Artificial vision chips bring light back to the world of the elderly
- Seoyoung Kang
- Nov 19
- 1 min read
Nov 19, 2025
Seoyoung Kang
Recently, elderly people who had lost their eyesight have been able to see again thanks to a tiny 2mm chip. This device, implanted inside the eye, is called the "PRIMA System," and electronically converts visual signals to transmit them to the brain. It offers new hope to Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) patients.
The PRIMA system is a miniature computer chip that replaces the retina's function. This chip detects light when inserted into the eye, converts the information into electrical signals, and sends them to the brain. This allows patients to perceive the shape of objects and the intensity of light. However, this is not an easy surgery, as it requires precisely implanting a 2mm chip into the retina, a very delicate tissue.
Clinical trials in the US and other European nations showed encouraging results. Some patients who had lost their central vision could recognize simple shapes and letters after the surgery. This technology not only restores patients' sight but also gives new hope to people with severe vision loss.
If this technology continues to develop, a future of bringing back light for people with visual impairments may not be far away. This innovation is not just about restoring vision but also about restoring independence and confidence to those who once lived in darkness.
