Researchers at Monash University in Australia have developed the world’s first bionic eye, offering hope to millions suffering from blindness. This groundbreaking innovation, named the “Gennaris Bionic Vision System,” is poised to revolutionize the treatment of untreatable blindness by restoring vision to those who have lost it.
The Gennaris system is the result of nearly 10 years of research and development. It functions by bypassing damaged optic nerves that typically transmit visual information from the eyes to the brain. Instead, it sends signals directly to the brain’s vision center, enabling users to perceive images. After successful trials on animals, the system is now preparing for its first human clinical trials in Melbourne. In tests on sheep, the technology was successfully implanted with minimal adverse effects, marking a crucial step towards its potential widespread use.
At the core of this technology is a wireless implant that delivers patterned electrical stimulation to the brain. Developed by MVG, the system involves up to 11 thumbnail-sized implants that can be placed on the brain’s surface. These implants wirelessly stimulate brain cells with tiny electrical pulses, which the brain interprets as visual information. When placed on the visual cortex, these pulses enable users to perceive basic shapes and outlines, aiding in navigation and object recognition.
The Gennaris system includes a miniature camera mounted on custom-designed headgear worn by the user. The camera captures high-resolution images, which are processed by a vision processor unit. This unit extracts essential features from the images and transmits them wirelessly to up to 11 “tiles” implanted in the brain’s primary visual cortex. Each tile contains its own circuitry, a wireless receiver, and 43 microelectrodes that stimulate neurons, allowing the recipient to perceive visual information.
What makes the Gennaris system unique is its ability to replicate the eye’s natural concave structure, which is crucial for a wide field of vision. Unlike earlier bionic eye models that struggled with flat-sensor technology, the Gennaris system offers a 100-degree field of view—surpassing previous systems that provided only a 70-degree range. Additionally, advanced nanowires enhance image processing speed, providing a more responsive and natural vision experience.
This study, which began in 2020, marks a transformative moment in the future of blindness treatment. The upcoming human trials will be critical in assessing the system’s ability to restore vision and bring this revolutionary technology closer to helping millions of blind individuals worldwide.
