Academics from the Medical University of Minnesota have suggested an invention they believe could represent a " significant step " towards creating synthetic eyes . Using 3D printing technologies to create light receptors on a hemispherical surface , the eye 's energy generation was 25 % efficient , which the researchers found a good advantage . They will now focus on creating a further prototype which can repeat with images with more light receptors , meaning greater efficiency . The team has also begun developing soft , spherical materials which could be implanted into an organic eye in order to help the blind and visually impaired .
Academics from the US University of Minnesota have announced an invention they believe could represent a "significant step" towards creating synthetic eyes. Using 3D printing technologies to create light receptors on a hemispherical surface, the eye's energy generation was 25% efficient, which the researchers considered a good result. They will now focus on creating a further prototype which can repeat with process with more light receptors, meaning greater efficiency. The team has also begun exploring soft, spherical materials which could be implanted into an organic eye in order to help the blind and visually impaired.