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 A
new breakthrough in optical technology may soon allow degenerative
blind patients to see once again thanks to a new retinal implant made
by the Boston Retinal Implant Project.
This
twenty-year old program puts together the combined studies of 22
programs around the world working to restore vision to those suffering
from degenerative blindness. The new bio-electronic implant delivers images to the brain via a connector around the width of a human hair.
The project is nearing completion and an FDA grant application is currently in the works to allow the team to
implement the first human surgeries within the next few years. The only
downside to the operation is that this will only benefit blind patients
who were once able to see and still have partially intact optic nerve
cells.
The device will basically be implanted behind the retina
and function as a light transmitter. While the images transferred to
the brain may not provide perfect detail, it will allow patients to at
least detect shapes and obstacles in their path.
The designers
of the implant also have to make sure that the device is resistant to
the corrosive effects of saltwater as well as water vapor. Fortunately,
they mentioned that a titanium-encased, corrosive-resistant build of
the implant should be ready to roll out by this summer.
This new
device, while far from perfect, is a definite start for those deprived
of sight to once again gain the confidence and the ability to see a
world that would have been permanently lost to them.
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