Artificial eye: The future of visual prostheses and bionic implants

Can you imagine a world in which blind people regain their sight thanks to technology?

Just a few decades ago, this was a vision straight out of science fiction literature. Today, scientists and engineers from around the world are making breakthroughs in neuroscience, electronics and artificial intelligence, bringing us closer to the moment when vision loss will no longer be irreversible.

Artificial eye and bionic implants are technologies that could completely transform the lives of millions of people around the world. Advances in neural engineering, miniaturization and image processing are making these devices more and more advanced, and their effectiveness continues to grow. Replacement of damaged light receptors in the eye, direct stimulation of the optic nerve or visual cortex, and interfacing with artificial intelligence-based systems are just some of the technologies that could enable blind people to fully regain their sight in the future.

Are we on the threshold of a revolution in medicine and technology? How do today's visual prostheses work and what might they look like in the future? Let's dive into the fascinating world of bionics and neuroengineering.

How does the artificial eye work?

Sight is one of the most complex human senses. The process of vision begins with light entering the eye through the cornea and lens, then focusing on the retina. The retina consists of millions of light-sensitive cells (cones and rods) that convert light into electrical impulses. These impulses are then sent through the optic nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as images.

When the retina, optic nerve or visual cortex is damaged by injury, disease (such as pigmentary retinopathy) or degeneration (such as from aging), vision loss occurs. In such cases, traditional treatments, such as surgery or medication, prove ineffective.

Artificial eye and vision implants try to recreate the process of vision by directly stimulating healthy elements of the visual system or replacing damaged parts of the eye. There are three main types of implants:

1. retinal implants

• Used for retinal damage, but with preserved optic nerve function.
• A miniature electrode is implanted in the retina.
• Signals from an external camera (mounted on glasses, for example) are converted into electrical impulses and sent to the electrode, which stimulates the retinal nerve cells.
• The received impulses are then sent to the brain via the optic nerve.

➡️ Example: Argus II - One of the world's first commercial retinal implants, developed by Second Sight. It enables patients with pigmentary retinopathy to perceive shapes, contrasts and movement.

 2. cortical implants.

• Used in cases of optic nerve damage or total blindness.
• Electrodes are implanted directly into the visual cortex of the brain, bypassing the damaged optic nerve.
• The image from the camera is converted into electrical impulses that directly stimulate the visual cortex, allowing interpretation of the image.

➡️ Example: CORTIVIS - A cortical implant developed in Spain that allows patients to “see” contrasts and shapes through direct brain stimulation.

 3. Optical prosthesis with camera.

• An external camera (often mounted on glasses) sends images to a processor, which converts them into electrical impulses.
• The signals are then sent to an implant in the retina or directly to the brain.

➡️ Example: Orion - An experimental system from Second Sight that allows signals from the camera to be sent directly to the visual cortex.

Technologies driving artificial eye development

Nanotechnology - Enables miniaturization of implants to improve precision and comfort.

 Artificial intelligence (AI) - Algorithms learn to recognize patterns and adapt images to the patient's perception.

 Wireless power - Modern implants use inductive technology, eliminating the need for cables.

 Neural interfaces - Enable more accurate imaging by connecting directly to the nervous system.

 Benefits and challenges

✅ Benefits

✔️ Regain basic vision-even contours and light improve quality of life.

✔️ Improving orientation in space.

✔️ Integration with augmented reality (AR) - enables facial and object recognition, for example.

❌ Challenges

❌ High cost - Prostheses are very expensive, which limits their availability.

❌ Resolution issues - Current devices provide limited image quality.

❌ Brain compatibility - Each brain processes signals differently.

The future of the artificial eye

Scientists predict that in the next 10-15 years:

Image resolution will approach natural vision.

Integration with AI will enable automatic recognition of faces, objects and spaces.

The cost of implants will come down, making the technology more accessible.

The next step could be the use of genetic engineering and quantum optics, which could open the door to full retinal regeneration and natural vision.

 Artificial eye - a new era of perception

The artificial eye is not just a medical miracle - it's also proof of how technology can change lives. Soon blind people will not only be able to regain their sight, but also experience the world in a whole new way, with the help of AI, AR and neural reality.