A new AI-powered electronic eye implant has helped patients who lost their sight regain the ability to read, marking a major breakthrough in artificial vision. The device, called PRIMA, has restored central vision in eyes previously blinded by geographic atrophy caused by dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
In a European clinical trial led by researchers from UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital, 84% of participants were able to recognize letters, numbers, and words using the implant. Patients who previously could not distinguish vision charts were able to read an average of five lines after surgery.
Targeting untreatable vision loss
The trial involved 38 patients across 17 hospitals in five countries, with Moorfields Eye Hospital serving as the UK site. Each participant had lost central vision in one eye due to dry AMD, a condition affecting approximately five million people worldwide in its advanced form, known as geographic atrophy.
“This represents a new era in the history of artificial vision,” said Mr. Mahi Muqit, associate professor at UCL’s Institute of Ophthalmology and senior consultant at Moorfields. He emphasized that the implant not only restored vision but also improved patients’ confidence, mood, and independence.
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How the PRIMA implant works
The procedure starts with a vitrectomy, removing the eye’s vitreous gel. Surgeons then insert a 2mm-by-2mm microchip beneath the central retina. After healing, patients wear augmented-reality glasses connected to a waist-worn computer. The glasses’ camera captures scenes and projects them as infrared signals onto the chip.
AI algorithms convert these signals into electrical impulses that travel through the optic nerve to the brain, creating a new visual perception. Patients then undergo rehabilitation, learning to scan text and adjust zoom to read effectively. Importantly, no participant experienced a decline in peripheral vision.
Patient experiences
Sheila Irvine, a UK participant, described the impact: “Before receiving the implant, it was like having two black discs in my eyes. Seeing letters again was dead exciting. The more I practice, the more I pick up. It’s made a big difference — I’m definitely more optimistic now.”
Patients reported regaining the ability to read small print, product labels, and crosswords, giving them greater independence and a renewed sense of normalcy.
Global collaboration
The trial was globally led by Dr. Frank Holz at the University of Bonn and included participants from the UK, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. The procedure is designed to be safe and can be performed in under two hours by trained vitreoretinal surgeons, opening the door for wider access to this therapy for patients with geographic atrophy.
The PRIMA implant represents a milestone in artificial vision, offering hope to millions who have lost central vision due to dry AMD.
