Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University have made a breakthrough in the field of vision. Kareem Amir Zaghloul and Kwabena Boahen have proposed a silicon retina that reproduces signals in the optic nerve, a technology which could be used to provide vision to those who suffer from blindness-related diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa. Unlike previous attempts to create an artificial retina, which relied on external cameras and processors, the silicon retina integrates many functions of the mammalian retina in a package that could be suitable for implantation.

It is estimated that the silicon retina will maintain sensitivity over at least 15 years of average use relating to vision. The mammalian retina was used as the basis for the design of the artificial retina. 13 neuronal types were made into transistor form, each mimicking the function of its biological equivalent.