Breakthrough in Retinal Implant Technology Restores Vision in AMD Patients

Science Corp.'s innovative retinal implant has achieved a significant milestone in treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), offering new hope for millions affected by this common eye disease. The groundbreaking study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine on October 20, 2025, demonstrates the first successful attempt at vision restoration in patients with severe AMD.

PRIMA System: A Paradigm Shift in AMD Treatment

The PRIMA brain-computer interface retinal implant, developed by Science Corp., has shown remarkable results in a clinical trial involving 32 patients with geographic atrophy, an advanced form of AMD. This revolutionary technology combines a tiny wireless chip implanted in the retina with specially designed glasses equipped with a camera.

Dr. Frank Holz, lead author of the study and chair of the ophthalmology department at the University of Bonn, described the implant as "a paradigm shift in treating late-stage AMD," noting its ability to actively restore lost vision rather than merely slowing disease progression.

The system works by projecting near-infrared light from the glasses to the implant, which acts as a miniature solar panel. The implant replaces lost photoreceptors, stimulating remaining retinal cells to transmit visual signals to the brain. Additionally, the device features a "zoom-in" function, allowing patients to magnify letters for improved readability.

Promising Clinical Results and Future Prospects

After one year of implantation, 27 out of 32 patients demonstrated significant improvement in their vision, with the ability to read letters, numbers, and words. Twenty-six patients experienced substantial gains in visual acuity, with an average improvement of more than five lines on a standard eye chart.

Dr. José-Alain Sahel, a co-author of the study and professor of ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh and Sorbonne University in Paris, emphasized the unprecedented nature of these results. "Some of the patients are reading pages in a book, something we couldn't have dreamt of a decade ago," he stated.

While the current version of the device provides only black-and-white vision with relatively low resolution, Science Corp. is already developing an enhanced version. The company aims to optimize visual performance through digital image processing and streamlined ergonomics, potentially expanding the technology's reach to more patients.

As Science Corp. pursues regulatory approval in Europe and from the FDA, the company anticipates bringing this groundbreaking technology to market in Europe as early as next year. This development marks a significant step forward in treating AMD, offering renewed hope for the millions of people worldwide affected by this debilitating condition.