This is not yet an ideal prosthesis that would match the quality of the original. However, scientists are getting closer to achieving this state of affairs.
However, we are slowly approaching this point in history. At least thanks to a joint synthetic eye project developed by scientists from the USA and Hong Kong. Or rather not synthetic, but biomimetic, as scientists say about their invention.
Biomimetic eye - a new quality for dentures
The prosthesis developed by common forces , at first glance (hehe), looks almost identical to the biological original. It is all about sphericity itself, which, contrary to appearances, is not so easy to achieve in eye prostheses.
The biggest problem in this matter is the image recording surface - the existing dentures are equipped with a flat wall through which the light reaches the sensors installed inside. Apart from any aesthetic aspects of such a solution, the flat surface limits the field of view of such a prosthesis.
In the case of biomimetic eyeball, scientists managed to maintain its full sphericity, thanks to the use of an appropriate lens that is able to focus light on a partially spherical retina. In addition, inside the prosthesis there is a fluid that conducts electrical signals and image sensors in the form of photosensitive nanowires.
So far, all this sounds very impressive, but it was not without its problems and construction restrictions. The first, most serious drawback that absolutely disqualifies this early version of the prosthesis when it comes to placing it in the body of a needy patient is ... a power source. Currently, the prosthesis needs an external source. However, its creators claim that in the future it can be equipped with a compact photovoltaic panel that would easily be able to power the prosthesis.
Another problem that may not have such an obvious solution is the quality of the recorded image. With the current number of nanowires imitating natural photoreceptors, the prosthesis is able to send signals to the brain with quite low resolution. Figuratively speaking: the current sensors mounted in the biomimetic prosthesis can cope with the recognition of individual letters of the alphabet, but more complex images require higher sensor density.
Good start...
The team responsible for creating the prosthesis approaches it very rationally as if it were the first step in the right direction when it comes to creating the perfect prosthesis that would be able to fully replace the human eye. The most important issue is of course the quality of its connection with the brain. According to the creators, the biomimetic construction will not have a problem with this. However, we will only find out after we publish the results of her human tests.
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A difficult word to remember: a biomimetic eye prosthesis has a chance to match the real eye
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