Bionic Vision Australia researchers have successfully performed the first implantation of an early prototype bionic eye with 24 electrodes.
(Bionic eye animation)
Ms Dianne Ashworth has profound vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited condition. She has
now received what she calls a ‘pre-bionic eye’ implant that enables her to experience some vision. A
passionate technology fan, Ms Ashworth was motivated to make a contribution to the bionic eye research
program.
After years of hard work and planning, Ms Ashworth’s implant was switched on last month at the Bionics
Institute, while researchers held their breaths in the next room, observing via video link.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but all of a sudden, I could see a little flash…it was amazing. Every time
there was stimulation there was a different shape that appeared in front of my eye,” Ms Ashworth said.
Professor Emeritus David Penington AC, Chairman of Bionic Vision Australia said: “These results have
fulfilled our best expectations, giving us confidence that with further development we can achieve useful
vision. Much still needs to be done in using the current implant to ‘build’ images for Ms Ashworth. The
next big step will be when we commence implants of the full devices.”
Although bionic eyes are not to be found in the novel Cyborg, they were provided to Steve Austin in the television show made from the novel - The Six Million Dollar Man.
Prairie Madness - And Space Sickness
'Space-sickness is one of the most unpleasant sensations that a human being can experience. Not all are subject to it...' - Hugo Gernsback, 1911.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!)
is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for
the Invention Category that interests
you, the Glossary, the Invention
Timeline, or see what's New.
Prairie Madness - And Space Sickness
'Space-sickness is one of the most unpleasant sensations that a human being can experience. Not all are subject to it...'
'Old People Began to Cross The Continent In Their Own Cars'
'It was a relief to enter one of the comfortable autos, whisper a direction down the tube, and just know that you would be taken to your destination in the quickest, safest, and cheapest manner.'
Starfall Manufacturing Drugs In Space
'The vast spinning sphere of Factory in the Sky loomed above and ahead of us, gleaming white against the unfathomable jet depths of surrounding space.'
The Solar Oberth Slingshot
'And if it doesn’t work,' inquired Lazarus, 'what does that make us? Sunspots?'
'If Anyone Is Watching Earth...'
'Our study of your race has convinced us that you are not fitted to leave your planet in the present state of your civilization.'