UCLA Engineers Inserting Cameras into Eyes to Enable People to See Again

UCLA engineers are always working on out of this world technology. They seem to aim high with every concept that they attempt to create. Their most recent concept is a bionic eye that has a camera built into it. This is yet another invention that could assist the blind in being able to see once again. I recently wrote an article (see source 1) about how a bionic eye could change the future. Let me the first to tell you that I was wrong and this may be a even more ideal piece of technology to help the blind see again.

The team of engineers at UCLA recently applied for a patent application that involves the process for implanting a micro-camera directly into the eyeball of a blind person. They believe that this could be an eventual solution to restoring eyesight to those who no longer have it. This concept can also be used for those who have damaged vision and are not completely blind. How it all ties together is the cool thing about what they are attempting to do.

Similar technology has been attempted over the years. What makes this technology as breathtaking as the one I recently introduced to you is it's ability to use wireless technology. It all works because of a link between the retina and external camera. Unlike similar ideas in the past that made this possible through hard-wiring the camera to the brain, a wireless signal can be sent between the two pieces of technology.

The camera is charged through a wireless connection and communicates to this chip that is implanted into the back of the eye. Whenever a image is captured by the camera it can be sent over a wireless network to the users brain. The camera takes the place of the optical nerves and creates the link lost when someone experiences damaged eye sight or becomes permanently blinded. However, there are still several kinks that need to be worked out before their technology becomes a reality.

Evidence is showing that there are several groups of engineers and scientists working hard towards creating a solution for the blind. UCLA is on the cutting edge towards creating something unique. The concept of capturing hundreds of images a second to create a see-able image for the brain has been discussed for over a decade. It is neat to see that this is slowly becoming a reality and no longer just a dream. As the updates continue I will make sure to continue updating you on the direction that this technology is headed.