Implant Restores Central Vision in GA

Results from the PRIMAvera trial on the photovoltaic retina implant microarray (PRIMA) system

By: Sarah Fackler, managing editor, Optometric Management

Retinal Physician November 18, 2025 Vol 22, Issue November/December 2025

Clinical Report: Implant Restores Central Vision in GA

Overview

The PRIMAvera trial demonstrated that a subretinal photovoltaic implant can restore central vision in patients with advanced geographic atrophy (GA) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). At 12 months, 80% of participants achieved a clinically meaningful improvement in visual acuity.

Background

Geographic atrophy (GA) is a significant cause of vision loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), leading to irreversible central vision impairment. Traditional treatments have focused on slowing disease progression rather than restoring vision. The development of innovative technologies, such as the PRIMA photovoltaic implant, offers new hope for improving visual function in this patient population.

Data Highlights

Measure	12 Months	6 Months
Mean Improvement (logMAR)	0.49	0.38
Clinically Meaningful Improvement	80%	N/A
Prosthetic Central Vision Detected	30 of 32	N/A
Maximum Improvement (logMAR)	1.18	N/A

Key Findings

26 of 32 evaluable participants achieved a clinically meaningful improvement in visual acuity at 12 months.
The mean improvement in visual acuity was 0.49 logMAR (24.5 letters) with PRIMA glasses.
Prosthetic central vision was detected in 30 of 32 participants at 12 months.
Participants reported the ability to read smaller fonts than theoretically achievable with the implant's resolution.
19 participants experienced 26 serious adverse events, primarily within 2 months postoperatively.

Clinical Implications

The PRIMA photovoltaic implant represents a significant advancement in the management of GA, providing a potential restoration of central vision for patients previously limited by this condition. Clinicians should consider this technology as a viable option for patients with advanced AMD who have not responded to traditional therapies.

Conclusion

The PRIMA system offers a promising new approach to restoring vision in patients with geographic atrophy, demonstrating significant improvements in visual acuity and patient satisfaction. Further studies will be essential to confirm long-term efficacy and safety.

PentaVision

Retinal Physician