Breakthrough Device: Elon Musk's Brain-Chip Company To Restore Vision For the Blind Approved

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde, Israel Adeleke 

Elon Musk's brain-chip company, Neuralink, has been granted "Breakthrough Device" status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its experimental implant, Blindsight. 

In an announcement on its X page, OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News gathered that Neuralink had announced "We have received Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA for Blindsight. Join us in our mission to restore vision to those who have lost it. Sign up for our Patient Registry or check our career page for openings."

This device is designed to help individuals with full or partial blindness, including those with damaged optic nerves, regain their sight.

According to Reuters, the FDA grants this designation to medical devices that address life-threatening or debilitating conditions, speeding up their development and review process.

Musk also took to X to highlight Blindsight's groundbreaking potential, noting that the device could enable even individuals who have lost both eyes and their optic nerves to regain vision. 

"If the visual cortex is intact, Blindsight can allow those who have been blind since birth to see for the first time," Musk explained. 

He added that initial vision quality would be low resolution, similar to "Atari graphics," but could eventually surpass natural vision and allow users to see in additional spectrums, such as infrared and ultraviolet.

Neuralink, co-founded by Musk in 2016, is focused on developing advanced brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to treat neurological conditions. 

OTN News further gathered that the technology involves implants that capture neural signals and transmit them wirelessly to external devices, such as computers or smartphones.

In addition to Blindsight, Neuralink is also working on an implant that enables paralyzed individuals to control digital devices using their thoughts. 

OTN News revealed that the company is reportedly conducting clinical trials with participants to evaluate the effectiveness of its devices, with one patient already using the brain-computer interface to control video games and create 3D designs with their mind.