‘Bionic’ eye for the blind

ScientiStS are a step closer to creating a bionic eye that could help blind or partially sighted people see.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota in the U. S. used 3D printing technology to develop the prototype.

they were able to attach printed light receptors onto a glass dome for the first time.

this ‘eye’ was able to convert light to electricity, in a similar way to how the retina in a real eye converts light to electrical signals, which then pass to the brain.

Writing in the journal Advanced Materials, the scientists say they are planning to create a second prototype with more light receptors.

eventually they hope to print this eye onto a soft material that can be implanted into a human eye socket, providing hope for millions of people with sight loss.