Vision in a Whole New Light

The science fiction stories of blind individuals regaining their vision may soon be a reality. Due to a series of medical breakthroughs, the world of ophthalmology will forever shift by a minuscule implant of technology called PRIMA.

Recently, the discovery of a solution to vision problems, including dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), has been consistent and difficult. However, in October, scientists finally reached a breakthrough with the PRIMA system. The PRIMA implant is a revolutionary piece of equipment that stimulates individuals who struggle with AMD to read words and numbers. Paired with a set of glasses that converts light into signals for the brain, the duo is the first solution for impaired vision. Overall, the positive outcomes scientists have seen with this technology inspire the promises of further discoveries.

Thirty-eight individuals from six European countries participated in the study; researchers specifically chose five of these people to be the first surgical patients of this technology at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. These patients had no central vision before participating in the study. However, eighty-eight percent of them regained their ability to read letters, numbers, and words after the study commenced. On average, each patient of the PRIMA system is now able to read five lines of letters on an eye chart. These data collections show the promise this technology holds and that the future is incredibly close. 

One of the five exceptional people even made a statement about her experience. Sheila Irvine, seventy, agreed to participate in the trial after discussing her options with her optician. She lives a busy life; it is incredibly challenging to fit anything new into her routine. However, the chance to not only fix her issues, but also others' problems, was too difficult to pass up. Sheila even said, “I was an avid bookworm, and I wanted that back[...]". However, she acknowledges that learning to read again is challenging; there is no simple process to see once again. Despite the challenges, she continues to practice, and with the help of her doctors and a few crosswords, Sheila is determined to make a full visual recovery. 

This astounding technology offers hope to the visually impaired. It is something no scientist has ever mastered before, and there is still a long road to go. Nonetheless, the PRIMA system is one step closer to a full-blown discovery that would indefinitely shape the planet.