Unlocking the Enigmatic World of Geordi's VISOR: 10 Mind-Blowing Facts Revealed!

Summary

Geordi's VISOR was based on a plastic hair clip, and its design included ports on either side and a strap to secure it to the head.

Geordi can utilize his VISOR to perceive the electromagnetic spectrum, encompassing infrared and ultraviolet light. He possesses the ability to discern alterations in heart rate and perspiration, enabling him to detect deceit, while also being able to transmit real-time video feeds of his visual observations.

Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge, played by LeVar Burton, donned a futuristic VISOR throughout all seven seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The VISOR, which stands for Visual Instrument and Sensory Organ Replacement, served as a technological aid for La Forge, who was blind since birth. At the age of five, La Forge received his first VISOR, allowing him to perceive aspects of the electromagnetic spectrum, though it functioned differently from normal eyesight. As a result, his VISOR became an iconic symbol of his character, influencing various storylines throughout TNG.

In his role as Chief Engineer on the USS Enterprise-D, serving under Captain Jean-Luc Picard, portrayed by Patrick Stewart, Geordi La Forge demonstrated remarkable intelligence and expertise in resolving engineering challenges. Often, he collaborated with his esteemed android companion, Lt. Commander Data, portrayed by Brent Spiner, to find innovative solutions. As impressive as his VISOR was, it caused La Forge considerable discomfort, a constant source of pain that he chose to endure without the aid of painkillers or experimental surgical procedures. Here, we highlight ten fascinating aspects of Geordi's VISOR and subsequent ocular implants.

10 Geordi's VISOR Design Was Based On A Plastic Hair Clip

According to the Star Trek Encyclopedia, Geordi's VISOR had an interesting origin story. It all started when someone brought a plastic banana hairclip onto the set, which served as the inspiration for the prop. The unique design of the hairclip was incorporated into the final design of the VISOR. Eventually, the idea emerged to have ports on either side of Geordi's head, allowing the VISOR to connect seamlessly. Additionally, the VISOR featured a strap that wrapped around the back of actor LeVar Burton's head to keep it securely in place. However, wearing the VISOR wasn't always easy for Burton. He often experienced headaches and his actual eyesight was limited while wearing the prop. It wasn't until the second TNG movie, Star Trek: First Contact, that Burton's character was finally able to forgo the VISOR.

9 Geordi Can Detect Electromagnetic Signals & See Infrared And Ultraviolet Light

Geordi's VISOR grants him an unconventional form of vision, surpassing the average range of human perception. It enables him to perceive an extensive portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, extending to both infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths. The perspective offered by Geordi's VISOR would largely confound individuals accustomed to traditional sight. However, Geordi has adeptly adapted to this unique visual experience. Geordi's VISOR identifies and subsequently condenses the electromagnetic signals to prevent overwhelming his senses. Notably, Geordi possesses an advanced iteration of the VISOR, a rarity even in the 24th century.

8 Geordi Can Tell If Someone's Lying Based On Their Perspiration & Heart Rate

Usually, Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) is renowned for her ability to perceive the true emotions of individuals, thus exposing any falsehoods they may present. However, in the TNG season 2 episode "Up the Long Ladder," Geordi La Forge notices a departure from the norm as the clones from the Mariposa colony fabricate the whereabouts of Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) and Dr. Katherine Pulaski (Diana Muldaur). Geordi highlights the existence of physical cues that manifest when someone is being untruthful, which he can discern through his VISOR. He adds that although this methodology may not be foolproof when dealing with extraterrestrial beings, it invariably proves effective in detecting deception among humans.

7 Geordi's VISOR Can Be Connected To A Tricorder To Create A Tracking Beacon

While investigating a distress signal near the Romulan Neutral Zone, the crew of the Enterprise encounters a perilous situation. Lt. Commander La Forge finds himself trapped alongside a Romulan named Centurion Bochra, portrayed by John Snyder, deep inside a cave on the planet. Emergent electromagnetic storms pose a grave threat as they start affecting the nervous systems of both La Forge and Bochra. These storms eventually impair Geordi's vision, despite his VISOR remaining undamaged. To establish contact with the Enterprise, the pair embarks on a mission to locate a beacon. Bochra guides Geordi through the process of connecting his VISOR to his tricorder, ingeniously fashioning a "neutrino Geiger counter" capable of pinpointing the elusive beacon.

