Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — In a groundbreaking medical advancement, researchers at Monash University in Australia have unveiled the world’s first bionic eye, providing new hope for millions of people living with blindness. The innovative technology, known as the Gennaris Bionic Vision System, aims to restore vision for those with untreatable blindness, potentially revolutionizing healthcare.
The Gennaris Bionic Vision System was the result of nearly a decade of research and development. This technology bypasses damaged optic nerves that usually transmit visual information from the eye to the brain. Instead, it directly sends signals to the brain’s visual cortex, enabling users to perceive images.
At the core of this technology are wireless implants that stimulate the brain with electrical signals. Up to 11 thumbnail-sized implants can be positioned on the brain’s surface. Then, a custom-designed headgear equipped with a wireless transmitter and camera captures visual data and relays it to the implants.
These implants then generate small electrical pulses that stimulate brain cells, which interpret the signals as visual information. Users can perceive basic shapes and outlines, aiding navigation and object recognition.
Following successful trials on sheep, where the technology demonstrated minimal adverse effects and seamless integration into the brain, researchers are now preparing for the first human clinical trials in Melbourne.
The upcoming trials will determine whether the bionic eye can effectively restore vision in human patients, potentially paving the way for widespread use.
A Revolutionary of Vision Restoration
The Gennaris system mimics the natural structure of the eye, overcoming challenges faced by earlier bionic vision systems. Unlike previous attempts that struggled to replicate the retina’s curved design for a wide field of view, this system achieves a more natural perception of vision.
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Current artificial eyes provide a 100-degree field of view—slightly narrower than the human eye’s 130 degrees—but far superior to earlier flat-sensor technologies, which maxed out at 70 degrees. Additionally, the use of responsive nanowire technology drastically reduces photo-processing time, enhancing the system’s performance.
The team envisions broader applications for this technology, including assisting individuals with neurological disorders such as paralysis. By stimulating different parts of the brain, the system could eventually extend its functionality to address a range of medical conditions.
However, there is still work to be done, including improving the system’s ability to capture and process a wider range of visual information. The Gennaris Bionic Vision System marks a significant step toward restoring independence and improving the quality of life for people with untreatable blindness.
This pioneering effort underscores the potential of cutting-edge technology to reshape the future of medicine. The human clinical trials would mark a significant step toward revolutionizing blindness treatment and bringing this life-changing technology closer to widespread adoption.
(Raidi/Agung)
