A new device has been tested on patients with the aim of restoring some of the central vision lost due to advanced degeneration caused by macular degeneration. The chip is supposed to hit the market in 2026. Find out more!
Recent research has made important advances for people with age-related macular degeneration. This disease affects the retina and is one of the main causes of irreversible blindness in the elderly. A new device has been tested on patients with the aim of restoring some of the central vision lost due to advanced degeneration of the condition. It is a wireless chip that is implanted directly behind the retina, which restored the ability to read and recognize shapes for many participants in the clinical study conducted by international institutions.
The main new feature of the device, which bears the name PRIMA, is its discreet and innovative operation. After all, the chip is only 2mm in size, and works at the exact spot where degeneration of photoreceptors occurs – the cells necessary to convert light into signals for the brain. In many cases of macular degeneration, these cells stop working, which greatly affects the central vision of those affected. Developed over two decades by ophthalmology and bioengineering specialists, the chip has now reached an advanced testing stage with promising results and is expected to be commercially launched in 2026.
How does the PRIMA chip help restore sight?
Prima dynamics consists of an integrated system of two parts. A small camera attached to special glasses records images in front of the patient’s eyes. Thus, in real time, this information is transmitted to the microchip implanted behind the retina, which converts visual signals into electrical impulses. The remaining healthy cells receive these impulses and send them to the brain, allowing the user to recognize shapes and patterns and even resume reading texts. The study, led by Stanford Medicine, was published on October 20 New England Journal of Medicine. Tests showed that out of 32 people tested, 27 of them were able to read again after a year of continuous use of the system.
What benefits can the visual system provide to patients with macular degeneration?
The main benefit is the possibility of partially restoring central vision. This restores independence to older people who previously relied on support with daily tasks. Thus, among the advantages observed during the clinical trial are the following:
- Improve reading ability: Participants returned to reading books, newspapers, and medication packages independently.
- Shape and object recognition: The chip gave patients greater confidence in recognizing doors, steps, faces and signs.
- Reducing social isolation: The regained autonomy has aided family and social integration, and has encouraged greater coexistence and participation in routine activities.
- Ability to adapt to new technologies: The system is compatible with audio-visual resources and may receive future updates.
What are the challenges and future prospects of this technology?
Despite the encouraging results, there are issues that need improvement in the use of the eye slide. An important point is the adaptation time: each patient responds in a unique way, requiring specialized monitoring for adjustments and visual rehabilitation. The initial cost of the device may also be an obstacle to its widespread availability, considering that the technology is still in the early commercialization stage. Moreover, it is expected that with the launch scheduled for 2026, new improvements will appear to expand the visual field and resolution of tactile images.
Science continues to search for solutions to ophthalmic problems that were previously considered irreplaceable. The development of the PRIMA chip represents another step towards inclusion and quality of life for people with visual impairments. It is expected that in the coming years, such devices will become accessible to an increasing number of patients around the world, promoting continued progress in the field of ophthalmology.