Electronic Implant Revives Reading Ability for Patients with Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Electronic Implant Restores Sight to Patients with Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration A groundbreaking medical breakthrough has been announced, as an electronic eye implant has successfully restored reading ability to patients blinded by geographic atrophy, a form of dry age-related macular degeneration. According to results published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Monday, 84 trial participants regained the ability to read letters, numbers, and words after receiving the Prima device. The microchip, measuring just two millimeters by two millimeters, is implanted beneath the center of the retina. Patients wear augmented reality glasses containing a camera that projects images onto the chip, which converts light into electrical pulses transmitted to the brain. The procedure takes less than two hours and requires intensive rehabilitation. Frank Holz, lead author and chair of ophthalmology at the University Hospital of Bonn, hailed the implant as "a paradigm shift in treating late-stage age-related macular degeneration." Mahi Muqit, a consultant at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, added that the trial enabled "meaningful central vision restoration, which has never been done before." Geographic atrophy is a leading cause of blindness among older adults, affecting millions worldwide. The condition occurs when the retina deteriorates, causing irreversible damage to the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision. The Prima device represents a significant advancement in medical technology, leveraging AI concepts such as computer vision and neural interfaces to restore sight. According to Science Corporation, which manufactures the device, the implant has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. "This is a game-changer," said Dr. Holz. "We've seen remarkable results in our trial, and we're confident that this technology will improve the lives of countless individuals affected by dry AMD." The study's findings have sparked excitement among medical professionals and researchers, who see the potential for widespread adoption of the Prima device. "This technology has the potential to restore vision to millions of people worldwide," said Dr. Muqit. "We're eager to continue exploring its applications and making it available to those in need." Science Corporation has applied for clinical authorization in the United States and Europe, with plans to make the device commercially available pending regulatory approval. As the medical community continues to explore the possibilities of this technology, one thing is clear: the Prima device represents a major breakthrough in restoring sight to patients with dry age-related macular degeneration. *Reporting by Science.*