Rapid Fire
Neuralink's Blindsight Implant
- 21 Sep 2024
- 2 min read
Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration granted "breakthrough device" status to Elon Musk's Neuralink's Blindsight.
- This designation aims to speed up the development and review of innovative medical devices that address severe conditions.
- Blindsight is an experimental vision-restoring implant. It could help individuals who have lost both eyes and their optic nerve regain vision.
- It also offers a possibility of vision for those born blind, as long as their visual cortex remains intact.
- Initially, the visual experience will be low resolution, similar to early video game graphics. However, with future advancements, Blindsight could surpass natural vision.
- In addition to restoring sight, the device might enable users to perceive wavelengths outside the visible spectrum, such as infrared, ultraviolet, or radar, giving them superhuman-like vision abilities.
- In addition to Blindsight, the company is working on a device designed to help paralysed individuals control digital devices using only their thoughts.
- Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk in 2016, focuses on developing brain chip interfaces that could help restore vision, aid in movement, and facilitate communication for patients with disabilities.
Read more: First Human Neuralink Implant
