We brought you the news yesterday of a sensor-equipped contact lens that helps to monitor the eye at all times. While that is certainly impressive eye-related technology, we’ve received word today that Bionic Vision Australia has a prototype bionic eye ready to be implanted into Australia’s first recipient of such technology.
The prototype was developed by researchers at the University of New South Wales and is set to offer improved vision for patients who suffer from degenerative vision loss. The bionic eye is still in the testing phase and is comprised of a miniature camera attached to glasses. The camera receives visual information and converts it into electrical signals that then “directly stimulate surviving neurons in the retina.”
Professor Anthony Burkitt, the research director of Bionic Vision Australia, had the following to say: “We anticipate that this retinal implant will provide users with increased mobility and independence, and that future versions of the implant will eventually allow recipients to recognise faces and read large print.” The team has set the ambitious goal of providing bionic vision to patients suffering from degenerative vision loss within five years.
Have a look at the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at the bionic eye and be sure to let us know what you think of the exciting technology in the comments section. You can also read the full press release here.
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