Retinal Chip (also called Artificial Retina)

A light-detecting computer chip, designed to mimic basic photoreceptor cell light-detection function, that is implanted into the retina.

A retinal chip is a light-detecting computer chip designed to mimic basic photoreceptor cell function. Such a device, implanted on the surface of the retina, could possibly restore vision to patients with end-stage retinal degeneration. The chip works similar to a digital sensor found in the back of a digital camera. One example of this device: the company, Intelligent Medical Implants AG, is currently testing the "Intelligent Retinal Implant System (IRIS)^TM" in a phase II clinical trial in Europe. Note: A retinal chip can be different from a retinal prosthetic.