JERUSALEM, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Israeli researchers have developed a new type of retinal implant that could help restore near-normal sight for people with severe vision loss, Bar-Ilan University has said in a statement.
For decades, scientists have worked to create implants to aid patients with degenerative blindness. While current devices offer limited vision, they typically provide only low-quality images, lacking fine details and clear contrast.
One major limitation is that most implants send identical electrical signals to all retinal cells at once, unlike the natural eye, where different cells respond to specific light changes to produce sharper, more detailed images.
In a new study published in Advanced Functional Materials, the team introduced a hybrid implant that combines microelectrodes with real neurons grown from stem cells.
These neurons are placed in tiny wells just a few microns wide, with each well containing one neuron and one tiny electrode.
In vitro studies confirmed a significant reduction in activation charge threshold. In animal studies, implantation of the device in the subretinal space of rats with retinal degeneration reveals that the neurons survived well and began to connect with the existing retina. They showed signs of forming real biological links, which means the implant may work more like a natural part of the eye.
According to the researchers, the design enables precise and efficient communication between the implant and the eye. It uses less energy, triggers stronger cell responses, and reduces interference, resulting in sharper and more natural vision.
They said the new device holds great potential to lead to better vision for visually impaired patients and are preparing it for further testing. Enditem
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