Bionic Vision

Researchers in two companies, Second Sight(California, USA) and Retina Implant AG(Germany), have recently developed retina implants that can restore vision to the blind. The devices are intended for use on patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disease that gradually takes away a person's vision. The devices supplement the dead photoreceptor cells left in the wake of the disease, and interfaces directly with the optic nerve to recreate vision. The devices can't recreate natural vision fully yet, but they provide a huge benefit for people who can't see at all.

The two systems fulfill the same functions, but in different approaches:

Second Sight's system utilizes an external camera to capture information and relays it to a processing unit worn on the patients belt. The processed image is then sent to antennae implanted around the eye, which then routes the image to an electrode array that stimulates remaining retinal cells in the patient. The design provides modular benefits to the system, as the camera and processing software can be upgraded as technology improves to increase resolution and clarity without having to redo surgery.

Retina Implant's design utilizes a camera that is built directly into the eye. This allows for more natural eye movement to the user, along with other benefits. However, the system is not as easily upgradable as Second Sight's system.

To read more about the comparisons between the two, click here: Source

Second Sight's system is on market in Europe and on clinical trials in the U.S, while Retina Implant's system is presently on clinical trials in both countries.

Video of Retina Implant's system in use