‘Bionic Eye’ Concept To Be Established Using Computer-Based Model

Thousands of ill-fated people have been losing their eyesight due to several degenerative eye diseases. According to reliable statistical data, around one in 4,000 people across the world suffer from the genetic disorder, known as retinitis pigmentosa. However, with the phenomenal advancement in technology, researchers along with eye specialists have designed a novel approach to partially recover the eyesight in people suffering from this syndrome. The first-ever prosthetic device fabricated for the retina, referred to as Argus II, can rejuvenate some parts of the human eye, thereby providing the users some vision enough to perceive shapes and observe movements.

Still, there is an overwhelming need for development in the eyecare sector. However, this ‘Bionic Eye’ concept is anticipated to be a significantly revolutionary technology, as it would provide visually impaired people some interaction with the surroundings. This recent development is just a beginning, and the researchers are working on providing further developments in the field of ophthalmology.

Gianluca Lazzi, an engineer at the University of Southern California, stated that a team of researchers at the university has been aiming to develop a mechanism for the bionic eye that can replicate the complex structure of the human retina. He, along with his team, began their research from a computer model of the human retina that depicts the complexity of it. The computerized model showed the replica of a bunch of millions of nerve cells in the eye dispersing in different directions. It showed a comprehensive description of the networking properties and physical attributes associated with the retina.

Lazzi further stated that the technology they recently developed can design a model that was neither seen nor imagined before. The researchers, with the aid of concept, can imitate the behavioral structure of the nerves and study the precise functions of every nerve in the human eye. By studying the eye model comprising a nerve system, the researchers could ascertain the transmission path of information from the brain to the eye and vice versa. The researchers developed similar approaches to enhance color vision and clarity in their upcoming retinal prosthetic. This research was funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation.