With new eyes

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing our lives in all its aspects. Many of the fields in which it is used raise great concerns, but we cannot fail to recognize that there are sectors in which AI proves to be a very useful tool. For example, in the medical field, AI is revolutionizing the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases. AI has the great advantage of processing an enormous amount of data in a very short time; this increases the speed and accuracy of diagnoses and makes it possible to start targeted therapies in shorter times compared to the past. Moreover, it can analyze patients’ genetic and clinical data and create personalized therapies. Another potential of AI concerns the possibility of monitoring vital parameters and anticipating the recognition of “warning signs,” allowing for rapid interventions. Finally, thanks to AI it is also possible to automate some phases of surgical procedures, making them more precise than the human hand.

A recent study conducted in Europe was published on the application of AI in the field of ophthalmology: a group of patients who had been living for years without being able to see has returned to reading thanks to a tiny electronic implant guided by AI. This device represents one of the most promising achievements in visual medicine. The experiment involved 38 patients affected by a currently incurable disease of a part of the eye, macular degeneration. Those who suffer from it progressively lose their sight. With an implant similar to a small microchip, inserted under the retina, for the first time these patients were able to recognize letters, numbers, and words. How is this possible? Patients are made to wear augmented reality glasses, connected to a small belt-mounted computer. The integrated camera captures the scene and sends it in the form of an infrared beam to the chip, which transforms it into electrical impulses directed to the optic nerve. AI interprets the signals and translates them into images perceivable by the brain, opening a new form of “digital” vision. One of the doctors who participated in the study stated that in the past other types of subretinal implants had been developed, with much lower benefits; this is the first time that a system has allowed patients who have lost central vision to read words and even sentences again, while preserving peripheral vision. A great result that can be further improved by continuing studies aimed at reducing possible side effects of such a delicate intervention and further improving the outcomes. One aspect to consider in these rapid developments of AI applications is the need to foresee the ability to regulate its use so that its introduction into the market will be safe. In fact, human responsibility always lies in the ability to choose the “good” possibilities that can truly improve people’s lives. As someone might say in front of such extraordinary things… great Jupiter!!!

Valentina Turinetto
NP November 2025