
Scientists around the world are researching to find a cure for the blind. Various bionic solutions found so far have not been able to help blind individuals to a great extent. Although the team at Monash University claims to have created a system that allows the blind to see again. According to them, it is the world’s first bionic eye.
The bionic eye, called the ‘generic bionic vision system’, has been under development for nearly a decade, allowing signals to be sent from the retina to the brain’s vision center, bypassing the damaged optic nerve. The user has to wear a custom-designed headgear, in which a camera and a wireless transmitter are installed. A set of 9 mm tiles will be implanted in the brain that receives signals from the above receiver.
“Our design uses 172 spots of light (phosphorescence) to create a visual pattern that provides information for people to move in and out of the house, thereby helping them to recognize the environment and the people around them,” said Professor Arthur Lowry from the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering of Monash University. A person will be able to detect the presence of objects. Additionally, researchers are trying to advance their system to help people suffering from neurological conditions such as amputations, quadriplegia, etc.
If successful, the MBG team will focus on building a new commercial venture that will provide movement to the arms of people paralyzed by medical blindness and quadriplegia, thereby improving their healthcare. With this system, there is some light at the end of the tunnel for people who have lost their vision, they will be able to see or feel things through bionic eyes.