Australian researchers unveiled a prototype bionic eye, which includes a miniature camera mounted on a pair of dark glasses.

Credit: AFP

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MELBOURNE: Australian researchers unveiled a prototype bionic eye, designed to restore sight to those with failing vision.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the device could be "one of the most important medical advances we see in our lifetime". The federal government has committed 42 million dollars to the project.

"The bionic eye project will keep Australia at the forefront of bionic research and commercialisation and has the potential to restore sight to thousands of people in Australia and across the world," he said.

The design was unveiled at the University of Melbourne on Tuesday.

One part implanted in eye

Part of the device will be surgically implanted in the eye, is designed for people suffering from degenerative vision loss caused by the genetic condition retinitis pigmentosa or age-related macular degeneration.

It consists of a miniature camera, mounted on glasses, that captures images and sends them to a processor the wearer keeps in their pocket.

The processor then transmits a signal wirelessly to electrodes implanted in the retina - the part of the eye that normally processes visual information. The signals zip up the usual nerve pathways to the brain to provide information about what is happening in real time.

Won't restore perfect vision

Those using the bionic eye will not have perfect vision restored, but it is hoped they will be able to perceive points of light in their field of vision, which the brain can then reconstruct into an image.

Research director of Bionic Vision Australia, the university and research institute partnership that has produced the prototype, Anthony Burkitt, said the device could change people's lives.

"We anticipate that this retinal implant will provide users with increased mobility and independence, and that future versions of the implant will eventually allow recipients to recognise faces and read large print," he said.

The bionic eye is undergoing tests ahead of the first human implant in 2013, likely to take place at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne.