A retinal implant is an electronic device that is surgically implanted into the eye to help restore vision in people with severe vision loss or blindness. There are several synonyms for the term "retinal implant", including bionic eye, artificial retina, retinal prosthesis, and visual prosthesis. These terms are often used interchangeably and refer to the same type of technology. These devices work by converting light into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as visual information. While still in their early stages, retinal implants have the potential to greatly improve the lives of people suffering from vision loss by allowing them to regain some level of visual function.