Dubai-based Xpanceo and the Italian startup Intra-Ker have developed a miniature eye implant that transmits images directly to the retina, completely bypassing the damaged cornea. The system works with an external camera built into glasses and a 5.6 mm microdisplay implanted in the eye. The resulting image is projected onto the retina, creating visual perception without the use of a donor cornea.
Today, around 12 million people worldwide are waiting for corneal transplants, but only about 185,000 such operations are performed each year. The new technology does not require donors, is compatible with standard ophthalmic surgery, and has already passed an important technological barrier — the previously insurmountable challenge of miniaturization, safety, and compatibility of electronics with the eye. The prototype includes a 450×450-pixel display, and future versions will be even more compact.
Human trials could begin within the next two years. This is a real chance to restore vision to millions of people who could not previously be helped.
