# Sight-enabling Implants The Alpha IMS Device Enables Blind Patients to See Once More By Jordy E | Published 2013-02-22 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alpha-ims References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/5985863/this-retinal-implant-has-given-sight-to-nine-blind-people) & [rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org](http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/280/1757.toc) The Alpha IMS piece will benefit blind patients who lost their eyesight due to conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa. These patients still have their [vision neurons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/think2switch) in place, enabling the advanced tech tool to process light once implanted into the brain. The Alpha IMS is different from its predecessors in that it does not use a camera to interpret signals. Instead, it is composed of a [15000 electrode grid](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braincomputer-interfaces). The grid sits [beneath the retina](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ocular-diagnostics), enabling patients to interpret their exterior environments via the eye's neurons. Clinical testing has revealed its efficacy, especially as it comes equipped with a dial along one's ear that allows for the personal adjustment of brightness and a pocket-based battery. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 8% | Activity: 32% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sight-enabling Implants:** Implants that enable blind patients to see once more via the use of a 15000 electrode grid placed beneath the retina in the brain. - **Retinitis Pigmentosa:** A degenerative eye disease that causes blindness and creates a market for sight-enabling implants such as the Alpha IMS. - **Neural Implants:** The use of implantable technology to restore lost functions such as vision and hearing. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Healthcare:** The healthcare industry can benefit greatly from neural implants and other implantable technologies. - **Medical Technology:** The medical technology industry has vast potential to create innovative implantable devices for various medical needs. - **Biotechnology:** The biotechnology industry can leverage implantable technology to create innovative solutions for unmet medical needs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wearable Assistive Smart Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighthouse-tech.md) - [AI-Enabled Brain Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/northwell-health.md) - [Visual Impairment Support Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vision-bone-conduction-headset.md) - [Visual Impairment Camera Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sony-dschx99-rnv.md) - [Surgically-Implanted Brain Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neuralinks.md) - [AI-Powered Retinal Screening Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-optics.md) - [LiDAR-Powered Visual Impairment Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lumen-glasses.md) - [Object-Recognizing AI Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-wearable.md) - [Setting-Describing Wearable Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seekr.md)