ABSTRACT
This chapter details current advances in the development of electronic, photovoltaic and sensory substitution devices for people with visual impairment.
Vision prostheses, or “bionic eyes”, have seen a rapid trajectory in the past decade, and there are now several bionic eye devices available on the commercial market. This chapter will discuss the various types of bionic eyes available, the current technologies used, the expected vision outcomes and the future potentials of these devices.
While bionic eyes are an exciting prospect, there are many individuals who will not be suitable for, or may not wish to have, an electronic implant for vision improvement. Sensory substitution devices offer a non-surgical approach that may enhance “visual” potential for people. For example, devices are now available that convert visual input into auditory signals, which may be interpreted by the user to give information about their environment.
The aim of this chapter is to provide an update on these technologies and discuss both the limitations and the potentials for their application.
