The device receives wireless data from the camera which it then translates into electronic signals that are sent to the brain, restoring sight. (photo and caption courtesy of NPR)
Technology. Love it or hate it – it continues to shape and change the world. Second Sight Medical Products - a company based in Sylmar CA, is in the process of harnessing technology to help those with macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa. On their workbench, a bionic eye.
How it works. The bionic eye was designed to be paired with a special set of frames – frames that contain a small video camera. These frames send visual data to the implanted bionic eye, which in turn activates the eye to create electrodes sent to the brain. The brain interprets these electrodes as visual queues, helping the patient interact with the environment.
Results thus far. Patients can find doors and follow the lines of the door. Most patients cannot read [normal size print], and of those who have the ability to read can only make out large letters. On an interesting side note – there are emotional benefits resulting from these tests, which are probably not on the lab sheets. Brian Mech (VP for Second Sight) notes, “There’s a lot of crying, a lot of smiling,” he says. “It’s a sensory input that they haven’t had in a very long time, and so they’re excited.”
Blogger’s take: Initially I was a bit underwhelmed by the results, but the methodology and implementation of the bionic eye was mind blowing! Albeit in the early stages, I’m sure they are going to have greater results with further testing and development. Now only if they could get the eye to shoot lasers…
Via NPR
Incredible!
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