The artificial retina is one of the newest, most exciting breakthroughs in the world of modern eye medicine. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has been assigned with the task of developing this amazing prosthesis. Just how amazing is the artificial retina? Thanks to advanced technology and medicine, this eye implant will be capable of allowing blind people to read and recognize faces. They will also make it possible for blind individuals to regain their ability to move around using sight.
Who Can Use the Artificial Retina?
The artificial retina is intended for those who have lost their sight due to retinitis pigmentosa as well as age related macular degeneration. The beginning of this journey had positive results, with six patients undergoing successful implants. The second generation artificial retina improved the results. The third generation is planned to be the most remarkable.
How Does the Artificial Retina Work?
The artificial retina is implanted into the eye. It adds an electrode array to the top of the damaged retina. This array will stimulate the undamaged nerves that are found just underneath. The image is actually transmitted through a wireless connection to a small video camera mounted on a pair of glasses. Each new generation has increased the number of electrodes, from 16 in the first generation to 60 in the second. The third is planned to use over 200 electrodes, which improves the device’s ability to transmit an image. Although it may not be a perfect solution, it is an enormous improvement for anyone who has completely lost their sight.