Elon Musk's Neuralink Blindsight Chip Helped The Blind To See Again!

Even those born blind will be able to see the world; the magic of Neuralink's 'Blindsight Chip'

Image Source : X

Have you ever imagined that people who have been blind since birth or lost their vision due to an accident could actually see the world? Probably not. But now, Elon Musk's Neuralink Blindsight Chip claims to make this possible.

Elon Musk's brain-chip startup, Neuralink, announced on Tuesday that its experimental implant, aimed at restoring vision, has received the "Breakthrough Device" designation from the U.S. FDA. For your information, the FDA gives the Breakthrough Device tag to certain medical devices capable of treating or diagnosing life-threatening conditions. Its goal is to accelerate the development and review of devices currently under development.

What is the Blindsight Chip?

Neuralink’s device contains a chip that processes and transmits neural signals, which can be relayed to devices like computers or phones. The startup is separately testing an implant that allows paralyzed patients to use digital devices just by thinking. This development raises hope for helping patients with spinal cord injuries.

According to details from the U.S. government’s clinical trials database, three patients are expected to be enrolled in this trial to evaluate the device, which may take several years to complete. Earlier this year, Neuralink successfully implanted the device in a second patient, who has since learned to use it for playing video games and designing 3D objects.

Musk tweeted

After the Blindsight Chip received FDA approval, Elon Musk tweeted on X (formerly Twitter), "This experimental device, known as Blindsight, will allow even those who have lost both eyes and their optic nerve to see." However, Neuralink did not immediately respond to requests for details on when human trials for the Blindsight device would begin. Established in 2016 by Musk and a group of engineers, Neuralink is developing a brain-chip interface that can be implanted within the skull. Musk believes that this device will eventually help disabled patients walk again, communicate, and even restore vision.