In early June, researchers restored partial vision in blind mice and enabled near IR vision in primates. It just involves sticking wires in their eyes. Before you say no, let me explain!

Why should we put wires in our eyes?

The human eye lacks photoreceptors for infrared (IR) light. In patients with severe eye diseases, adding in IR sensors could improve low-light vision. So, it may be beneficial to develop technologies that allow to see a broader spectrum of light

Is this different than the IR contact lenses we discussed last month?

Yes. Those contact lenses used nanoparticles. These implants, on the other hand, use a tellurium nanowire that uses photovoltaic conversion that converts visible to IR light. Photovoltaic electricity is the type of electricity produced by the solar panels. Here, it’s produced by the eye relieving light and powers the prothesis.

No auxiliary equipment is needed, other than the wires, and tests showed the device is safe and supposedly easy to implant.

How did they test this?

The researchers implanted these wires into the subretinal space behind the eye’s retina of both mice and macaques. Results showed good biocompatibility and that the prothesis did not need external power sources

In experimentally blinded mice, the implant replaced previously damaged photoreceptors and caused a reaction in both the optic nerve and the visual cortex in the brain. It also improved pupil reactions as opposed to blind mice without protheses. The wired mice were also better at light-associated learning behaviors than control mice.

This was also tested in macaques, which gained IR vision that did not impede their normal vision.

What are some future applications?

The researchers suggest that this type of prothesis could be used to restore vision in blind and visually impaired individuals. Would you get wires put in your eyes?

Article: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adu2987

As covered on a segment of the Daily Tech News Show on August 7th, 2025. For a more detailed discussion of the topic, listen here: