A new breakthrough in optical technology may soon allow degenerative blind patients to see once again thanks to a new retinal implant made by the Boston Retinal Implant Project.

This twenty-year old program puts together the combined studies of 22 programs around the world working to restore vision to those suffering from degenerative blindness. The new bio-electronic implant delivers images to the brain via a connector around the width of a human hair.

The project is nearing completion and an FDA grant application is currently in the works to allow the team to implement the first human surgeries within the next few years. The only downside to the operation is that this will only benefit blind patients who were once able to see and still have partially intact optic nerve cells.

The device will basically be implanted behind the retina and function as a light transmitter. While the images transferred to the brain may not provide perfect detail, it will allow patients to at least detect shapes and obstacles in their path.

The designers of the implant also have to make sure that the device is resistant to the corrosive effects of saltwater as well as water vapor. Fortunately, they mentioned that a titanium-encased, corrosive-resistant build of the implant should be ready to roll out by this summer.

This new device, while far from perfect, is a definite start for those deprived of sight to once again gain the confidence and the ability to see a world that would have been permanently lost to them.