Retina implant partially improved eyesight in people with severe vision loss

By Timmy Broderick

Oct. 23, 2024

Disability in Health Care Reporting Fellow

Science Corporation published preliminary data Tuesday from a late stage, multi-center clinical trial of a retina implant that showed promising results.

Using this prosthetic, scientists partially restored vision to people whose central visual field has holes or blurry spots. Trial participants could read text and recognize playing cards when using the implant, even though they were legally blind. 

advertisement

Ophthalmologist Frank Holz, the trial’s scientific coordinator, called the results a “milestone” in treating severe vision loss caused by age-related macular degeneration. “Prior to this, there have been no real treatment options to improve vision for these patients,” said Holz, a professor at University of Bonn, Germany. 

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — and get additional analysis of the technologies disrupting health care — by subscribing to STAT+.

Already have an account? Log in

Individual plans Group plans

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$20

for 3 months, then $399/year

$20 for 3 months Get Started

Then $399/year

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+.

Subscribe Log In Clinical trials, disability, health tech Submit a correction requestReprints

1. 

   Timmy Broderick

   Disability in Health Care Reporting Fellow

Newsletter

Tech is transforming health care and life sciences. Our original reporting is here to keep you ahead of the curve.