Beyond Darkness to Daylight: Innovative Solutions Tested on the Human Brain to Illuminate Vision Among Blinds

Across the globe, there are several tech labs and companies that are testing the implantation of human brains, which will help restore vision. The best trial was that of Brian Bussard with the implantation of a total 24 tiny chips in the brain, which assured the removal of blindness over decades. 56-year-old Bussard unfortunately lost vision in his left eye at age sixteen. At 48, he also lost his right eye vision, which ultimately turns him completely blind.

The trial was introduced by the Chicago-based Illinois Institute of Technology. According to Wired magazine, it involves a wireless device that will significantly improve elementary vision for blind people. The implanted chips will allow for the recognition of some visual cues as well as clips on a radar screen, which helps to identify people and objects in the form of white and shimmering dots. The Chicago trial is recognized as one of the best across the globe to develop vision among blinds. Even in Spain, some researchers from Miguel Hernandez University often conducted the same implantation with four people.

Although some companies were also interested in adopting this trial method of implantation, Cortigent, which is one of the corporate houses in California, is developing a device known as ‘Orion’ that has been implanted in six participants. Elon Musk's ‘Neuralink’ is also working on implantation to gain vision. Moreover, blindsight has given monkeys positive results and will even surpass human vision quality. Furthermore, the tested devices will be applicable only to people who once had vision. Musk further added that the device will eventually provide vision to people who have been blind since birth. Meanwhile, India’s has the world's largest population at 8 million. The global count was estimated at 43 m, with 295 m estimated for moderate to severe visual impairment.

Even though there are some challenges to enhancing vision and the balance between electrode count and their placement, There is a need to resolve electrical simulation without prompting effects like seizures. Meanwhile, the continuity of these implantations can be compromised by the formation of scar tissues.