Artificial Retina

Posted by Veeger on 04-24-2026, 17:02 1 0

Core Idea
Researchers in South Korea have developed a near‑infrared–sensitive artificial retina that can partially restore vision in cases of photoreceptor degeneration—and potentially create an entirely new “infrared vision channel.”

Key Points

1. Why this matters
Many forms of blindness come from photoreceptor cell degeneration.
Retinal ganglion cells often remain functional even when photoreceptors fail.
This device bypasses damaged photoreceptors and stimulates ganglion cells directly.

2. What the artificial retina is
A thin, epiretinal implant combining:
NIR‑sensitive phototransistor array — detects near‑infrared light and converts it to electrical signals.
Liquid metal micropillar electrodes — soft, conductive pillars that deliver signals to ganglion cells while minimizing tissue damage.

3. How it works
Detects near‑infrared light (not normally visible to humans).
Converts NIR into electrical stimuli.
Stimulates retinal ganglion cells, which can still send signals to the brain.
Could allow both restoration of lost vision and perception of a new light spectrum.

4. Evidence from experiments
Ex vivo tests: No harmful effects on extracted retinal tissue.
In vivo tests on blind mice:
Behavioral changes and brain activity indicated restored light perception.
Mice responded to both visible and NIR light.
Device showed good biocompatibility.

5. Future potential
Human trials are still far off; results are preliminary.
If successful, the implant could:
Restore partial sight to people with photoreceptor degeneration.
Add a new sensory channel—perception of infrared light—without interfering with remaining natural vision.
The subjective experience of “infrared vision” is unknown and could be unlike any natural human perception.