Neuralink’s new ‘Blindsight’ device a medical 'breakthrough', helps restore blind patients' vision

Sept. 19, 2024, 10:23 a.m.

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Neuralink, the brain-computer interface company established by Elon Musk, has declared a major advancement in its mission to connect computers and humans seamlessly. Their latest device, or implant, known as ‘Blindsight’, can restore vision to those who are blind, according to Elon Musk.

What’s even more fascinating is the fact that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated Neuralink’s experimental Blindsight implant as a “breakthrough device.” This designation is part of the FDA’s voluntary breakthrough devices program, which aims to accelerate the development and review of innovative medical technologies that could have a substantial impact on patient care.

Advertisement The FDA has granted Breakthrough Device Designation to Blindsight, a groundbreaking medical technology.

Join us on our mission to restore sight for those who have lost it. Explore our Patient Registry and career opportunities at https://t.co/abBMTdv7Rh

— Neuralink (@neuralink) September 17, 2024 FDA’s breakthrough device programme

The FDA’s breakthrough device designation provides manufacturers with the opportunity to collaborate closely with FDA specialists throughout the premarket review process.

This can assist in addressing any challenges that emerge during the development phase in a more efficient manner, potentially expediting the approval process.

The Blindsight device from Neuralink will enable even those who have lost both eyes and their optic nerve to regain the ability to see.

Assuming the visual cortex remains healthy, it can even allow individuals who have been blind since birth to experience sight for the first time.

To manage expectations, the vision… https://t.co/MYLHNcPrw6 pic.twitter.com/RAenDpd3fx

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 17, 2024 For Neuralink, this designation could significantly accelerate the development of the Blindsight device, which aims to restore sight to individuals who have lost their vision.

Blindsight stands out from another Neuralink project called Telepathy, which aims to empower individuals with spinal cord injuries to control computers using their thoughts.

While Telepathy focuses on enabling users to participate in activities such as gaming and 3D design, Blindsight is specifically designed to restore vision, even for those who have lost both eyes or their optic nerve.

Musk has stated that Blindsight, currently undergoing trials on monkeys, could potentially achieve visual clarity surpassing the capabilities of human vision.

Challenges ahead

Despite optimistic projections, Neuralink faces substantial challenges in bringing Blindsight to reality. The company is not alone in exploring vision-restoring implants, and the journey to fully restore sight is laden with complexities.

Experts have expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of restoring vision in individuals who have been blind since birth, as these individuals may lack the necessary biological pathways for processing visual information. This raises questions about the limitations of what Blindsight and similar technologies can achieve.

Advertisement Additionally, ethical concerns have been raised regarding Neuralink's animal testing procedures. Although Musk has stated that no animals have been seriously harmed during testing, federal investigators are reportedly reviewing the company's practices.

Blindsight’s potential

As with any revolutionary technology, its development requires careful consideration of both its potential benefits and its ethical implications.

That being said, Neuralink's Blindsight device marks a significant advancement in the field of medical technology. The FDA's breakthrough device designation offers hope for accelerated development of this potentially life-altering technology.

Despite its promise, Blindsight still has a long way to go before it can become a widespread solution for restoring vision. The next few years will be crucial in determining if Neuralink can achieve its ambitious goals and if Blindsight can truly offer a new way for the visually impaired to experience the world.

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