The bionic eye

Camera and electrodes successfully stimulates retina after surgery.

Moorfields Eye Hospital surgeons have successfully implanted an artificial retinal device, a so-called bionic eye, into the eyes of two blind patients.

The clinical study gives hope to sufferers of hereditary eye diseases affecting the retina and causing blindness.

The ‘bionic eye’ consists of a tiny camera and transmitter mounted on a pair of glasses, from which the camera transmits a wireless signal to the ultra-thin electronic receiver and electrode panel that are implanted into the eye and attached to the retina.

Electrodes can then stimulate the remaining retinal nerves transmitting a signal along the optic nerve to the brain. The brain can then perceive patterns of light and dark spots.

At this stage, the trial aimed to restore a basic level of vision, such as dark and light spots, to people suffering severe blindness caused by the inherited eye disease retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

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