The Retinal Implant Powered By Light That Could Cure Blindness
Scientists working at Stanford University in California have taken another step forward in the quest to cure blindness.
As with similar treatments, their method works by inserting retinal implants into the back of the eye, stimulating the nerves which send information to the brain. Two men in the UK have recently undergone a similar treatment, using retinal implants that rely on internal wiring and a battery worn behind the ear.
So what is so special about this development and what does it entail?
Restored vision powered by the Sun
The researchers at Stamford University have gone a step further and developed an implant that is powered by light, removing the need for batteries or wires. The patient wears a special pair of glasses which beam near-infrared light into their eyes.
A spokesperson for the research team confirmed that their method was a step forward by eliminating the necessity for complex wiring and electronics.
Is curing blindness becoming a simple procedure?
The special glasses are fitted with a video camera which records what the patient is looking at, then beams the information straight to the retinal chip via a handheld computer which processes the images. Infrared light is required as natural light is far too weak to act as a power source.
The researchers also said how the surgical procedure was much simpler than others revolving around retinal prosthetic as the implant is thin and wireless.
"Such a fully integrated wireless implant promises the restoration of useful vision to patients blinded by degenerative retinal diseases."
Age-related blindness a growing problem
Dr Keith Mathieson, now at the Institute of Photonics at the University of Strathclyde, who worked on the project, said that "Age-related macular degeneration is a huge medical challenge” which he said is continuing to grow due to the aging population of the world.
"This means that innovative, practical solutions are essential if sight is to be restored to people around the world with the condition.
The retinal implant, which is just 0.03mm thick has not yet been tested on human patients, has been shown to work with rats. The team hope that the process will allow blind people to be able to read large print and recognise faces.
This is a huge development in the science and health world and the hope is that it may be able to change lives in years to come.
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