New retinal implant restores vision for macular degeneration patients

The PRIMA system, developed by California-based Science Corporation, offers a breakthrough for patients suffering from advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). By replacing damaged photoreceptors with a specialized retinal implant, the system restores vision by transmitting visual data directly to healthy retinal circuitry. The technology utilizes camera-equipped glasses that capture real-time video, which is processed and projected as infrared light onto the implant. This implant, consisting of 378 pixels, converts the light into electrical signals that the brain can interpret. Clinical results show that over 80% of recipients regained the ability to perform daily tasks such as reading and using mobile devices. Approved in Europe and currently awaiting FDA clearance in the US, the PRIMA system represents a significant advancement in medical technology, leveraging the body’s natural neural pathways to bypass retinal damage and provide a functional solution for those previously considered untreatable.