Yes, there are robotic eyes, often referred to as bionic eyes or visual prostheses, that are surgically implanted to restore some level of vision.
What are Bionic Eyes?
Bionic eyes are not robotic eyes that replace the entire human eye, but rather sophisticated electrical implants designed to help people with significant vision loss. According to our reference, a bionic eye, also called a visual prosthesis, is an electrical implant that is surgically inserted into the eye to improve light sensitivity and create a sense of vision for individuals with advanced vision loss.
How do Bionic Eyes Work?
These devices work by:
- Improving light sensitivity in the eye.
- Creating a sense of vision by stimulating the remaining cells in the retina or bypassing the damaged eye altogether and stimulating the brain directly.
Examples of Bionic Eye Technology
While the technology is still evolving, examples of bionic eyes include:
- Retinal implants: These stimulate the remaining cells in the retina, helping the person perceive patterns of light.
- Cortical visual prostheses: These bypass the eye and optic nerve entirely, stimulating the visual cortex of the brain directly.
Benefits of Bionic Eyes
The primary benefit of bionic eyes is to:
- Provide a sense of vision to those who have lost it.
- Improve spatial awareness and navigation.
- Enhance the quality of life for individuals with advanced vision loss.
