“Bionic Eye” Becomes Reality

If you remember television shows from the 1970s, you’re sure to remember The Six Million Dollar Man. Actor Lee Majors played Col. Steve Austin, an astronaut severely injured in a crash who was later rebuilt with bionic implants in his right arm, legs and left eye. The “bionic man” had super strength, speed and vision. Viewers of this series undoubtedly fantasized about how it would feel to be like the bionic man.

Approximately 40 years later, technology has made the “bionic eye” a reality for patients with the degenerative eye disease retinitis pigmentosa. This disease slowly causes damage to the retina (the back of the eye) and eventually leads to almost complete blindness. The Food and Drug Administration has approved an artificial retina procedure being dubbed as a “bionic eye.” The system uses a tiny camera and transmitter in special eyeglasses to transmit impulses to the retina’s healthy cells to allow for limited restored vision.

Researchers continue to develop new technologies to restore or improve eyesight. Good vision is often taken for granted; but even when people have less serious vision conditions that require them to wear glasses or contacts (nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism) they are often on the lookout for new methods of vision improvement.

LASIK vision correction is one such method that can truly change the lives of people who wear glasses or contacts. LASIK has been around since 1996 and over 14 million Americans have undergone this popular surgical process. The LASIK process works by slightly altering the shape of the cornea with an excimer laser so light will focus properly on the retina at the back of the eye. When light focuses properly, clear vision can be obtained.

Dr. O'Day at Charleston Cornea and Refractive Surgery offers LASIK. He is dedicated to providing patients with detailed information about the LASIK procedure the risks of LASIK and what results may be achieved for each unique patient.

Charleston Cornea and Refractive Surgery can’t give you bionic vision; however, Dr. O'Day can analyze your eye characteristics and overall health to determine LASIK might be right for you. Call 843-856-5275 to schedule your free LASIK Consultation or visit charlestoncornea.com to schedule your appointment online.