Neuralink Tests "Blindsight" Implant That Could Restore Vision to the Blind

Elon Musk's company, Neuralink, has developed a new brain implant called "Blindsight" that could potentially restore vision for some people with visual impairments.

You may have previously heard of Neuralink implants being used to help those that are paralyzed, but now they are working on another project. This time the focus is on those who are blind, hoping to restore their vision. 

Neuralink is currently seeking candidates to test the device, as it has yet to be tried on humans. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted approval for human trials, describing the technology as "groundbreaking." 

Blindsight could even help people without eyes or those whose optic nerve is damaged to regain sight. Musk has acknowledged that the initial resolution may not be perfect, comparing it to the visual quality of early Nintendo systems. However, he is confident that the technology will improve over time, potentially surpassing normal human vision in a not too distant future. 

The device works by targeting the brain's visual cortex, meaning that even those who are born blind might be able to see. To illustrate this, Musk previously referenced Geordi La Forge, a blind character from Star Trek who uses advanced technology to see.

Neuralink's earlier success was its first implant, which can pick up brain waves and transmit them to a computer or phone, allowing paralyzed individuals to control digital devices with just their thoughts. Currently, three people are living with this implant. Other companies are working on devices that could restore mobility in paraplegics. 

For those interested in participating in the Blindsight program, Neuralink is seeking volunteers from the UK, Canada, and the United States.

The development of the Blindsight implant showcases Neuralink's ambitious push into neurotechnology, expanding the frontiers of brain-computer interaction. If successful, this innovation could profoundly impact the lives of millions with visual impairments, offering them an entirely new way to perceive the world. By bridging technology and human health, it holds the potential to dramatically enhance the quality of life for countless individuals, redefining what's possible in medical science.