In the US, there is a research program called the 'Artificial Retina Project' It is developing a "bionic eye" for people with disease of the retina. The goal is to allow patients with little or no light perception to gain unaided mobility.

It consists of a miniature camera and computer chip mounted on a pair of spectacles, and a small implant behind the ear linked to an array of electrodes attached to the cells of the retina. As an image is picked up by the camera, the information is converted into electronic signals that are passed via the implant to the electrodes on the retina, from where they travel via the optic nerve to the brain. Whats key is that the device processes information in real time.
 

The implant is manufactured by Second Sight Medical Products Inc and takes the place of the damaged photoreceptors. These devices are experimental and not yet commercially available.

The Argus 1 began testing in 2002. Six people received the retinal prostheses. It  consists of 16 electrodes embedded in an array. Each of these previously blind individuals gained the ability to detect light, identify objects in the surrounding environment, and perceive motion. To date one implant had to be removed for unrelated health reasons, one patient passed away, and the remaining four patients continue to use the device at home.

The Argus 2 began human testing in June 2008. Its the latest model of an artificial retina and due to miniaturization now has 60 electrodes. It incorporates revolutionary DOE national laboratory technologies and is designed to last a lifetime. The array is surgically attached to the retinal surface and used in conjunction with an external camera and video-processing system to provide rudimentary sight to the implanted subjects. Fitting neatly into the eye’s socket, the new prosthesis is only about a fourth the size of the original retinal implant, thereby dramatically reducing surgery and, potentially, recovery times.

Surgeons at the Doheny Eye Institute (University of Southern California Medical Center) successfully tested the Argus 2 in 3three subjects blinded by retinitis pigmentosa (RP). They have rudimentary black and white vision restored, good enough to detect motion and obstacles.

A third, far less invasive and higher-resolution model is also under development. Professor Humayun from the Doheny Eye Institute says bionic eye technology is rapidly advancing and expects to have an eye with 1000 electrodes within the next four to five years. These eyes would give patients basic facial recognition.

 

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