Bionic Eye Restores Sight

Scientists have been working on revolutionary technology in the form of an artificial retina that could help many of the blind be able to recognize faces and easily detect objects in their environment as small as silverware. In as little as two years, scientists hope the prosthetic retina will be made available to consumers.

“The ultimate aim is to allow people recognize faces, and to allow the completely blind to get around on their own,” said Mark Humayun, Professor of Ophthalmology at the Doheny Eye Institute, part of the University of Southern California. “The first phase began in 2002, and the results were not what we expected: we thought they would only see light and dark, but they have done far better than that.”

An early version of the prosthetic retina has already been fitted to six patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative and incurable eye condition that affects 1 in 3,500 people. All have recovered the ability to detect light and motion, to make out large letters and to distinguish between objects such as a table knife and a plate.

The second-generation device, which contains 60 light-sensitive electrodes compared with 16 in the previous model, is now starting trials. Additional improvements are expected within five to seven years with an implant that will enable previously blind people to recognize faces.

“Perhaps what we’re most excited about in this next study is we will be able to test the new device with patients at their homes, churches, schools and similar locations,” Professor Humayun said.

The new technology will not be able to aid the sight of those patients who are blind because of severe optic nerve damage, such as that caused by glaucoma, or because of a stroke.

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