Second Sight : Bionic Eye

This past fall, LA-based Second Sight was set to debut an FDA-approved bionic eye that's designed to help the 100,000 blind Americans who suffer from retinitis pigmentosa.  After an aspirin-size implant is surgically placed inside an eye and wirelessly linked to video-equipped glasses, once-sightless patients can detect light, differentiate between objects, and even read large print.  "In the lab, we've been able to get one patient up to 20/200 vision," says CEO Robert Greenberg.  "Our long-term goal is to treat blindness overall."

~By Paul Wachter

Fast Company Issue 181