Chinese researchers develop self-powered retinal implant that may restore and enhance vision

A research team in China has developed an innovative retinal prosthesis that could restore sight to people with acquired blindness. The breakthrough device, powered by light and requiring no external energy source, has shown promising results in tests on blind mice and non-human primates. This is reported by China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.

The implant, developed by scientists from Fudan University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, replaces damaged photoreceptor cells in the retina. When exposed to light, it generates a small electric current that stimulates the surviving nerve cells, enabling visual perception.

The prosthesis is composed of a tellurium nanowire network and can be inserted through minimally invasive subretinal surgery. Thanks to laser technology, the implant can be customised to individual needs, with pieces as small as one-twentieth of a fingernail.

One of the most groundbreaking features of the implant is its ability to extend vision beyond the natural human range. It enables perception of infrared light at 940 and 1,550 nanometres – well beyond the typical human visual spectrum of 380 to 780 nanometres. The prosthesis also achieves the highest optical current density reported to date.

According to experts, future directions for the research include improving the speed and accuracy of visual processing in living systems.

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