# Braille-Reading Implants The Modified Argus II Eye Prothesis Helps People Read Braille with Eyes By Meghan Young | Published 2012-11-27 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modified-argus-ii-eye-prothesis References: [theverge](http://www.theverge.com/2012/11/24/3686234/retina-implant-braille) & [newscientist](http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22525-implant-lets-the-blind-read-braille-with-their-eyes.html) Back in 2007, an eye implant made headlines because it ushered in the hope of banishing blindness for good; now a modified Argus II eye prothesis can potentially close the gap even more, if in an unexpected way. It focuses on expediting blind people's rehabilitation into a visual world by providing them with a way to [read braille with their eyes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vembi-hexis) rather than by touch. Developed in in Sylmar, California, by [Second Sight](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2-medium-brewed-coffee), the modified Argus II eye prothesis "works by transmitting images from a face-mounted camera to nerves at the back of the eye with electrical signals," according to [The Verge](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overcast-10). Led by Thomas Lauritzen, the team has worked with a patient who can identify 89 percent of individual braille letters. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Implantable Eye Prothesis:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced implantable eye prothesis technology to enhance visual experiences for the visually impaired. - **Braille-reading Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative solutions that enable blind individuals to read braille using their eyes, providing a new level of independence and autonomy. - **Neuroprosthetics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the development of neuroprosthetic devices that interface with the human nervous system to restore sensory functionality. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Medical Devices:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionize the field of medical devices by advancing implantable technologies for the visually impaired. - **Assistive Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Pioneer the field of assistive technology by creating novel solutions that empower blind individuals through braille-reading technologies. - **Neuroscience:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovate in neuroscience research to develop cutting-edge neuroprosthetic devices with applications in sensory restoration. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Minimal Braille Learning Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartio-edu.md) - [Braille-Equipped Memo Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/memo-device.md) - [Redefined Braille E-Readers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dotary-device.md) - [Inclusive Label Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-label-maker.md) - [Braille Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/play-with-braille.md) - [On-Demand Braille Label Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nemonic-dot.md) - [Tactile Gel Manicures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-nails.md) - [Object-Recognizing AI Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-wearable.md) - [Braille Label Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nemonic-dot-printer.md)