Brain implant creates artificial vision for blind woman using phosphenes

A 60-year-old woman who has been blind for 16 years was able to see basic shapes after testing a brain implant developed by scientists from the United States and Spain.

According to an article from the University of Utah, the device is called Moran|Cortivis Prosthesis, which successfully created a form of artificial vision for Berna Gomez, a former science teacher.

The findings of the research were published by Dr. Richard A. Normann from the John A. Moran Eye Center and Dr. Eduardo Fernández from Miguel Hernandez University in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

"These results are very exciting because they demonstrate both safety and efficacy. We have taken a significant step forward showing the potential of these types of devices to restore functional vision for people who have lost their vision," Fernández said.

Gomez has been fully blind after contracting toxic optic neuropathy, which destroyed the nerves that connect her eyes to her brain.

She volunteered to do the experiments for Normann and Fernandez' research on cortical visual prosthesis and was credited as co-author in the study for her contributions.

A microelectrode array invented by Normann, the Utah Electrode Array (UEA), was surgically inserted into Gomez' visual cortex. Gomez was also fitted eyeglasses that contains a miniature video camera which collects visual data.

The array then stimulates the neurons in the brain to produce white points of light called phosphenes to create the images for Gomez.

"One goal of this research is to give a blind person more mobility. It could allow them to identify a person, doorways, or cars easily," Normann said. "It could increase independence and safety. That's what we're working toward."

After six months of experiments, the array was safely removed from Gomez' brain. There were no observed complications or negative impact on her brain function.

The clinical trials for the device will continue until 2024, with the scientists aiming to develop an adaptive intelligent system that can make adjustments for different people.

—MGP, GMA News