{"id":30831,"date":"2025-10-20T19:21:31","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T19:21:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/?p=30831"},"modified":"2025-10-20T19:21:32","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T19:21:32","slug":"revolutionary-high-tech-eye-prosthesis-restores-sight-lost-to-macular-degeneration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/revolutionary-high-tech-eye-prosthesis-restores-sight-lost-to-macular-degeneration\/","title":{"rendered":"Revolutionary High-Tech Eye Prosthesis Restores Sight Lost to Macular Degeneration"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-blockquote uagb-block-e7eb3fc3 uagb-blockquote__skin-border uagb-blockquote__stack-img-none\"><blockquote class=\"uagb-blockquote\"><div class=\"uagb-blockquote__content\">In a world-first, a high-tech eye prosthesis developed by Stanford Medicine has restored vision in patients with advanced macular degeneration. Read on to learn about the device&#8217;s transformative potential.<\/div><footer><div class=\"uagb-blockquote__author-wrap uagb-blockquote__author-at-left\"><\/div><\/footer><\/blockquote><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-space-between is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b0ffac9c wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-size:16px\" class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-post-author\"><div class=\"wp-block-post-author__content\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-author__name\">The University Network<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share uagb-social-share__outer-wrap uagb-social-share__layout-horizontal uagb-block-ee584a31\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-ec619ce7\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"facebook\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M504 256C504 119 393 8 256 8S8 119 8 256c0 123.8 90.69 226.4 209.3 245V327.7h-63V256h63v-54.64c0-62.15 37-96.48 93.67-96.48 27.14 0 55.52 4.84 55.52 4.84v61h-31.28c-30.8 0-40.41 19.12-40.41 38.73V256h68.78l-11 71.69h-57.78V501C413.3 482.4 504 379.8 504 256z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-32d99934\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"twitter\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M389.2 48h70.6L305.6 224.2 487 464H345L233.7 318.6 106.5 464H35.8L200.7 275.5 26.8 48H172.4L272.9 180.9 389.2 48zM364.4 421.8h39.1L151.1 88h-42L364.4 421.8z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-1d136f14\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?url=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"linkedin\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M416 32H31.9C14.3 32 0 46.5 0 64.3v383.4C0 465.5 14.3 480 31.9 480H416c17.6 0 32-14.5 32-32.3V64.3c0-17.8-14.4-32.3-32-32.3zM135.4 416H69V202.2h66.5V416zm-33.2-243c-21.3 0-38.5-17.3-38.5-38.5S80.9 96 102.2 96c21.2 0 38.5 17.3 38.5 38.5 0 21.3-17.2 38.5-38.5 38.5zm282.1 243h-66.4V312c0-24.8-.5-56.7-34.5-56.7-34.6 0-39.9 27-39.9 54.9V416h-66.4V202.2h63.7v29.2h.9c8.9-16.8 30.6-34.5 62.9-34.5 67.2 0 79.7 44.3 79.7 101.9V416z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a groundbreaking medical advancement, a tiny wireless chip implanted in the eye and a pair of innovative glasses have restored partial vision to individuals suffering from an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The results, achieved through a collaborative international clinical trial led by Stanford Medicine and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/10.1056\/NEJMoa2501396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">published<\/a> today in the New England Journal of Medicine, offer renewed hope to millions affected by this debilitating condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The clinical trial showed that 27 out of 32 participants regained their ability to read a year after receiving the PRIMA eye prosthesis. Digital enhancements offered by the device, such as zoom and higher contrast, allowed some participants to achieve reading acuity equivalent to 20\/42 vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"394\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Palanker-prosthesis1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30846\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Palanker-prosthesis1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Palanker-prosthesis1-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Caption:<\/em> Left: Simulation of a patient&#8217;s vision with macular degeneration. Right:\u00a0Simulation of the\u00a0patient\u2019s vision enhanced with the PRIMA eye prosthesis.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Credit: <\/em>Palankeen Lab\/Stanford Medicine<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:4px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two-part PRIMA system, developed at Stanford Medicine, comprises a small camera mounted on a pair of glasses that captures and projects images via infrared light to a wireless chip implanted in the eye. This chip converts the images into electrical stimulation, mimicking the function of natural photoreceptors damaged by AMD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAll previous attempts to provide vision with prosthetic devices resulted in basically light sensitivity, not really form vision,\u201d co-senior author Daniel Palanker, a professor of ophthalmology at Stanford University, said in a news release. \u201cWe are the first to provide form vision.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Age-related macular degeneration, specifically its advanced form known as geographic atrophy, gradually destroys light-sensitive photoreceptors in the center of the retina. While most patients retain some peripheral vision, the PRIMA device leverages any preserved retinal neurons to relay information from the implant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2-by-2-millimeter chip, implanted in the retina where photoreceptors have deteriorated, is sensitive to infrared light projected by the glasses. This ensures the prosthesis operates invisibly, preserving patients\u2019 remaining natural vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe fact that they see simultaneously prosthetic and peripheral vision is important because they can merge and use vision to its fullest,\u201d Palanker added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the trial, which involved 38 patients over 60 with severe geographic atrophy, all participants began using the glasses four to five weeks post-implantation. Visual improvements were noted over several months of training, with 27 participants regaining reading ability and 26 demonstrating significant improvements in visual acuity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One participant&#8217;s visual acuity improved by an impressive 12 lines on a standard eye chart. The device proved invaluable for daily tasks, such as reading books, food labels and subway signs. Two-thirds of the trial participants reported medium to high satisfaction with the prosthesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, 19 participants experienced side effects, including ocular hypertension and retinal tears, which were resolved within two months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The researchers plan to enhance the device further, aiming to provide grayscale to facilitate face recognition, another critical need expressed by patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNumber one on the patients\u2019 wish list is reading, but number two, very close behind, is face recognition,\u201d added Palanker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Future iterations of the PRIMA chip could feature smaller pixels, offering higher resolution and the potential for vision close to 20\/20 with electronic zoom. New trials are planned to explore the prosthesis&#8217;s effectiveness in other types of blindness caused by photoreceptor loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis is the first version of the chip, and resolution is relatively low,\u201d Palanker added. \u201cThe next generation of the chip, with smaller pixels, will have better resolution and be paired with sleeker-looking glasses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jos\u00e9-Alain Sahel, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, is the other co-senior author of the study. Frank Holz, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Bonn in Germany, is the lead author.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:14px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/med.stanford.edu\/news\/all-news\/2025\/10\/eye-prosthesis.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Stanford Medicine<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a groundbreaking medical advancement, a tiny wireless chip implanted in the eye and a pair of innovative glasses have restored partial vision to individuals suffering from an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The results, achieved through a collaborative international clinical trial led by Stanford Medicine and published today in the New England [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"single-no-separators","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[259,53,484,485],"class_list":["post-30831","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health","tag-stanford-medicine","tag-stanford-university","tag-university-of-bonn","tag-university-of-pittsburgh-school-of-medicine"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"The University Network","author_link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/author\/funky_junkie\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"In a groundbreaking medical advancement, a tiny wireless chip implanted in the eye and a pair of innovative glasses have restored partial vision to individuals suffering from an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The results, achieved through a collaborative international clinical trial led by Stanford Medicine and published today in the New England&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30831","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30831"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30831\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30855,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30831\/revisions\/30855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30831"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30831"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30831"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}