Digital technology may help restore sight

Researchers in Scotland are working on a prosthetic retina that could restore sight to blind people.

The Scotsman said the technology, which is similar to that found in digital cameras, would be implanted into the eye to stimulate a retina that was no longer working.

The micro-electronic device could translate light into electrical impulses, stimulating the retina and fooling the brain into believing the eye is still in working order, the newspaper said.

Dr. Keith Mathieson, who leads the team at Glasgow University developing the device, said scientists are five to 10 years away from fitting the artificial retina to humans. If successful, the invention could transform the lives of up to a million people who have gone blind, the newspaper said.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International

Citation: Digital technology may help restore sight (2006, July 13) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2006-07-digital-technology-sight.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Research proposes new MRI technology for non-invasive assessment of interstitial fluid flow

 shares

Feedback to editors