Scientists have figured out how to treat vision loss with ultrasound

A research team from the Viterbi University School of Engineering is studying non-invasive methods

restoration of vision. Ophthalmologists now directly stimulate neurons in the retina by implanting electrode devices inside the eye. This is an expensive and invasive surgery.

By 2050, the number of Americans withvisual impairment or blindness will grow to 8 million people, according to a 2016 study by the Gale and Edward Roska Eye Institute at the University of California.

Our technology is profitable and convenient, sinceno surgery is required and no device needs to be implanted inside the body. The wearable ultrasound device will generate ultrasound waves to stimulate the retina.

Ganxi Lu, graduate student in Zhou's lab

When people gently press on the eyeballs,outlines and bright spots appear. The authors of the new work realized that pressure on the eyes can activate neurons and send signals to the brain. The normal eye sees thanks to light, but in the blind, the eyes begin to work from stimulation with ultrasound, the authors said.

To test the new ultrasound approach,The team stimulated the eyes of a blind rat using high-frequency ultrasound waves that are inaudible to humans. Based on visual activity in the rat's brain, the researchers found that it could perceive visualizations that were similar to the pattern of ultrasound stimulation projected onto the eye.

The ultimate goal is to create a wireless lens sensor.

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