Researchers develop novel implant for blind

A joint research team from Shanghai's Fudan University has developed an innovative retinal prosthesis using a novel optoelectronic material, offering hope of restoring vision to the blind after implantation in the eye.

The tiny, self-powered implant has been successfully tested on blind mice and non-human primates, demonstrating its efficacy, the team said.

Wang Shuiyuan, one of the lead researchers, said the prosthesis replaces apoptotic photoreceptor cells in the retina. When exposed to light, it generates a small electric current that activates surviving nerve cells.