Watch: Bionic eye allows blind man to ‘see’ after 33 years

A revolutionary new bionic eye implanted into a 66-year-old blind man in the US has allowed him to 'see' for the first time in 33 years.

Larry Hester was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa when he was in his early 30s.

Using wireless technology, a sensor is implanted in the eye to pick up light signals sent from a camera mounted on special eyeglasses.

Hahn cautioned the device will not restore eyesight, but provide a visual aid that could help Hester distinguish a door from a wall, or a crosswalk painted in a roadway.

Hester describes seeing flashes of light that are more intense when he aims the camera at lights or light-coloured objects.

Hester's wife, Jerry, said her most cherished moment came while they were watching a football game. She was sitting in a dark chair, and her skin was enough of a contrast that Hester could see flashes. He reached out and touched her face.

Watch the video here: