The Food and Drug Administration has designated Neuralink’s experimental Blindsight implant as a “breakthrough device,” with the company aiming to restore blind people’s sight. Manufacturers seeking FDA’s voluntary breakthrough devices program and receiving the designation can interact with FDA experts for efficient premarket review. The designation accelerates technology development, as seen in Neuralink’s implant aiding spinal cord injury patients in controlling computers with their thoughts. Elon Musk stated that the Blindsight technology, even in its early stages, could potentially surpass natural human vision, allowing vision in different wavelengths. However, while Neuralink’s advancements are promising, fully restoring sight remains a distant goal. Other companies have also worked on vision-restoring implants, and it’s uncertain if Blindsight can help those blind from birth.
