Argus II artificial eye(image © T3.com)

Even the humblest gadget can change your life. Just think how different things have become since mobile phones became widespread. Or how e-mail has transformed the way we communicate.

But some gadgets are not only life-changing, they can alter how you function as a person. Technology has always looked for ways to augment and improve the human body - here we look at some amazing gadgets that are no longer just science fiction.