New artificial retina: six previously blind
patients detect light, motion, identify objects
They had retinitis pigmentosa, and the
researchers from the University of Southern California hope that
'[u]ltimately, however, the device is likely to be used for the
millions of people suffering from age-related macular degeneration,
or AMD, as well.'
The device is 'a 4-by-4 grid of platinum electrodes embedded in
silicone rubber' with electricity flowing through.