. The device opens the door for similar 'humanitarian' implants that both reduce the difficulty in getting government approval and increase the adoption of brain implants."

3 of 102 comments (clear)

  1. G'Kar wants to know... by psychogre · · Score: 5, Funny

    Does it come in red?

  2. Just in time for X-mas! by sl4shd0rk · · Score: 5, Funny

    I can finally get that Red Ryder BB gun and Mom will have no argument!

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  3. Re:Yeah, great by Antipater · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I suffer from keratoconus in both my eyes. It's a degenerative disorder whereby my corneas gradually become thinner and bulge into a cone shape, causing hopelessly-distorted vision. Until just a few years ago, you could treat some of the symptoms, but the only actual cure was to wait until it got unbearably bad and then go in for a transplant of the entire cornea. I've been legally blind since about 2007.

    But this year I was able to have a newly-developed, minimally-invasive surgery done that halted the progression and strengthened my corneas. Now, after the surgery and using special contact lenses, I'm able to have 20/20 vision for the first time since I was in middle school.

    Underwhelmed? Fuck, man, I love the future.

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