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.