The team at Monash University builds a bionic eye that can help blind individuals see again
The team allegedly claims that this is the world’s first bionic eye. Scientists have been trying to find a cure for blindness for a while. However, none of the solutions has been helpful on a larger scale to date. The bionic eye is under development for a decade now.
System Mechanism
The mechanism of the system involves bypassing damaged optic nerves. It will allow signals to transmit from the retina to the occipital lobe. The user will wear a custom headgear that has a camera and wireless transmitter installed. In addition, researchers will implant a set of 9mm tiles in the brain, which will receive signals from the receiver.
In a statement, Arthur Lowery, professor at Monash University said,
“Our design creates a visual pattern from combinations of up to 172 spots of light (phosphenes) which provides information for the individual to navigate indoor and outdoor environments, and recognize the presence of people and objects around them.”
Furthermore, the researchers at the university are looking forward to treating other neurological conditions. For example, limb paralysis, through their advanced system.
“If successful, the MVG team will look to create a new commercial enterprise focused on providing a vision to people with untreatable blindness and movement to the arms of people paralyzed by quadriplegia, transforming their health care.”
Ray of Hope for the Blind
This system will bring hope to all those who have lost their vision. The bionic eye will give them the chance to experience seeing things. Moreover, researchers have tested this bionic eye in sheep by implanting it into their brains. They saw minimal side effects after the implantation.
They are now ready to take it to the next step, which is the first-ever human clinical trial. Furthermore, it will be conducted in Melbourne.
