Ceramic photocell implants could restore sight.
Researchers are perfecting the use of ceramic photocells for retinal implantation. The work is being done at the Space Vacuum Epitaxy Center in Houston, TX. The photocells are the results of experiments with oxide detectors conducted in space using the Wake Shield Facility. Artificial retinas are constructed of 100,000 microscopic ceramic detectors attached to a polymer film, which disintegrates after implantation. Initially, four arrays will be implanted, totalling 400,000 detectors per eye. If successful, two additional arrays would be implanted. Human trials are expected to begin in 2002.
Flinn
Edward D
ED
edflinn@pipeline.com
D001701:Bionics; D001766:Blindness / Q000601:surgery; D002516:Ceramics; D006801:Humans; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D012160:Retina / Q000601:surgery*; D017949:Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells / Q000601:surgery*; D017948:Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells / Q000601:surgery*; D012174:Retinitis Pigmentosa / Q000601:surgery; D013026:Space Flight / Q000295:instrumentation; D018581:Technology Transfer