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Wireless Retinal Implant Restores Reading Vision in Advanced AMD, NEJM Trial Finds

The photovoltaic implant uses infrared light from smart glasses to stimulate retinal cells, restoring central sight.

Overview

  • A multicenter European study of 38 people with geographic atrophy reported that 84% regained the ability to read letters and words using the PRIMA system.
  • Clinically meaningful visual acuity gains at 12 months were recorded in 26 of 32 assessed participants, indicating sustained functional improvement.
  • The rice-sized subretinal chip contains 378 electrodes and is wirelessly powered by near-infrared images projected from camera-equipped glasses.
  • Safety tracking documented 26 serious adverse events in 19 patients, mostly early postoperative issues such as elevated eye pressure, retinal detachment, and subretinal hemorrhage that generally resolved with treatment.
  • Researchers report preserved peripheral vision alongside restored central vision and are advancing higher-resolution iterations, extended monitoring, and regulatory filings following the New England Journal of Medicine publication.