New Bionic Implant Restores Sight to People with Macular Degeneration
This could give millions back their ability to read, drive, and recognize faces.
For patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who develop a blind spot in the middle of their vision, the PRIMA system combines a retinal implant with camera-equipped eyeglasses to improve sight. The article says more than 5 million people around the world with AMD experience atrophy in their retinas, and until now no treatment could restore their vision.
PRIMA was approved in Europe in July and is awaiting FDA clearance in the US; after training, more than 80% of recipients were able to read, do crosswords, and use their phones. It takes advantage of the fact that AMD doesn’t damage all retinal circuitry—only photoreceptors die off—so the implant mimics those cells and transmits visual information directly to healthy eye circuitry and on to the brain.
- PRIMA is a retinal implant plus camera glasses that restores central vision for people with advanced AMD.
- Over 80% of users could read and use phones after training.
- Approved in Europe, awaiting FDA clearance in the US.
Why It Matters
This could give millions back their independence and ability to do everyday tasks like reading and recognizing faces.