Science Weekly The ‘remarkable’ implant that can restore sight
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Oct 23, 2025 Mahi Muqit, a leading retinal surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital, discusses an innovative electronic eye implant that may revolutionize vision restoration. He shares inspiring stories of patients regaining sight, including emotional reactions to seeing letters again. Mahi explains the technology behind the implant, how it interfaces with glasses and a camera, and its potential to change lives. He also explores future developments in vision-loss therapies, positioning this advancement alongside other emerging treatments.
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Patient Regains Reading With Tiny Retinal Chip
- Sheila Irwin, registered blind from AMD, could read again after a microchip was placed under her retina.
- She described an overwhelming emotional reaction when she first read letters with the device.
Remaining Retinal Cells Can Relay Artificial Signals
- In dry AMD photoreceptors die but many downstream retinal neurons remain intact.
- That preserved circuitry lets an implant stimulate remaining cells to send signals to the brain.
Chip Mimics Photoreceptor Function
- The Prima chip acts like photoreceptors by converting infrared light to electrical stimulation of retinal neurons.
- Animal tests showed the chip stimulates ganglion cells similarly to natural photoreceptors.