by Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-chip startup, has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its experimental device called “Blindsight,” designed to restore vision to people with complete or partial blindness.
On Tuesday, Neuralink announced on its social media platform X that the FDA granted the “Breakthrough Device” designation to Blindsight. This status helps speed up the development and approval of medical devices that address serious conditions.
Blindsight aims to help even those who have lost their vision due to non-functional optic nerves. Musk shared the news on X, highlighting the potential for the device to allow people who have been blind since birth to see for the first time, though the initial resolution may be low. Over time, the technology could improve vision to levels beyond natural sight, with possible abilities to see infrared and ultraviolet light.
Neuralink, founded in 2016, focuses on developing brain-computer interfaces to treat neurological disorders. The company is also working on a brain implant that would allow paralyzed individuals to control digital devices with their thoughts, and they are currently conducting clinical trials to assess the technology’s effectiveness.
