New artificial retina possibly beneficial for macular degeneration

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde and Stanford University are working on a new artificial retina. This new retina will be a drastic improvement upon the current prosthetic retina which is bulky and contains wires. This new wireless artificial retina is made up of photovoltaic cells made of silicon. To implant the artificial retina into the eye, the surgeon only needs to create a small pocket beneath the retina and then place the photovoltaic cells inside the pocket. The photovoltaic cells transform near infra-red light to electrical current that stimulates neurons in the retina. Video goggles that are worn by the patient deliver energy and images directly to the eye. So far, researchers have been pleased with the testing that has been conducted on the artificial retina and work continues on it to improve the technology. Researchers are hopeful that this new technology will aid those dealing from macular degeneration.*