Prima implant helps 80% of macular degeneration patients regain vision
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A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that retinal implantation of the PRIMA brain-computer interface (BCI) helped people with advanced age-related macular degeneration regain some central vision. The device uses a tiny 2mm x 2mm photoelectric implant that is just 30 micrometers thick, thinner than a strand of hair. It is located under the retina and works with a special pair of smart glasses. The glasses capture images and send them in the form of near-infrared light to the implant. The implant converts this light into small electrical signals that stimulate the optic nerve. This process mimics the way healthy retinal cells normally send visual information to the brain.
The study followed thirty-eight participants, thirty-two of whom completed one year of follow-up. Twenty-six patients experienced a significant improvement in vision, which corresponds to about eighty percent of the group. Many participants were able to read letters, numbers and even entire pages of text again. Although the restored vision is black and white and a bit blurry, the results are remarkable for people who once thought they would never see clearly again.
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Why is this important for treating AMD?
Age-related macular degeneration, often called AMD, is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in older people. So far, available treatments can only slow vision loss. None of them were able to regain what they had already lost.
The Prima implant works with smart glasses to bring central vision back to life. (prima of science)
PRIMA implants take a different approach. It directly replaces the lost function of the retina by converting light into electrical signals. Patients can still use their normal peripheral vision while the implant restores some central vision. This combination creates a more complete visual experience.
The experience showed that surgery is generally safe. Most side effects occurred within the first two months and resolved soon after. Importantly, the implant did not reduce the patients’ remaining normal peripheral vision. Researchers describe this as a major step toward restoring vision rather than just slowing its decline.
The PRIMA implant was developed by Science Corporation, a brain-computer interface company founded by Max Hudak, who previously co-founded Neuralink. Science Corporation has acquired PRIMA technology from French company Pixium Vision, continuing its development toward clinical use.
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A small chip is located under the retina and converts light into visual signals. (prima of science)
What does this mean for you?
If you or someone you love is living with late-stage AMD, this advancement may offer real hope. For the first time, there is a device that can restore some vision rather than just preserve what’s left. You may want to talk with your eye doctor about upcoming trials or future approval of the PRIMA system in your area. The company behind the technology has already applied for European approval, and is now in the process with the US Food and Drug Administration.
Restoring partial central vision can make a big difference. Reading text, recognizing faces, or simply moving independently is possible again. This progress also shows how quickly medical innovation moves. Patients who were once told that nothing could help them may soon have the opportunity to see again.
It’s also a reminder to stay informed. Treatments that were previously experimental are becoming available sooner than expected. Discussing new techniques with your doctor will help you understand timing, eligibility, and what type of results you can realistically expect.
This breakthrough provides new hope for people with advanced macular degeneration. (People Images/Getty Images)
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Key takeaways for Kurt
The PRIMA retinal implant represents a shift in the way scientists and doctors think about blindness caused by AMD. For decades, the focus has been on slowing the disease. Now, researchers are proving that restoration is possible. While this generation of implant provides limited black and white vision, it gives real, functional vision to people who have none. This alone changes lives. There is still more work to be done to improve image clarity, color perception, and comfort. However, this is only the beginning. Future versions of the device and smart glasses may make vision restoration more effective and accessible.
If you could restore even a portion of your sight through new technology, would you take the chance and experience the world in a whole new way? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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