Renewable Revolution

Thanks to new bionic eyes, watch a man see his wife for the first time in 10 years   

by
Jen Hayden
 
Allen Zderad sees his wife for the first time in more than a decade.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have take a few huge leaps forward in using "bionic eyes," known as the "Second Sight" system, to restore sight for the blind. Last week, Allen Zderad became the 15th person in the U.S. to test the technology:

It’s a medical story, a science and technology advancement and a romance wrapped into one moment: when a man who is blind sees his wife again for the first time in a decade.

Allen Zderad began to have serious vision problems about 20 years ago due to retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease affecting the retina.

There is no effective treatment or cure. It ended his professional career and after a decade he was effectively blind, unable to see anything other than very bright light. He adjusted, even continuing woodworking by developing his sense of touch and spatial relationships. But he was unable to see his family, including ten grandchildren or his wife, Carmen.

Watch as doctors turn on the device, allowing Allen to see his wife and children for the first time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mu5099aJWcU&feature=player_embedded

"It's crude, but it's significant. It works," he rejoiced, through tears.
 .........
"I have a lot of fun with my grandkids and family. I think it would be good to recognize when they come in the room, and observe their growing and things like that. My grandkids in Oregon love playing hide and seek – they don't have to hide anywhere except for a corner of a room," Zderad laughed again.

Retinitis pigmentosa is inherited and Zderad's 13-year-old grandson has already been diagnosed with the eye disease. This incredible technology is giving new hope to the entire Zderad family.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/02/23/1366297/-Thanks-to-new-bionic-eyes-watch-a-man-see-his-wife-for-the-first-time-in-10-years