Artificial vision systems have been under investigation for several years, with one notable product, the Argus II, previously available on the market. Approximately 400 individuals received this implant, but it was later withdrawn due to financial losses, as reported by Cortigent, the current owner of the technology.
In a recent study, 38 patients in Europe received a new device called the PRIMA implant, which was placed in one eye. Participants typically reported being able to read five more lines on a standard vision chart. Improvements were attributed in part to “various tricks,” including a zoom function that enhances the reading experience.
This new implant targets geographic atrophy, a condition that affects central vision while preserving peripheral sight. According to Prevent Blindness, central vision loss of this type impacts about one in ten individuals over the age of 80.
The PRIMA implant was developed over a span of 20 years by Daniel Palanker, a professor at Stanford University with expertise in lasers. He realized that light beams could deliver both energy and information to a chip positioned beneath the retina, simplifying the design compared to devices like the Argus II, which incorporate additional wiring.
Palanker explains, “The chip has no brains at all. It just turns light into electrical current that flows into the tissue.” Patients reportedly perceive colors differently, describing them as a mix between yellowish blue and sunlight.
The system utilizes a wearable camera that captures images and projects bright infrared light into the eye, aimed at a portion of the chip lined with small solar panels. Currently, this technology generates approximately 400 spots of vision, enabling users to identify outlines of words and objects. Future iterations of the device are expected to significantly increase resolution, potentially allowing users to see more clearly.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/20/1126065/this-retina-implant-lets-people-with-vision-loss-do-a-crossword-puzzle/