Eye implant helps most patients with a central blind spot read again

A system called PRIMA has helped most of its recipients read again, according to MIT Technology Review. After training sessions, more than 80% could read, do crosswords and use their phones. It is aimed at people who have lost central vision to an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

What it is

The condition is called geographic atrophy. Retinal cells die off, and people develop a blind spot in the middle of their vision. More than 5 million people have it. Until now, no treatment could restore their sight.

PRIMA combines two parts: a retinal implant and eyeglasses that carry a camera. Together they are meant to improve sight for patients with that central blind spot.

What is not known yet

The newsletter gives only a short summary, so many questions are open. It does not say how many patients were tested, how long the benefits last, what the surgery involves, what the risks are, what it costs, or when it might be available.

It also does not say how well recipients read. The 80% figure applies to recipients after training, so practice appears to be part of the process.

For families dealing with AMD, the main step is a conversation with an eye doctor about whether this approach applies to their situation.