The PRIMA photovoltaic retinal implant is a 2 millimeter by 2 millimeter, 30-micrometer-thick chip designed to be implanted beneath the retina; when paired with smart glasses that transmit images as near-infrared light, the implant converts that light into small electrical signals that stimulate retinal neurons or the optic nerve.
October 28, 2025
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Technical description of the PRIMA retinal implant and its image-to-signal conversion mechanism
The PRIMA system is designed to restore some central vision by replacing the missing light-to-electrical-signal function of damaged retinal cells while allowing patients to retain their natural peripheral vision, enabling a combined central-and-peripheral visual experience.
October 28, 2025
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Functional goal and clinical rationale for using a central retinal implant alongside remaining peripheral vision
A 2025 clinical study published in The New England Journal of Medicine reported that 38 participants received the PRIMA retinal implant, 32 participants completed one-year follow-up, and 26 participants experienced measurable improvement in vision (about 81% of those who completed one-year follow-up).
October 28, 2025
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Core participant and outcome counts reported from the clinical study of the PRIMA implant
The clinical trial reported that surgical implantation of the PRIMA device was generally safe, that most adverse effects occurred within the first two months after surgery and subsequently resolved, and that the implant did not reduce patients' remaining natural peripheral vision.
October 28, 2025
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safety
Safety and adverse-effect profile reported from the PRIMA clinical trial