Artificial Retina

Kathy, blind for over 30 years due to retinitis pigmentosa, finds hope in an artificial retina developed with NSF support. The device, implanted in her eye, connects to a camera in glasses, sending signals to her brain. Kathy is one of 20 patients using this technology, which allows her to perceive light contrasts. The device's software can be upgraded, improving her vision over time. Future versions may enhance resolution, potentially allowing users to recognize faces. Kathy's journey represents a step towards a brighter future for those with hereditary eye diseases.

What is Retinitis Pigmentosa?

• A genetic disease causing visual loss

• A condition affecting only the elderly

• A temporary vision impairment

• A curable eye disease

What makes someone a good candidate for the artificial retina device?

• Being blind due to retinal blindness with intact eye circuitry

• Having partial vision loss due to cataracts

• Being under 30 years old

• Having a history of eye infections

How does the artificial retina device work?

• It uses medication to restore vision

• It enhances natural vision with special glasses

• It uses a camera to send signals to a chip in the retina

• It replaces the entire eye

What does Kathy initially see with the device?

• Clear images of her surroundings

• Colorful patterns

• Flashes of light indicating contrast

• Complete darkness

How does Kathy's brain adapt to the new visual signals?

• Only adapts to bright lights

• Instantly recognizes all objects

• Requires a learning period similar to child development

• Does not adapt at all

What recent improvement did Kathy experience with the device?

• Seeing the moon for the first time in years

• Recognizing her husband's face

• Reading a book

• Driving a car

What future advancements are expected for the artificial retina technology?

• Making it available for all types of blindness

• Reducing the size of the device

• Eliminating the need for surgery

• Increasing the resolution to over 1000 pixels