Wireless Retinal Implant Shows Three-Year Benefit in Geographic Atrophy
A wireless retinal implant called PRIMA provided durable control of geographic atrophy for up to 3 years in a study. Visual acuity improved by about 30 letters at 36 months, and more than 80% of patients could read letters, numbers, and words at 12 months. Serious adverse events were uncommon after the first 6 months and did not affect natural vision, though seven deaths occurred and were not considered device-related.
PRIMA is a wireless photovoltaic subretinal implant designed to substitute for lost photoreceptor function. It aims to restore central vision in atrophic retinal areas while leaving natural peripheral sight intact. Patients wear augmented-reality glasses with a camera; a processor translates the live image into pulsed near-infrared light, which the implant converts into electrical current.
That current stimulates nearby bipolar and ganglion cells, following the retina's usual signaling route to the brain. Users can adjust mode, brightness, and zoom. The device received European approval in July, and its maker, Science Corporation, is preparing an FDA submission. In the trial, serious side effects clustered early after surgery.
For people with advanced geographic atrophy, a durable retinal implant could meaningfully expand independence, potentially helping with reading, phone use, menus, and cards. Families and caregivers may see reduced daily support needs. Clinicians and regulators may weigh the benefits against surgical risks, training demands, and reported deaths. If approved more widely, access, cost, and long-term durability could shape who benefits. The technology may also influence future research into vision restoration, though its real-world impact remains uncertain.