[access-uk] Subretinal implant uses light instead of batteries, shows promise in initial testing -- Engadget

Another tentative step towards a technological breakthrough?

Or just a puff piece to attract research funding.
Time, which is against me, will tell.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/subretinal-bionic-eye-implant/

Subretinal implant uses light instead of batteries, shows promise in initial 
testing



There's been significant progress in bringing sight to the blind in recent 
years, and this looks set to continue that miraculous trend. Scientists at 
Stanford University have invented a subretinal photodiode implant for people 
who have lost their vision due to degenerative retinal diseases. Existing tech 
involves batteries and wires, but the new implant works without such crude 
appendages. Instead, it's activated by near-infrared beams projected by a 
camera that's mounted on glasses worn by the patient. Those beams then 
stimulate the optice nerve to allow light perception, motion detection and even 
basic shape awareness. The glasses also have an onboard camera that records 
what the patient sees. It hasn't actually been tested with humans just yet, but 
the first few rodents volunteers have yet to lodge a single complaint.

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