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PRIMA Visual Prosthesis

Groundbreaking BCI Vision Restoration Technology

PRIMA is a sophisticated system designed to replace the function of light sensitive cells in the eye that have been lost due to advanced degenerative retinal diseases.

Vision is the product of many layers of cells passing visual information into the brain. In degenerative retinal diseases, like age-related macular degeneration, the light-sensitive first layer of cells (rods and cones) fail, leading to blindness. By stimulating the next layer of cells (bipolar cells) directly, bypassing the lost rods and cones, visual input can be restored to the brain.

Our ongoing PRIMAvera clinical study is evaluating PRIMA for people with advanced atrophic dry age-related macular degeneration.

An illustration of the anatomy of a healthy retina, starting with the retinal ganglion cells, then bipolar cells, and finally photoreceptors (rods & cones).

Science PRIMA bypasses lost photoreceptors and stimulates the remaining cells in the retina with two components.

An icon showing the silhouette of a PRIMA showing it has a size of 2mm by 2mm

A small light-powered implant placed under the retina, which is designed to replace the function of light-sensitive cells lost to disease.

An icon showing the silhouette of a PRIMA glasses.

A special pair of glasses with an embedded camera and infrared projector sends light signals to the implant, providing both power and data.

A short video showing how the PRIMA device is implanted and a simulation of what some may experience using the device.
Two images of a PRIMA implant, one with the device on the obverse of a US penny showing it is a little smaller than a letter in the text 'ONE CENT', and an enlarged version of the device showing an array of hexagons, each with the same fine detail.

PRIMA Implant has 378 light-powered pixels

The implant has a honeycomb pattern of independently controlled pixels that convert infrared light, sent by a pair of glasses, into signals that activate neurons in the retina. When infrared light shines on a pixel it powers an electrode that stimulates the small part of the retina it is in direct contact with.

A diagram of a single PRIMA implant pixel showing its solar panel and electrode.

PRIMA Glasses use light to send power and information to the implanted device

These special glasses have a front-facing camera and an eye-facing infrared projector that shines light precisely on the PRIMA Implant. Only the pixels that the glasses illuminate are activated, providing PRIMA with both power and visual information.

Photograph of the PRIMA glasses isolated on a white background.
1

Pocket processor allows for zoom and brightness adjustment.

2

Sun lenses attenuate ambient light levels for optimal use.

3

Camera captures visual information.

4

Projection module sends patterns of infrared light into the eye.

PRIMA Clinical Trials Status Tracker

In Progress : Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative disease that causes a progressive loss of central vision.

Future Development : Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) refers to a group of inherited diseases causing retinal degeneration and a loss of peripheral and night vision over time.

Future Development : Stargardt Disease

Stargardt disease is a genetic eye disorder that causes a progressive loss of central vision.

Science's PRIMAvera clinical study in Europe is indicated for advanced atrophic dry age-related macular degeneration (GA) (NCT04676854). The study is evaluating the safety and efficacy of the PRIMA implant for patients with AMD. Based on the positive preliminary results, we have submitted an application for a CE mark to the European Union.

A separate feasibility study in the US is ongoing. Results from the US study (NCT 03392324) and European study (NCT 03333954) measuring near visual acuity at months 12 and 24 post-implantation are available.

Related Scientific Publications

Learn about the research and scientific studies supporting the PRIMA Implant.

Journal of Neural Engineering, October 2022

Long-term observations of macular thickness after subretinal implantation of a photovoltaic prosthesis in patients with atrophic age-related macular degeneration

Mahiul M K Muqit; Yannick Le Mer; Frank G Holz; and José A Sahel
Nature Communications, January 2022

Simultaneous perception of prosthetic and natural vision in AMD patients

D. Palanker; Y. Le Mer; S. Mohand-Said; and J. A. Sahel
American Academy of Ophthalmology, February 2020

Photovoltaic Restoration of Central Vision in Atrophic Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Daniel Palanker, PhD; Yannick Le Mer, MD; Saddek Mohand-Said, MD; Mahiul Muqit, PhD, FRCOphth; and Jose A. Sahel MD
Physics Today, July 2018

Restoring sight with retinal prostheses

Daniel Palanker; and Georges Goetz
Journal of Neural Engineering, March 2018

Optimization of pillar electrodes in subretinal prosthesis for enhanced proximity to target neurons

Thomas Flores; Xin Lei; Tiffany Huang; Henri Lorach; Roopa Dalal; Ludwig Galambos; Theodore Kamins; Keith Mathieson; and Daniel Palanker

CAUTION: Investigational device. Limited by federal law to investigational use.

Hardware shown is for display purposes only. Actual device shape and color may vary.