Visual Prosthetics--Now and in the Future

Visual prosthetics can be broken into three major groups. First, there are the devices that use either ultrasonic sound or a camera to sample the environment ahead of an individual and render the results into either a series of sounds or a tactile display. From this the person is supposed to be able to discern the shape and proximity of objects in their path. The second major form is retina enhancers. These machines supplement functions of the retina by stimulating the retina with electrical signals which in turn causes the retina to send the results through the optic nerve to the brain. The third major category of visual prosthetic is a digital camera that samples an image and stimulates the brain with electrical signals--either by penetrating into or placing electrodes on the surface of the visual cortex.

All three major types are referenced in the list below. These links are included for informational reasons only. This website does not endorse any particular prosthetic.