6 Geordi Can Send A Live Video Feed Of What He's Seeing

5 Geordi Can Be Connected To A Probe And See What It Sees

Being an engineer, La Forge has a passion for tinkering and constantly explores new applications for his VISOR throughout the course of TNG. In the seventh season episode of TNG, titled "Interface," he, along with Data and Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), engage in an experiment with a device that enables Geordi to remotely control a probe and experience its visual input. Despite the device's functionality, it overwhelms his senses and causes excessive neural stimulation. Captain Picard intervenes and orders Geordi to cease his experimentation with the machine. However, driven by his determination to find his mother as well as the missing USS Hera, Geordi defies Picard's command and continues to utilize the device. Data, perceiving Geordi's intentions, assists him in safely maneuvering through the interface. Ultimately, Geordi discovers the truth that his mother and the USS Hera have truly vanished.

4 Visuals Can Be Input Directly Into Geordi's Visual Cortex

While Geordi's VISOR is typically utilized or altered for beneficial purposes, there have been instances in which an adversary has exploited Geordi's VISOR. In the "The Mind's Eye" episode of TNG season 4, La Forge is abducted by Romulans who utilize his VISOR implants to directly imprint images into his visual cortex, ultimately brainwashing him. Upon his return to the Enterprise, Geordi has no recollection of his abduction and unwittingly becomes a pawn in the hands of Kell (Larry Dobkin), the Klingon Ambassador who is secretly a Romulan agent. The Romulans manipulate Geordi into assassinating a Klingon leader, but fortunately, Data senses something amiss and intervenes before it's too late.

3 Geordi's VISOR Can Be Reconfigured To Create A Hypersonic Pulse

During a routine maintenance stop at a space station, Geordi, Commander Riker, Data, Dr. Crusher, and Counselor Troi find themselves held hostage by a terrorist group. To outwit their captors, Data proposes utilizing Geordi's VISOR to generate a hypersonic pulse, effectively incapacitating everyone in the room except Data. Together, the captive Enterprise officers collaborate to distract the terrorists and activate the pulse. In a critical moment, Data manages to establish contact with Picard aboard the Enterprise, consequently preventing the baryon sweep intended to decontaminate the ship. It is crucial to note that without Geordi's VISOR, Data would have been unable to liberate himself and hinder the terrorists' scheme.

2 Geordi's Ocular Implants Have Telescopic Vision & Infrared Capabilities

1 Geordi's VISOR Has Inspired Both Science And Fashion

Despite the availability of ocular implants in Season 2 of TNG, Geordi didn't choose robotic eyes until Star Trek: First Contact. When he finally transitioned to ocular implants, they granted him the same visual capabilities as his previous VISOR, including the ability to perceive infrared light. These implants also offered Geordi telescopic vision and enabled actor LeVar Burton to fully utilize his eyes. However, even with these advancements, Geordi occasionally expressed a longing for conventional vision.

Geordi's VISOR from Star Trek has always had a remarkable knack for predicting and influencing the future. In 1999, NASA scientists drew inspiration from La Forge's VISOR and developed a groundbreaking optical viewing device called the Joint Optical Reflective Display (JORDY). This device was specifically designed to assist visually impaired individuals in their ability to see and read. Interestingly, in a nod to Lt. Commander La Forge, they aptly named it JORDY. Beyond the realm of technology, Geordi's VISOR has also left its mark on the world of fashion. In 2016, renowned popstar Rihanna found inspiration in La Forge's iconic eyepiece and created a line of sunglasses. Geordi La Forge and his distinctive VISOR have become enduring symbols of Star Trek: The Next Generation, continuing to inspire countless fans of the Trek universe.