Elon Musk has revealed that Neuralink, his brain-chip company, has received FDA approval for an experimental implant that could potentially restore vision to individuals who have lost both their eyes and optic nerve. Musk stated that the Blindsight device could allow those who have been blind from birth to see for the first time, provided their visual cortex remains intact.
In a tweet early Wednesday, Musk shared an image of Geordi La Forge, a character from *Star Trek* known for his use of advanced technology to see despite being blind. Musk noted that while initial vision from the device might be at a low resolution, future improvements could enhance it beyond natural vision and offer capabilities like seeing in infrared or ultraviolet wavelengths.
Founded by Musk in 2016, Neuralink focuses on developing brain-computer interfaces to revolutionize treatments for neurological conditions. The company’s technology includes a brain implant that reads neural signals and transmits them wirelessly to external devices.
In addition to vision restoration, Neuralink is working on implants that allow paralyzed individuals to control digital devices with their thoughts. The company is also conducting a clinical trial involving three participants to assess the device’s effectiveness for spinal cord injuries.
In August 2024, Neuralink successfully implanted its brain-computer interface in a patient, enabling them to control video games and create 3D designs using only their thoughts.
