Tiny brain implant could give blind people a 'Limited sense of Sight'

NCT ID NCT02983370

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study is testing a brain implant that uses tiny electrodes to stimulate the visual cortex, aiming to create simple visual perceptions (phosphenes) in blind individuals. Five participants will undergo a small skull opening to receive the implant. The goal is to see if this approach is safe and can provide enough vision to help with tasks like detecting movement or shapes.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: intracortical microelectrode implant
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a limited but useful sense of vision for people who are profoundly blind, helping them perceive shapes and movement.
What could go wrong: This is a very early pilot study with only 5 participants. The implant requires brain surgery, and the vision restored will be basic, not full sight. Risks include infection, bleeding, or the implant not working as hoped.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

blindness (disorder)

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BLINDNESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hospital IMED Elche
RECRUITING

Elche, Alicante, 03202, Spain
Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche
RECRUITING

Elche, Alicante, 03202, Spain

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