Breakthrough Implant Helps Restore Vision Lost to Advanced Macular Degeneration
Published October 20, 2025
Source: The New England Journal of Medicine
Authors: Frank G. Holz, M.D., Yannick Le Mer, M.D., Mahiul M.K. Muqit, M.D., Ph.D., Lars-Olof Hattenbach, M.D., Ph.D., Andrea Cusumano, M.D., Ph.D., Salvatore Grisanti, M.D., Laurent Kodjikian, M.D., Ph.D., and José-Alain Sahel, M.D., et al.
New Hope for Patients with AMD
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine brings remarkable news for people living with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Researchers have found that a tiny implant placed under the retina can help restore central vision for patients with geographic atrophy, an advanced form of AMD that causes permanent vision loss. Until now, no treatment has been able to bring back vision once the central retina was damaged.
How the PRIMA System Works
The treatment uses a device called the PRIMA system. It includes two parts:
- A tiny photovoltaic implant placed under the retina in the back of the eye.
- Special glasses that project invisible (infrared) light onto the implant.
The light signals from the glasses are turned into electrical pulses by the implant. These pulses stimulate the healthy retinal cells that remain, sending visual information to the brain. In simple terms, the system helps the brain “see” images again by bypassing the damaged cells.
What the Study Found
The study included 38 people with advanced AMD. All participants received the PRIMA implant and were followed for 12 months.
After one year:
- More than 80% of patients were able to see more clearly than before surgery.
- Most side effects happened soon after surgery and went away within a few weeks.
- Importantly, peripheral (side) vision stayed the same—the implant only affected the central area of vision.
This is the first time a device has been shown to meaningfully restore central vision in people who had lost it to AMD.
What It Means for Patients
For patients with macular degeneration, this research represents a major step forward. Current treatments can slow the disease, but they cannot reverse vision loss. The PRIMA system shows that vision restoration is now within reach—combining science, electronics, and medicine to help people see again.
While the device is still being studied and is not yet widely available, these early results are extremely promising for future treatment options.
Looking Ahead
The PRIMA system is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials (PRIMAvera study, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04676854). Researchers are working to make the implant even more powerful, improving image clarity and expanding the field of view. With continued success, this technology could become a life-changing option for patients with advanced AMD.
Expert Perspective
“This study shows that we can help patients with advanced macular degeneration regain functional vision,” said Dr. José-Alain Sahel, one of the study’s lead researchers. “It’s an incredible step toward restoring sight in conditions once thought irreversible.”
Care and Support at Belmont Eye Center
At Belmont Eye Center, our retina specialists stay at the forefront of medical research and innovation. We closely follow new treatments for AMD, including retinal implants, gene therapy, and emerging vision restoration technologies.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with AMD or geographic atrophy, our team can help you understand your options and guide you toward the best possible care.
Schedule an appointment with Belmont Eye Center to learn more about the latest treatments for macular degeneration and other retinal conditions.
Reference: Holz FG, Le Mer Y, Muqit MMK, et al. Subretinal Photovoltaic Implant to Restore Vision in Geographic Atrophy Due to AMD. N Engl J Med. 2025. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2501396.
