Key Takeaways
- First Human-Like Bionic Eye: The EC-EYE prototype replicates the human eye’s structure using a hemispherical membrane with nanosensors, ionic liquid, and flexible cables—a major leap in bioengineering.
- Current Limitations: With 100-pixel resolution (distinguishing basic letters) and a 100° field of view (vs. human 160°), it’s far from natural vision but marks a critical proof of concept.
- Future Potential: Researchers aim to boost nanosensor density 10x beyond human photoreceptors, potentially surpassing natural sight. Human trials could begin in 5 years, alongside applications in humanoid robots.
For the first time in history, a team of American and Hong Kong scientists has developed a bionic eye with the natural structure of its human counterpart. Eventually, it could be used as a prosthesis to give blind people sight.
Bionic Eye – Image Courtesy of Nature
According to the WHO, there are 253 million visually impaired people in the world. Research laboratories all over the world are working hard to find technologies that will give them sight (again). As early as ten years ago, artificial retinas were developed to give some people with macular degeneration a semblance of vision. Today, scientists from Hong Kong and the United States have published an article in the journal Nature about their progress in an eye that can be considered the first to be completely bionic.
The prototype called EC-EYE, for ElectroChemical EYE, consists of small sensors that mimic the real photoreceptor cells of the human eye. They are positioned on a semispherical membrane made of aluminum and tungsten. The assembly is one inch wide and forms a retina. It is held in place by a silicone polymer support. A lens is placed in front of the eye to restore the function of the eyeball. Inside the eyeball, an ionic liquid enhances the resemblance to a real eye. For data processing, the data is transmitted via thin, flexible, rubber-coated liquid metal cables.
Restoration of vision to the blind within five years
The current prototype has a limited resolution of 100 pixels and currently only allows the differentiation of certain letters, such as E, I, and Y. Likewise, their field of view is only 100°, while that of humans can reach 160°, but that is only the beginning!
Optimally, researchers believe that it might be possible to produce such a sensitive bionic eye, that is even better than the human eye, in just five years. For example, they consider it conceivable to increase the density of nanosensors to ten times the density of photoreceptors for the real eye.
Researchers are also working on using these eyes for humanoid robots. The development would, they say, be much easier. But despite its poor performance, this prototype is already remarkable. This is the first time that a synthetic version of an eye with its natural characteristics has been created.
FAQs
How does the EC-EYE compare to existing retinal implants?
Unlike implants aiding macular degeneration patients, the EC-EYE mimics the eye’s full structure, offering a broader field of view and potential for higher resolution. Current implants (e.g., Argus II) provide light perception but lack naturalistic design.
When could this technology restore vision to the blind?
While researchers target 5 years for advanced prototypes, real-world use requires resolving biocompatibility, surgical integration, and cost barriers. Initial human trials are still pending.
Can the bionic eye truly outperform human vision?
Theoretically, yes. Higher nanosensor density could enable sharper detail or night vision. However, translating electrical signals to the brain’s visual cortex remains a hurdle.
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Bottom Line: What This Means in Real Life
The EC-EYE represents a groundbreaking step toward restoring sight, but is it practical? For the 253 million visually impaired globally, this innovation sparks hope, yet challenges loom:
- Feasibility: Can the brain interpret signals from artificial sensors? Current prototypes only detect basic shapes, not complex images.
- Accessibility: At what cost? Existing retinal implants are cost-prohibitive; scaling this tech affordably is critical.
- Safety: Long-term biocompatibility of aluminum-tungsten membranes and ionic fluids needs rigorous testing.
References
Gu, L., Poddar, S., Lin, Y. et al. A biomimetic eye with a hemispherical perovskite nanowire array retina. Nature 581, 278–282 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2285-x
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