SINGAPORE: In a miraculous medical breakthrough, a clinical trial led by researchers from University College London (UCL) and Moorfields Eye Hospital, an artificial intelligence (AI) chip-powered retinal implant, paired with augmented-reality (AR) glasses, can restore the ability to see again in patients who had lost their central vision due to geographic atrophy (GA), a late stage of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
According to a New England Journal of Medicine publication, 84% of patients who received the implant in one blind eye were able to once again recognise letters, numbers, and words — a feat previously deemed impossible. Before the procedure, some couldn’t even make out the vision chart, let alone read it.
SIM-card-sized miracle
The implant, known as the PRIMA System, is a subretinal microchip the size of a SIM card (just 2 mm by 2 mm and 30 microns thick). It’s wirelessly activated by a pair of AR glasses that project near-infrared signals onto the chip. An external, waist-worn computer processes visual information using AI algorithms and converts it into electrical signals sent to the brain via the optic nerve, creating artificial vision.
In other words: No bionic eyeballs, no science fiction. Just a tiny chip, clever optics, and artificial intelligence working seamlessly to mimic human sight.
How can it help Singapore’s ageing population?
Dry AMD is a global issue that affects around five million people. While Singapore’s ageing population also faces AMD-related blindness, the potential of AI-driven implants like PRIMA extends beyond medical promise to social empowerment for elderly Singaporeans who risk losing their sight independence.
“A new era in artificial vision…”
“This represents a new era in the history of artificial vision,” said Mr Mahi Muqit, associate professor at UCL and senior vitreoretinal consultant at Moorfields, who led the UK arm of the trial. “Getting back the ability to read is a major improvement in quality of life… lifts their mood and helps to restore their confidence and independence.”
The two-hour surgery can be performed by any trained retinal surgeon — a crucial step towards making this technology more widely accessible.
Patients go from blindness to crossword puzzles
One of the most inspiring stories comes from Sheila Irvine, a participant in the trial. “Before receiving the implant, it was like having two black discs in my eyes,” she said. “I was an avid bookworm, and I wanted that back… It’s not simple, learning to read again, but the more hours I put in, the more I pick up.”
Now, she’s doing crosswords, checking prescription labels, and spotting tiny text on tin cans. Another patient from France reportedly uses the device to navigate the Paris Metro. Not too far-fetched to imagine someone in Toa Payoh deciphering MRT maps with it in the near future.
“Elderly patients: They’ve gone from being in darkness to being able to start using their vision again…”
Muqit emphasised that this isn’t some “pop in a chip and see instantly” situation. “The rehabilitation process is key… These are elderly patients who were no longer able to read, write, or recognise faces… They’ve gone from being in darkness to being able to start using their vision again.”
Each participant underwent months of training to interpret the new visual signals, but no one lost any remaining peripheral vision during the trial — a strong sign of the implant’s safety.
“In the future, this could be used to treat multiple eye conditions…”
The PRIMA device was developed by Science Corporation (science.xyz), a neural engineering company specialising in brain-computer interfaces. With no current treatment for GA, the path is now clear for regulatory approval and commercial release — possibly within a few years.
Mr Muqit added, “In the future, this could be used to treat multiple eye conditions.”
For Singapore’s public health planners, ophthalmologists, and ageing citizens, that future may be closer than expected.
This report is based on information from the Genetic Literacy Project, reposted from Science Daily with permission. Follow @ScienceDaily on X for updates
