Device Offers Partial Vision to the Blind
The new Argus II artificial retna divice was just accepted to be passed by the FDA. The divice can actually allow people with certain kinds of blindness to "see" outlines and contrasts in color. It uses electrodes to send signals from a video processer to the brain. The divice is the first of its kind, so distribution has been limited. It costs $150,000 not including operation and theropy. Only about 50,000 people in the US would be able to use this with benifits from it, but the very fact that we are gaining progress in treating blindness is an incredible thing.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/15/health/fda-approves-technology-to-give-limited-vision-to-blind-people.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&ref=science
Nick Saal
I also agree that it is amazing that people are developing electronics that can help that blind see. With that Argus II being a "prototype," the beginning of this type of research, it doesn't work for all the blind people, but it brings joy to those it does work for. I hope the scientist can perfect this product and help more people.
ReplyDeleteHere is a link that also explains the research scientist are doing- http://www.rttnews.com/2058322/fda-approves-device-that-offers-vision-to-blind.aspx
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ReplyDeleteI think this is a very good article about something so amazing. I know that there was a device developed for people with different kinds of deafness a while back that is more efficient than a hearing aid. I think it is pretty similar because both devices are giving people the ability to have the two major senses that most people already have. One NOS theme could be Role of Motivation and Curiosity because research could have started from someone interested in blindness and a motivation to let people be able to see.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.envoymedical.com
The advancement of technology is incredible. I think that the Angus II is a phenomenal invention, but it does have it's flaws being limited to only working for specific types of blindness. This piece of technology reminds me of a different type of navigational tech, that may not allow the individual to see with their eyes, but is accessible to all blind individuals being that the device itself is handheld. The TORMES serves as a GPS for the blind. I hope that there will further successful development for both devices.
ReplyDeleteLink I used:http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Technology/TTP2/Space_technology_to_help_the_blind