Developing a High-Resolution Retinal Implant

James Weiland, Ph.D., Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Professor of Biomedical Engineering, was awarded an NIH RO1 grant for his work on a new type of high-resolution retinal implant designed to help people see more clearly. “The implant uses tiny carbon fibers—much like super-thin hairs—as electrodes to directly stimulate the retina, the layer at the back of the eye that senses light,” says Dr. Weiland. “It can help people who are blind see more clearly.” He notes that previous devices were bulky and could only help people see rough shapes, like doors or windows. “This implant could help people see much more detail and, hopefully, read or recognize objects better,” he says. “The carbon fibers are 40 microns apart, which could provide unprecedented resolution and potentially restore vision to someone who is blind.” Building the implant is challenging because it’s so small and must be gentle on the eye. “Researchers must prove it works and is safe before moving to human trials,” says Dr. Weiland. “Right now, our research is in the laboratory and not with people. First, we will test the implant on mouse retinas, and then in large animal eyes to ensure it works safely and effectively.” Dr. Weiland notes that the first successful test was performed on a mouse retina. “We were able to elicit responses from retinal cells. We know we can do this,” he says. “Progress in this area is slow, but promising results could attract companies to turn the lab work into real products for people.”

Building Smart Navigation Glasses

Dr. Weiland also received an NIH R61 grant for hiswork in developing wearable smart navigation glasses to help people who are blind or who have low vision navigate their surroundings using touch and sound. “The glasses use small speakers and vibration motors to give directions or warnings,” he says. “For example, the glasses could tell you to turn right or vibrate on one side to guide you toward a door.” The system would be customizable for each person’s needs and preferences. “Unlike current apps that need you to hold your phone, these glasses would work hands-free, like regular glasses,” says Dr. Weiland. “The glasses have a camera and connect to an app, which can even let someone else see what you see and help guide you.” The goal is to create an interface that resides on the head, like ordinary glasses. Still, there are challenges, he notes. “Making a system that fits everyone’s needs is difficult, since people’s vision and preferences are different. We want the device to be useful and comfortable, not something people will stop using.” The next step is to collect feedback from users, build prototypes, and test them with people who are visually impaired. “Our dream for the future is that these glasses will be affordable, useful, and something people will actually want to wear every day to be more independent,” says Dr. Weiland. “We want these glasses to function as an intelligent system, learning users’ preferences and anticipating their needs.” Other co-investigators include Kellogg retinal neurobiologist Kwoon Wong, Ph.D.; and Kellogg vitreoretinal surgeons and researchers Nita Valikodath, M.D., M.S., and David Zacks, M.D., Ph.D.