Hubble’s telescope flaw ‘could save eyesight’ for half a million Brits #IRepEntertain9jarBlog #TwitterTrendBlog via @myentertain9jar

A FLAW in the Hubble space telescope has inspired an eye implant which could save the sight of more than half a million people

 

The implant is a mini version of the telescope and involves inserting two tiny lenses into the eye 2mm apart. It is expected to help more than 600,000 sufferers of age-related macular degeneration in the UK alone.

Surgeon Bobby Qureshi of the London Eye Hospital said: “There have been telescopic implants for AMD for a couple of years, but getting the optics right has been extremely problematic. The results for patients have been hit and miss.”

The Hubble has already captured incredible images in space but it could also help save our eyesight [GETTY]

I would like to see them on the NHS by 2017

Surgeon Bobby Qureshi, London Eye Hospital

Working with Professor Pablo Artal of Murcia University in Spain, he adapted methods used to correct fuzzy images sent by Hubble when it was launched in 1990.

They designed a “mini telescope” to be inserted surgically into the eye, magnifying images and directing them to healthy sections of the eye which helps the patient to see clearly again.

But the new lenses cost £6,000 for each eye. However, Mr Qureshi believes the cost could eventually fall to £50.

He said: “I would like to see them on the NHS by 2017.”