Light-Powered Bionic Eye

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18061174

This article is about a new prosthetic retina that has been invented at Standford University in California. This new piece of technology is different from similar prosthetic retinas as it is powered by Electromagnetic Radiation, specifically infrared rays. Natural light is unfortunately not strong enough to provide sufficient energy to the device. In order to gain sufficient energy, the individual must wear a pair of glasses that are specially designed to beam infrared light from ones surroundings onto the retina chip in the eye. This initiates an electrical signal which is passed onto the nerves, allowing an individual who is actually completely blind to see at least shapes and colours of objects; quite an improvement from pure black! Although the device thus far has only been used in rats, I believe it is only a matter of time before it is put to use in humans. This design would be a great step forward as it aims to eliminate wiring and complex electronics in present retinal prosthetic devices while serving the same function. I think this is a great invention and look forward to improvements in the future that may possibly restore human sight completely.

This is an amazing idea and invention even though it is still in early stages, but i completely agree with you Cassidy that it is only a matter of time before the becomes available for public. The only flaw is that a device such as this would most likely only be available to people who can afford it, not allowing all people with blindness with to access it, especially because it is also much harder for people with handicaps such as blindness to find stable careers. Hopefully they can find a way to make it effective and relatively afford for the public also !