A groundbreaking retinal implant is offering hope to individuals suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD),a leading cause of vision loss in people over 60. The implant, developed by Pixium Vision, aims to restore some degree of functional vision by bypassing damaged photoreceptor cells in the retina. Recent trials have demonstrated significant improvements in vision for a significant percentage of patients.
The implant works by converting light into electrical signals that stimulate the remaining healthy retinal cells. These signals are then transmitted to the brain, allowing patients to perceive shapes, movement, and possibly even some level of detail. The current generation of implants focuses on restoring central vision, which is crucial for tasks like reading and recognizing faces.