A British man had just become the world's first recipient of a bionic eye implant that allows him to see again, BBC reported.
Ray Flynn, 80, was suffering from dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a vision disorder characterized by the deterioration of the macula, which is a small area in the retina.
Flynn's eyesight had been totally affected by the condition that he only relied on his peripheral vision.
The retired engineer from Manchester received his Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital in June, according to the report.
Over 130 patients were given the bionic eye implant but Flynn became the first recipient who has peripheral vision.
The surgery lasted for four hours and was led by surgeon Paulo Stanga, who described Flynn's progress as "truly remarkable," as he was able to see objects and people effectively.
The device, developed by U.S.-based Second Sight, consists of two parts: the implant and an external pair of glasses that the patient will wear.
A miniature camera inside the glasses captures images that will be converted into small electrical impulses, which will then be sent to electrodes on the retinal surface.
The electrical impulses stimulate the damaged retina, which then allows the eye to transmit visual signals for the brain to interpret.
Four more patients who have dry AMD will be given the implant as part of clinical trials. The implant costs around £150,000, but that already includes treatment costs. However, patients of the trial will receive free treatment.
BBC reports that the trial is being conducted in the Manchester Clinical Research Facility.
Based on the statistics from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), AMD is one of the leading causes for loss of vision in the U.S. and all over the world, accounting for five percent of blindness worldwide.
