An innovative artificial eye mechanism could eventually help to restore vision loss caused by ailments such as advanced macular degeneration (AMD), according to World News Resource.
The article indicated that research included in Nature Photonics demonstrates that a new artificial eye system, currently being tested on rats, might ultimately lead to advancement such as the ability to reverse vision loss caused by degenerative eye disorders.
The system is made up of, first, solar panel-like devices that are surgically inserted beneath the retina and, second, special goggles that come with pocket PC technology that process visual data received for a small camera. The Standford University School of Medicine team behind the research said in the article that the the images show up on a microdisplay inserted in the goggles. The images are then sent from the microsplay to the solar panels inserted in the retina, which in turn directs the images directly to the brain.
Daniel Palanker, associate professor of ophthalmology at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the lead study author, said in the article that the system works in a fashion that is similar to solar panels that some people might have on their houses. Solar panels for houses convert light into electricity that can be used to power stoves, fridges and microwaves. However, the solar panels used by the research team converts light into electricity that is sent to the retina.
If things go according to plan, the system could eventually be used to help people living with retinal degenerative conditions like AMD and retinitis pigmentosa to regain their vision, according to the article. The article added that AMD, which largely impacts the elderly, is the primary cause of seeing impairment in North America. The article cited the Foundation Fighting Blindness as adding that around 1.5 million people across the globe go blind as a result of retinitis pigmentosa.
While the researchers are currently trying out this system on rats, they are hoping to conduct human tests and are therefore on the lookout for sponsors. The article cautioned that it is not uncommon for research that looks promising while being conducted on animals to fall short when conducted on human beings.
Reference: http://worldnewsresource.com/new-system-being-tested-to-aid-vision-loss/1107/mary-ann-boulette