Fuck Yeah Surgery!

mediclopedia:

Eye Telescope

The telescopic implant is designed to improve visual acuity by reducing the impact of the blind spot. The IMT, a device smaller than a pea, is surgically implanted into one cornea and acts to expand an incoming image onto the peripheral parts of the retina that are undamaged. Central vision is improved in one eye, while the other continues to receive information on peripheral vision for mobility and orientation.

The clinical trials were conducted at 28 leading ophthalmic centers and showed that patients achieved clinically meaningful gains in visual acuity and quality of life with the telescope implant. In fact, more than two-thirds of those treated reported notable improvement in vision.

It isn’t a complete fix, however. The patient will need months of rehabilitation and occupational therapy to learn how to use the donut-shaped image the telescope provides. Some patients may not adapt well to the new vision, or might find rehabilitation too stressful. 

This is not only really exciting, but at the same time really scary.  How much of our bodies can we replace with technology, and at what point should we stop trying to save everyone? It is important to see our limitations at times, but who’s to set these boundaries?