More than 43 million people worldwide are blind. Over the last 30 years, that number has increased by about 50%. Most visually impaired people are born with normal vision, but lose their sight over time due to medical causes or accidents. In many cases, the visual cortex of the brain can still interpret electrical signals, but the eye, or the connection between the eye and the brain, is damaged or lost. By using implants to provide the correct electrical signals to the visual cortex, some form of vision can be restored. PhD researcher Tom van Nunen has designed and prototyped a wireless energy transfer system that safely and reliably connects to implants.
Light information is picked up by the eye and sent along with neuro-electrical signals to the visual cortex of the brain. Interpreting this input is what people perceive as they see it. It is known that even blind people can perceive visual cues when the cerebral cortex is stimulated by electrical signals.
By establishing a connection between an external image source, such as a camera, and electrodes implanted in the visual cortex, visually impaired individuals can experience a rough form of vision with these visual stimuli.
The NESTOR project, part of Van Nunens’ research, aims to create such a visual prosthesis. Brain implants the team is currently developing include systems for wireless data transfer, electrode control, and wireless energy transfer.
More than 43 million people worldwide are blind. Over the last 30 years, that number has increased by about 50%. Most visually impaired people are born with normal vision, but lose their sight over time due to medical causes or accidents. In many cases, the visual cortex of the brain can still interpret electrical signals, but the eye, or the connection between the eye and the brain, is damaged or lost. By using implants to provide the correct electrical signals to the visual cortex, some form of vision can be restored. PhD researcher Tom van Nunen has designed and prototyped a wireless energy transfer system that safely and reliably connects to implants.
Light information is picked up by the eye and sent along with neuro-electrical signals to the visual cortex of the brain. Interpreting this input is what people perceive as they see it. It is known that even blind people can perceive visual cues when the cerebral cortex is stimulated by electrical signals.
By establishing a connection between an external image source, such as a camera, and electrodes implanted in the visual cortex, blind individuals can experience a rough form of vision with these visual stimuli.
The NESTOR project, part of Van Nunens’ research, aims to create such a visual prosthesis. Brain implants the team is currently developing include systems for wireless data transfer, electrode control, and wireless energy transfer.
Original: Wireless power makes the blind see again
Than: Eindhoven University of Technology
