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The Wide-View device
In 2012 an early prototype of the bionic eye was implanted in three patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa (an eye disease). All of the three patients reported being able to see flashes of light because of the stimulated electrodes. The prototype’s first design was used in the lab to help learn more about the brain and how it interprets different electrical stimulation of the implant. It is called the Wide-View device. -
The Wide-View device
The Wide-View device is a retinal implant that uses some of the same technologies which were used in the cochlear implant. This implant chip has about 98 electrodes that stimulate the retina and enables patients to notice certain things. The Wide-View device is the most suitable for patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa. -
The High-Acuity device
In 2013 the researchers connected an external camera to the implant and the patients were able to recognise basic shapes, letters and numbers this next step in the evolution of the bionic eye is called; High-Acuity device. -
The High-Acuity device
This device aims to provide functional central vision that will assist tasks such as; face recognition and being able to read a large print. This implant contains 256 electrodes and allows patients to discover more detailed visions. The first patient for the High-Acuity device will be someone with Retinitis Pigmentosa also they will be developing technology so that it is suitable for any age. -
The 44-Electrode device
In 2014 participants used a portable system and camera to mobilize a laboratory setting. The patients were able to use visual information from the device to help identify and avoid objects. This device included a retinal implant with 24 electrodes and a small lead wire that go’s from the back of the eye to a connector behind the ear. This device is known as the 44-Electrode prototype and it is designed to help researchers understand more about the prototype and how the bionic eye can function.
