Elon Musk’s company Neuralink has taken a big step forward in its vision restoration device with the new ‘Blindsight.’ Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Elon Musk’s Blindsight device “Breakthrough Device” status, which helps accelerate the approval process for medical devices that have the potential to change lives.
Blindsight is designed for people who have lost their vision, even if their eyes or optic nerves are damaged. Unlike other treatments, this device works by sending signals directly to the brain’s visual cortex, which could give back sight to those who have lost it. Musk has even said that people who were born blind might be able to see for the first time if their brain’s visual area is healthy.
In the beginning, the vision restoration device won’t provide perfect vision. Musk compared it to the blurry, pixelated graphics of old video games. However, over time, he believes the technology will improve, allowing people to see in ways beyond normal human vision—such as infrared or ultraviolet light.
The FDA’s Breakthrough Device designation allows Neuralink to work closely with regulators to fast-track the development of Blindsight, although no date for human trials has been set yet.
Beyond restoring vision, Neuralink is also working on brain implants that could help people with paralysis control digital devices with their thoughts alone, further expanding the possibilities of this technology.
If successful, Blindsight could offer a groundbreaking solution to blindness, giving hope to millions of people living without vision today.
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