World's First Bionic Eye Implanted
You can find a link to the news article here and another related article here.
After a very interesting SNBAL lecture over the up-and-coming of prosthetic research, I couldn't help but be curious to see what the latest innovations have been. As it turns out, we truly are on the cusp of revolutionary technology that can change the way people see the world -- literally.
Dianne Ashworth, 54, was the first patient ever to be fitted with a prototype bionic eye at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Australia. After the device was "turned on" it was confirmed that she could see spots of light, confirming the amazing potential for more devices to come. Ashworth was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary disease that results in degeneration of the retina, and lost her vision 20 years ago. Up to date, there had not been any effective treatments for this condition. But thanks to recent research and development, she is able to see flashes of light and shapes, even if for now it is constrained to when she is in the laboratory. For now, it has been determined that the bionic eye can help the patient determine stark contrasts like light and dark surfaces.
The device works by sending electric impulses to the retina for stimulation, which then consequently sends signals to the brain for image processing. While the bionic eye itself is still in the early works, consisting of 24 electrodes and a small wire extending behind the ear to a receptor, it paves the way for new research in the field. At the current rate, we could observe incredible evolution of the technology within the next few years.
I found this news to be incredibly exciting, especially considering that according to the World Health Organization, 39 million people worldwide are blind, and another 246 million have "low vision." I think that as this technology progresses, we can effectively treat blindness and other macular degenerative disorders.
After a very interesting SNBAL lecture over the up-and-coming of prosthetic research, I couldn't help but be curious to see what the latest innovations have been. As it turns out, we truly are on the cusp of revolutionary technology that can change the way people see the world -- literally.
Dianne Ashworth, 54, was the first patient ever to be fitted with a prototype bionic eye at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Australia. After the device was "turned on" it was confirmed that she could see spots of light, confirming the amazing potential for more devices to come. Ashworth was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary disease that results in degeneration of the retina, and lost her vision 20 years ago. Up to date, there had not been any effective treatments for this condition. But thanks to recent research and development, she is able to see flashes of light and shapes, even if for now it is constrained to when she is in the laboratory. For now, it has been determined that the bionic eye can help the patient determine stark contrasts like light and dark surfaces.
The device works by sending electric impulses to the retina for stimulation, which then consequently sends signals to the brain for image processing. While the bionic eye itself is still in the early works, consisting of 24 electrodes and a small wire extending behind the ear to a receptor, it paves the way for new research in the field. At the current rate, we could observe incredible evolution of the technology within the next few years.
I found this news to be incredibly exciting, especially considering that according to the World Health Organization, 39 million people worldwide are blind, and another 246 million have "low vision." I think that as this technology progresses, we can effectively treat blindness and other macular degenerative disorders.
posted by Mallory Carson at 9:40 AM
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