A tiny photoactive film that converts light impulses into electrical signals, which stimulates nerve cells in the eye, is showing promise in restoring sight to blind people, researchers say.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University in Israel and Linköping University in Sweden have developed the system from low-priced organic pigments used in printing inks and cosmetics that convert light impulses from the film into electrical signals and then stimulate the neurons — or nerve cells — in retinas. The findings of tests were published in the journal Advanced Materials.