# Magnifying Eye Surgeries The Implantable Miniature Telescope Gives Sight to Blind Patients By Meghan Young | Published 2012-10-04 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/implantable-miniature-telescope References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/1670905/tiny-implantable-telescope-restores-sight-for-blind-patients) & [ucdmc.ucdavis.edu](http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/eyecenter/) The Implantable Miniature Telescope ushers in a trailblazing surgery for blind patients. This unprecedented implant essentially restores their vision. Although some may scoff at its 2X capabilities, it surprisingly makes a huge difference. Virginia Bane, an 89-year-old California-based artist who is the first to receive the Implantable Miniature Telescope, says, "Colors are more vibrant, beautiful and natural and I can read large print with my glasses. I haven’t been able to read for the past seven years." Developed by a team of surgeons from the UC Davis Eye Center and VisionCare, the ophthalmic technology company that produced the implant, the Implantable Miniature Telescope is made up of a silica capsule that contains the optical elements, a transparent thermoplastic carrier and a blue light restrictor. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Implantable Miniature Telescope:** The development of this technology opens up new opportunities for restoring vision for blind patients. - **Ophthalmic Technology:** Investments in developing and improving the ophthalmic technology could lead to potential breakthroughs in other eye surgeries. - **Sight Restoration:** The success of the Implantable Miniature Telescope can pave the way for more research into restoring vision for those who have lost it. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Medical Devices:** Companies focusing on the development of implantable devices have the opportunity to explore the potential of other innovative medical devices. - **Ophthalmology:** The success of the Implantable Miniature Telescope will encourage more research in the ophthalmic industry and push for development of better vision restoration technologies. - **Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare:** The utilization of AI in healthcare can lead to further development in vision restoration technology. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wearable Assistive Smart Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighthouse-tech.md) - [Advanced Cataract Surgery Procedures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cataract-surgery-procedure.md) - [Tablet-Based Video Magnifying Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/video-magnifier.md) - [Bioprinted Corneal Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/corneal-implants.md) - [Retinal Surgery Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retinal-surgery-robot.md) - [Refractive Eye Surgery Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eye-surgery.md) - [Intelligent Connected Telescope Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decouvir-telescope.md) - [Ophthalmic Technology Innovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ophthalmic-technology.md) - [Nano Projector Nearsightedness Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kubota-glass-eyeglasses.md)