Early tests of the new implant show encouraging results.
Science Corporation, one of Neuralink's largest competitors, recently conducted an important clinical trial in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although those affected have peripheral vision, they develop blind spots in their central vision, making it difficult to read, recognize faces, and see in low-light conditions. Participants were blinded according to US rules. During the research, patients received new eye implants; The California-based company reported promising results.
Max Hudak, CEO of Sciences Corporation and former president of Neuralink, said he was shocked when he first saw a video of a blind patient reading with the help of the implant. After Hudak left Neuralink in 2021, he bought the technology from a company called Pixium Vision.
The implant, called Prima, consists of a 2mm square flake that is placed under the retina during an 80-minute surgical procedure. A pair of glasses equipped with a camera captures the image you see and then emits patterns of infrared light onto a chip containing 378 optically-powered pixels.
The chip essentially works like a small solar cell: it converts light into electrical signals that go directly to the brain. The brain interprets these signals in the form of images, thus simulating natural vision.
According to Hudak, the Prima device differs from previous retinal implants in its ability to detect shapes, patterns and other visual elements. But it is important to note that the vision is still only partial; Users do not see color, they only see images with a yellow tint.
“Among the different chip implantation technologies tried so far, this is one of the most stable solutions. However, we don't yet know how useful it will be for people in everyday use.”
– said Sunir Garg, an ophthalmologist at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.
According to Garg, there is a great need for a well-functioning device, as some estimates indicate that more than 20 million people in the United States alone suffer from age-related macular degeneration, and this number is expected to rise significantly during the coming period. 20 years.
