The good news is three subjects who received the implants have regained a semblance of eyesight, albeit reduced to a dull monochrome.
This recent breakthrough is the work of Retina Implant AG, a gathering of international medical talent and research based in Reutlingen, Germany. The awesome gizmo they’ve conceived is a tiny 3mm subretinal chip containing 1500 microphotodiodes. These send pulses to the brain that generate a 38 x 40 pixel grid.
How the Retina Implant Works
The hard science behind this miniscule piece of miracle tech is the microchip containing the above-mentioned microphotodiodes. Each microphotodiode has photocells plus an amplifying circuit and a stimulation electrode. It works this way: the photocell absorbs the light, triggering the electrodes that transmit to the visual cortex. Being newly developed technology, a separate power source is still needed, thus explaining the tiny power line extending to the back of the subject’s ear.
Just to round out the explanation on how this works, the amount of light received by the photocells determines the current of the electrodes, which stimulate retinal cells leading to visual sensations. This process essentially mimics the natural function of the retina, which is to convert light into neural signals that the brain can interpret as visual images.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Due to the freshness of its testing, there’s little chance the lucky once-blind subjects will be seeing in technicolor until the next great breakthrough. However, the fact that these individuals can perceive light and shapes, even in a monochrome format, is a significant step forward. This technology offers hope to millions of people suffering from retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.
One of the primary challenges facing the development of this technology is the need for a more compact and efficient power source. Currently, the power line extending to the back of the subject’s ear is a temporary solution. Researchers are working on integrating a wireless power system that would make the implant more user-friendly and less invasive.
Another area of ongoing research is improving the resolution of the visual images produced by the implant. The current 38 x 40 pixel grid is a good start, but it is far from the high-definition vision that most people enjoy. Scientists are exploring ways to increase the number of microphotodiodes on the chip, which would enhance the clarity and detail of the visual information transmitted to the brain.
Moreover, the long-term biocompatibility of the implant is another critical factor. Ensuring that the body does not reject the implant and that it can function effectively over many years is essential for its success. Ongoing clinical trials and research are focused on addressing these issues to make the technology viable for widespread use.
The work of Retina Implant AG represents a remarkable advancement in the field of visual prosthetics. While there are still many hurdles to overcome, the progress made so far is promising. The ability to restore even a semblance of vision to those who have lost it is a testament to the incredible potential of medical technology. As research continues, we can look forward to even more significant breakthroughs that will improve the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments.
Via Medgadget
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