I don't think so because one has to have had sight at some time in order for 
the brain to fully understand how things are interpreted.  If not many 
psychological problems will occur.  The few cases when sight was provided to 
those born blind with no previous expertise having seen have proved 
devastating for the person to whom sight was given.  This is what makes the 
miracle Jesus performed on the man born blind so spectacular.  Because not 
only was sight given this man; but a reconstruction and retooling of the 
brain itself was performed as well to accommodate the newly acquired sense. 
It is the same with the profoundly deaf.  If one has experienced hearing 
these new advances are much more successful.  Because the brain has learned 
to interpret the sounds the ear hears.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Pat Ferguson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, April 02, 2011 11:47 AM
Subject: Re: Exciting News about Restoring Vision!


> Hi Sharon and Everyone,
>
> I sent this to Vernon, and he printed it so we can take it to our eye 
> doctor on the 11th of April.
>
> I wonder if this would help those of us who are RLF now known as ROP? Does 
> anyone know?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Blessings,
>
> Pat Ferguson
>
>
> At 04:07 PM 4/1/2011, you wrote:
>>Feature Writer Alena Roberts - Clinical Trials for a European
>>Artificial Retina Come to the US
>>Throughout my life, I've had multiple doctors tell me that they think
>>that my vision will be restored in my life time. The research into
>>artificial retinas in the last five years has made me think that this
>>might actually be true. Earlier this month, the European Union
>>authorized the use of the Argus II, a retinal implant that was
>>developed here in the states. This implant uses an external camera to
>>provide images of the person's surroundings. More exciting though, in
>>my opinion, is the announcement that the Wills Eye Institute will be
>>conducting clinical trials of the Sub-retinal implant that was
>>developed in Germany.
>>Unlike the Argus II, the sub-retinal implant does not require an
>>external camera to work because the implant is behind the retina. This
>>implant also has over 1500 photo cells, which means that the images
>>the patient sees are clearer. This number is nowhere near the number
>>of photo cells that the human eye has, but it's a step in the right
>>direction.
>>According to Retinal Implant A.G.'s website, here are some of the
>>benefits that patients might get from the implant:
>>Orientation in space
>>Visual Field between 8 and 12 degrees
>>Ability to read without visual aids except reading glasses, at least
>>recognizing someone holding two fingers, and recognizing faces
>>Ability to recognize letters with additional visual aids
>>These benefits may seem small to some, but for those of us who have
>>lived without usable vision for many years, this is huge. I myself
>>miss reading the most, and although I enjoy reading Braille, I miss
>>being able to enjoy a bookstore or library. I sometimes struggle with
>>whether I want my vision to be restored. A part of me has very much
>>accepted my blindness, but there is a part of me that misses being
>>able to see someone smile or watch a sunset. I think that those of us
>>who have lost our vision rather than never had it, have a harder time
>>deciding whether they would ever want their vision restored if the
>>option was available. At this point, I think I would be a part of a
>>clinical study if it was available to me. I would like to hear from
>>readers about their thoughts on this implant and restoring vision.
>>If you live in the Philadelphia area or think that you might be a
>>candidate for the upcoming clinical trial I encourage you to contact
>>the Wills Eye Institute.
>>To learn more about the Wills Eye Institute visit this link:
>>http://www.willseye.org/
>>To learn more about Retinal Implant AG visit this link:
>>http://www.retina-implant.de/en/about/default.aspx
>>
>>Remember to count your blessings and thank the Lord who bestowed them upon
>>you.