Artificial retina to be clinically tested in Japan

Japanese researchers plan to conduct clinical tests to confirm the effectiveness of artificial retinas.

The retinas will be implanted in 5 patients who have lost their eyesight due to disease.

A research group led by Professor Takashi Fujikado at Osaka University says the clinical tests, scheduled to start early next year, are the first such studies to be conducted in Japan.

The retina uses an array of electrodes that stimulate the optic nerves. Images from a tiny camera are transmitted by radio frequencies to the retina's electrodes.

The researchers say the patients will be able to see dots of light arranged in the shape of the object seen by the camera.

Professor Fujikado says that although the technology will only allow a partial recovery of the patients' sight, they will at least be able to recognize shapes.