A team of researchers from the University Miguel Hernandez
(Spain), the Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience (Netherlands), and the John
A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah (USA) recently published details about
how they were able to successfully restore vision in a woman using a brain
implant.
The scientists oversaw a series of tests with the blind
volunteer to eventually recreate her vision. First, a neurosurgeon implanted a
microelectrode array into her visual cortex, which was composed of 100
microneedles intended to stimulate neurons near the electrodes. The woman wore
eyeglasses outfitted with a mini video camera which translated the data
collected and sent to the brains electrodes. Finally, the brain simulated the
image by surrounding neurons to produce white areas of light known as
“phosphenes.”
A former science teacher, the woman had been blind for 16
years. No complications were seen post-op, and scientists concluded the implant
did not affect brain function.
Lines, shapes, and letters were visible to the blind woman.
The researchers developed a game to help her strengthen and recognize the
different phosphene shapes. Because of her extensive involvement and unique
insight, the woman became a co-author of the study.
Professor Eduardo Fernandez said, “These results are very
exciting because they demonstrate both safety and efficacy and could help to
achieve a long-held dream of many scientists, which is the transfer information
from the outside world directly to the visual cortex of blind individuals,
thereby restoring a rudimentary form of sight. Although these preliminary
results are very encouraging, we should be aware that there are still a number
of important unanswered questions and that many problems have to be solved
before a cortical visual prosthesis can be considered a viable clinical
therapy.”
Professor R. A. Normann, a study co-author, said, “It could
allow them to identify a person, doorways, or cars. It could increase
independence and safety. That’s what we’re working toward.”
Professor P. Roelfsema, a co-author in the study, said,
“This new study provides proof-of-principle and demonstrates that our previous
findings in monkey experiments can be translated to humans. This work is likely
to become a milestone for the development of new technologies that could
transform the treatment of blindness.”
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Written by the
digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.
