5 April 2005
A new development in technology is set to use computer chips and a video camera to help blind people see again.
Scientists at John Hopkins University in the United States have developed a 'bionic eye' using a computer chip that sits in the back of the eye.
This is linked up to a mini video camera built into a pair of glasses from which images are sent to the chip which in turn translates them into impulses that the brain can interpret.
The device was unveiled at a Royal National Institute for the Blind conference in London on Monday.
Professor Gislin Dagnelie, who designed the technology, told the BBC that while the images were not yet perfect they could allow an otherwise blind person to recognise faces.
Professor Dagnelie said: "The retinal implant contains tiny electrodes. If you stimulate a single electrode, the person will see a single dot of light."
"We are hoping this will be enough for the person to be able to make their way through a building, find a door or window and avoid obstacles for example.
"To us, the images look very basic but for someone who was previously blind they are a massive step forward."
The development could benefit those with a form of blindness known as macular degeneration, the most common form of blindness in the UK affecting half a million people.© DeHavilland Information Services plc
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