A Neuroimplant to Restore Vision

A wireless brain implant designed to restore vision, developed at the Illinois Institute of Technology, was recently implanted successfully in the third participant of an ongoing clinical trial.

During the procedure, surgeons placed 34 stimulators with 544 electrodes into the completely blind patient's brain. He will now begin extensive training to learn how to use his new form of vision.

The device bypasses damaged optic nerves, transmitting signals directly to the visual cortex of the brain.

To begin with, the brain gradually learns to interpret simple visual signals: the person begins to see glowing dots and the outlines of large objects. Over time, they can associate these patterns with objects, direction, obstacles, and learn to navigate their surroundings.

The technology is designed for people with damage to the retina or optic nerve for whom conventional vision recovery methods do not work.

"For people who are completely blind, even the ability to perceive a small amount of light can profoundly impact their daily lives," explains Janet P. Szlyk, president of The Chicago Lighthouse's Hilton Center for Prosthetic Research.

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