http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/welcome/features/2012-2013/09/20120926_telescopic_eye_implant.html
As some of you probably noticed last month, the UC Davis main page featured a large diagram of the human eye, with some slogan about a surgery that took place and some mention of new technology being used.
Back in May of this year, UC Davis Med Center was one of the first to successfully implant an FDA-approved telescopic 'eye' ( http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/08/telescopic-eye-implant-approved-by-the-fda/ ) onto the eye of an elderly patient who suffered from a degenerative disease that causes blindness. It's news resurfaced recently to confirm that the patient is seeing "better than ever" after just a couple months.
If you haven't clicked the link to see what the implant looks like, go do so now. It just plain looks cool.
Being a techy major myself, I was most impacted by the De La Pena readings and discussion. The news of this implant furthers my belief that we are still seeking to use technology to improve ourselves in every avenue possible, much like the citizens of America in the late 19th century. I ask myself: How long will it be until we're grafting technologies, like telescoping eyes or prosthetic limbs, onto ourselves for pleasure, or to improve our healthy selves, instead of fixing medical problems? Will a normal lifestyle, one without technological enhancements, soon be considered a disease of itself? A hindrance on the rest of society, much like how people viewed ( and maybe still view ) handicapped people in their respective times?
I think so, but in a 'good' way. I personally support technology improving humans however it can. Thoughts?
I tend to agree with you. I don't think society will stop at 'returning to normal'. History presents a pattern of relentless progress, especially in America. To be an American is to continuously strive for better, more advanced in pretty much every aspect of an individuals life. The American Exceptionalism concept seems to explain the pattern.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting article, something I haven't heard of before. I don't feel like this is exactly a "good" idea because humans will continue to rely on technology to improve their lives. For example, people may start to worry less about their eyes therefore resulting in bad vision and they will need to rely on something like this. Relying on technology isn't always a good idea because transplants may go wrong and cause more problems. Like bmpompahogan said above, american exceptionalism definitely plays a role in this idea because Americans are constantly wanting to improve their lifestyles through new technology by being different than other countries.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this article promotes the idea of American exceptionalism. Not only does America strive to be the best in technology, but also in medical advances and human health. I know there are developments of artificial organs for people that need them, however I cannot see America using artificial implants on healthy humans. America wants to be the best country, but I believe the majority would see this as morally wrong.
ReplyDeleteI have actually seen this a lot in recent media. For one example I have seen a t.v. show that talked about replacing people's limbs with robotic arms and legs giving them increased strength. This example and the one that you gave, are good examples of American exceptionalism because it shows how people want to be the best through technology. I also support technology being used to improve people's lives, but not improving humans with already healthy lives.
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