Currently, six million Americans are either blind or have greatly reduced vision because of diseases such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. While they can be treated, there is currently no way to cure or to reverse either of these conditions. But a cutting edge technology is now under development that one day will be to the eye what cochlear implants are to the ear. It takes the form of a tiny, computer chip implanted in the retina of the eye.

Common Causes of Blindness

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over age 60, and can be slowed down with appropriate treatment. Macular Degeneration occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, is damaged. The condition can cause distortion of the central vision, as well as blurriness and blind spots. Macular Degeneration can result, in some cases, in complete loss of central vision.

Current treatments for Macular Degeneration include vitamins, including C, E, beta carotene, zinc and copper, and laser therapies that kill off abnormal blood vessels in the eye that occur during MD. There are also a variety of low vision devices that can help a person make use of the vision he or she has left.

Retinitis Pigmentosa is one name for a large group of inherited visual disorders that causes progressive degeneration of the retina of the eyes. Peripheral vision gradually decreases and eventually is lost. Night vision is also affected. Central vision is usually preserved until late in these conditions.

Wearing sun glasses which block UV rays will, in some cases, delay the progress of RP. Some clinical trials have indicated the vitamin A can also delay the progress of the disease.

Usher Syndrome is a rare inherited disorder related to Retinitis Pigmentosa. Along with loss of vision that characterizes RP, Usher also results in loss of hearing.