Abstract

Bionic eyes, or visual prostheses, represent a transformative advancement in restorative medicine for the millions worldwide suffering from blindness. Unlike cosmetic prosthetic eyes, these functional implants use micro-electrodes to stimulate surviving neurons in the retina, optic nerve, or visual cortex, bypassing damaged tissue. Currently, recipients perceive a “flashing mosaic” of light spots known as phosphenes, which requires specialized training to interpret. While existing models such as the Argus II and Bionic Vision Australia devices provide enough functional vision for basic navigation and object localization, they remain limited by low electrode density and a lack of color perception. Future developments focusing on higher-resolution electrode arrays and cortical stimulation (like the Orion system) aim to broaden eligibility to patients with glaucoma or optic nerve trauma, ultimately striving to more closely replicate natural sight.

• 1.   Nowik K, Langwińska-Wośko E, Skopiński P, Nowik KE, Szaflik JP. Bionic eye review - An update, (in eng). J Clin Neurosci. 2020; 78:8–19. 10.1016/j.jocn.2020.05.041 [DOI] [PubMed]
• 2.   Ayton LN, et al. First-in-human trial of a novel suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis, (in eng). PLoS ONE. 2014;9(12):e115239. 10.1371/ journal.pone.0115239 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
• 3.   World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). World report on vision. Geneva: WHO. (accessed.
• 4.   Bourne RRA et al. Magnitude, temporal trends, and projections of the global prevalence of blindness and distance and near vision impairment: a systematic review and metaanalysis, (in eng), Lancet Glob Health, 2017; 5(9):e888-e897, 10.1016/s2214-109x(17)30293-0 [DOI] [PubMed]
• 5.   Flaxman SR et al. Global causes of blindness and distance vision impairment 1990–2020: a systematic review and meta-analysis, (in eng), Lancet Glob Health, 2017; 59(12): e1221-e1234, 10.1016/s2214-109x(17)30393-5 [DOI] [PubMed]
• 6.   Kolb H. Roles of Amacrine Cells by Helga Kolb, in Webvision: The Organization of the Retina and Visual System, H. Kolb, E. Fernandez, B. Jones, and R. Nelson Eds. Salt Lake City (UT): University of Utah Health Sciences Center Copyright: © 2025 Webvision. 1995.
• 7.   Nassi JJ, Callaway EM. Parallel processing strategies of the primate visual system, (in eng), Nat Rev Neurosci, 2009; 10(5): 360 –72, 10.1038/nrn2619 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed]
• 8.   Wandell BA, Dumoulin SO, Brewer AA. Visual field maps in human cortex, (in eng), Neuron, 2007; 56(2): 366–83, 10.1016/j. neuron.2007.10.012 [DOI] [PubMed]
• 9.   Weiland JD, Humayun MS. Retinal prosthesis, (in eng). IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. May 2014; 61(5): 1412–24. 10.1109/tbme.2014.2314733 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed]
• 10.   Goodale MA, Milner AD. Separate visual pathways for perception and action, (in eng). Trends neurosci. 1992; 15: 20– 5. 10.1016/0166- 2236(92)90344-8. [DOI] [PubMed]
• 11.   Allin S, Eckel E, Markham H, Brewer BR. Recent trends in the development and evaluation of assistive robotic manipulation devices. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2010
• 12.   Bach-y-Rita P, Kercel WS. Sensory substitution and the human-machine interface. Trends Cogn Sci. 2003
• 13.   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/ PMC3326660
• 14.   TNOA Journal of Ophthalmic Science and Research 59(1): pp. 52-55, Jan–Mar 2021.

Data Sharing Statement

Funding