Innovative Ultrasound Techniques Show Promise for Restoring Vision
Using ultrasound to restore vision
Image: The Hindu
Recent studies indicate that ultrasound technology may restore vision in patients with optic nerve damage, such as those with glaucoma. Researchers have utilized ultrasound to stimulate retinal cells and the visual cortex, showing successful outcomes in animal models and initial human trials.
- 01Ultrasound, defined as sound frequencies above 20 kHz, can modulate neural activities and has been shown to stimulate retinal cells effectively.
- 02Research by Wang et al. in 2025 successfully treated 16 glaucoma patients using ultrasound, demonstrating its potential in restoring vision.
- 03The Focused Ultrasound Foundation has developed a device called 'Eye Tech Care' aimed at treating glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure.
- 04Ultrasound's non-invasive nature allows for targeted stimulation of neurons, making it a promising tool in sonogenetics for vision restoration.
- 05High-intensity focused ultrasound has therapeutic applications beyond vision restoration, including cancer treatment by precisely targeting tumors.
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Ultrasound technology, which operates at frequencies beyond human hearing, is being explored for its potential to restore vision, particularly in patients with optic nerve damage from conditions like glaucoma. Research has shown that low-frequency ultrasound can modulate neural activity, and studies have demonstrated that high-frequency ultrasound can stimulate retinal ganglion cells, sending signals to the brain. Notably, a study by Wang et al. in 2025 successfully treated 16 glaucoma patients with ultrasound, indicating its effectiveness in clinical settings. Additionally, the Focused Ultrasound Foundation has developed a device called 'Eye Tech Care' designed to target the ciliary body to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. Beyond vision restoration, high-intensity focused ultrasound is also utilized in cancer therapies, effectively destroying tumor cells while sparing surrounding tissues. These advancements highlight the promising applications of ultrasound in medical treatments.
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The use of ultrasound in treating glaucoma could significantly improve vision restoration options for patients suffering from optic nerve damage.
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