Researchers announced results of a clinical study that demonstrated partial restoration of central vision in patients with geographic atrophy, an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The PRIMA system, consisting of a microchip implanted under the retina and special glasses with a camera, allowed the majority of participants to return to reading letters and words after a year of follow-up. Essa technology represents the first advance capable of recovering functional vision in areas of the retina previously blinded due to the disease.
The study involved 38 patients with an average age of 79 years, all with severe loss of central vision caused by the death of photoreceptors in the macula. Após the implantation of the 2 millimeter chip, combined with the use of glasses that project infrared light, 32 participants completed the 12-month evaluation period. Nesses cases, 27 individuals showed significant improvement in visual acuity, gaining an average of five lines in standard reading tests.
AMD affects millions of people around the world and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly. Existing Tratamentos only slows down progression, without recovering lost vision.
How the PRIMA system works
The photovoltaic implant works without wires or external batteries, directly converting the infrared light projected by the glasses into electrical stimuli. Essa energy activates the remaining bipolar cells in the retina, sending signals to the brain that are interpreted as images. The glasses include a camera that captures the environment in real time and a portable processor that optimizes images for clarity.
This approach allows simultaneous use of preserved natural peripheral vision with central prosthetic vision. Pacientes reported the ability to perform everyday tasks, such as reading numbers or recognizing shapes, which was not possible before the intervention.
Detailed clinical results
After 12 months, 81% of those assessed achieved a clinically significant improvement in visual acuity, equivalent to at least 0.2 logMAR. Muitos participants were able to read strings of letters at home, with gains of up to 12 lines on standard ophthalmic tables. The restored vision is in black and white and with a resolution limited by the chip’s 378 pixels, but sufficient for functional reading.
- Average improvement: five lines in ETDRS tests.
- Reading ability: 27 of 32 patients were able to read words again.
- Satisfaction: Around 69% of users reported medium to high levels of approval with the device.
Post-implant training is essential, as patients need to adapt to prosthetic vision, which differs from natural vision.
Surgical procedure
The chip is implanted through minimally invasive surgery, performed in less than two hours by trained surgeons. The device is positioned under the damaged retina, replacing the function of lost photoreceptors. In 17 European centers, the procedure was completed successfully in all cases.
Serious adverse effects occurred in 19 patients, mainly increased intraocular pressure and small hemorrhages in the first weeks. Esses events were managed without permanent vision loss or systemic complications.
Features of advanced AMD
Age-related macular degeneration progresses to geographic atrophy when cells in the macula die, creating a central patch in the visual field. Pacientes maintain peripheral vision, but lose the ability to read, recognize faces, or perform detailed activities. The dry form, responsible for most cases, had no restorative options until this advance.
Medications like pegcetacoplan slow progress but do not reverse damage. PRIMA offers functional restoration in stages where central blindness has already set in.
Technology development
The PRIMA system was developed based on research by Universidade Stanford and acquired by Science Corporation after origination by Pixium Vision. The pivotal PRIMAvera study, conducted in five European countries, confirmed safety and efficacy on a large scale. The company has requested approval for clinical use in Europa, with prospects for expansion.
Researchers are working on improved versions, with more pixels for greater resolution and an expanded visual field.
Benefits for patients
Study participants reported gains in daily independence, such as reading labels or newspapers. Prosthetic vision integrates with the natural peripheral vision, without interference. Embora does not restore normal vision, the device transforms the quality of life in cases previously without options.
The advance opens the way for treatments in other degenerative retinal diseases.
Long-term security
One-year follow-up showed stability of the implant, with no reduction in natural peripheral vision. Eventos adverse events resolved within two months in most cases. Estudos with follow-up of up to four years in smaller groups confirmed prolonged tolerance.
Advances in ocular neurotechnology
This prosthesis represents integration of bioelectronics with remaining retinal cells, directly stimulating internal layers. Diferencia stands out from other implants as it is wireless and photovoltaic, eliminating invasive external components.
Future applications
The technology can be extended to other conditions with loss of photoreceptors, keeping nerve cells intact. High-resolution Versões are in animal development, aiming for close-to-natural acuity.
