When deciding on a topic to post about the Rhymes of History in Technology, I visited www.singularityhub.com which has been my new method of research emerging technologies. I happened upon the following article regarding an eye telescope. Here is the link to my article:
Implantable Eye Telescope That Treats AMD Now FDA Approved
This article reminded me, first of all, of the old telescopes used by explorers to view distant lands. The article also reminded me of the monocle used to help with reading and of course, that brought me to the reading glasses, eyeglasses, contact lenses, lasix eye surgery, and other improvements upon our vision.
However, the implantable eye telescope goes above and beyond by treating various types of blindness. This brings us to another rhyme in history with legally blind individuals and the technologies provided to them such as: increased text size, special computer screens for viewing, special lenses to help them to read, and other visual aids.
It is funny to me that this emerging technology is an actual telescope of sorts that is inserted directly into the eye rather than used as needed by lifting the ancient telescope and placing it over the eye. The effect of this innovation on those individuals with diabetes or other blurred vision related illnesses is incredible. Our society is definitely progressing from going to the local store to choose a pair of reading glasses!
Cynthia Harrison
Cynthia
ReplyDeleteI read about this eye telescope a week or so ago and was amazed that this type of surgery could be done. I had a student years ago that was considered legally blind. The commission for the blind even did a presentaion and we were able to see, through the use of lenses, how this student actually viewed the world. I had a whole new respect for him after that workshop.
I am curious to see where this new technology will lead and who will benefit from it.
Great link.
Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteI just find it fascinating how far along technology has come regarding eyesight and blindness. I can still remember the first time I received my first pair of contacts years ago and a few years back my eye doctor shared the idea of Lasik surgery with me. Now there is an implantable eye telescope to help improve vision. Although this is a significant technology, the affect is greater by rekindling the ability to provide support to those who have difficult seeing over time and those who are legally blind.