Eye implants, the name is enough to give me goose bumps. I was never fit to be a doctor, and I can see that myself. Scientific medical terms are enough to scare the hell out of me. But then, this telescopic eye implant is obviously done in the name of science, and for the older generations.

In the works for well over a year, and approved by the FDA a couple days ago, VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies’ implantable miniature telescope is intended for patients over 75 years of age who are suffering from end-stage macular degeneration. In layman’s term, that means it’s only for old people who can’t see clearly as they’re aging and the eye’s getting old. As with any tricky new surgery, this one is not without risks, including the need for a corneal transplant due to the device’s size.

According to CBC News, in clinical testing seventy-five percent of over 200 patients “had their vision improve from severe or profound impairment to moderate impairment,” and there are two more studies on the way: one will follow up with existing patients, while the other will outfit 770 new patients with the device. The cost? $15,000. Well, you’ll need to be a rather filthy rich unker who is starting to get blind in order to participate. Talk about tough requirements!

[CBC Health via Engadget]

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