retina news stories on Newser

Retinal Implant Restores Partial Vision to Blind

Nick McMaster — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:21:15 CDT

Scientists in Germany have used an implant to restore at least partial eyesight to three patients with a disease that causes degenerative blindness, PhysOrg reports. The new device, called a sub-retinal implant, is a light-sensitive microchip with 1,500 light sensors inserted below the retina. Previous devices required an implant...

Eye Test Spots Alzheimer's

Nick McMaster — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:48:09 CST

British scientists have developed an eye test they claim can identify the early stages of Alzheimer's. The researchers found that dead nerve cells in the retina correlate to damage in the brain to such a degree that tests for retinal damage could detect Alzheimer's. "Few people realize that the retina...

Docs Use Tooth to Help Return Woman's Sight

Will McCahill — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:14:27 CDT

Doctors in Miami have used a woman’s tooth to help restore her vision, the Los Angeles Times reports. A disease that destroyed tissue in her left eye left Sharon Thornton unable to undergo a cornea transplant, so surgeons cut a canine tooth and bone out of her upper jaw and...