Scientists develop bionic eye

by Stephen H. Indeck    June 02, 2008

Researchers unveiled details of a fully implantable visual prosthesis for patients who have lost their sight through diseases of the retina. Sufferers of retinitis pigmentosa have light sensitive cells in the retina destroyed, but the connection of the nerve cells to the brain remains intact. The system comprises the implant and an external transmitter integrated in a spectacle-frame.
Implant system converts the image patterns into interpretable stimulation signals, and data and energy are transferred to the implant by a telemetric link. The intact cells are innervated by means of 3D stimulation electrodes that rest against the retina like small studs.

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