Clinical Trial: Electronic Eye Implant Restores Vision in 84% of Patients

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Above: A phoropter, also known as a refractor, used by ophthalmologists during an eye exam to assess a patient's vision, on April 3, 2025. Image copyright: Deb Cohn-Orbach/UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

The Spin

Techno-optimist narrative

Electronic eye implants signify a revolutionary breakthrough that's transforming lives for the blind. The Prima device has achieved remarkable success, with 84% of patients regaining the ability to read letters and words after losing their sight to macular degeneration. This groundbreaking technology offers hope where none existed before — restoring independence and confidence to those facing incurable blindness.

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Techno-skeptic narrative

AI-powered medical devices in ophthalmology face serious risks from biased algorithms and flawed datasets that compromise patient safety. These systems often fail to work accurately across diverse populations due to source and context bias, leading to misdiagnoses and inappropriate treatment decisions. The black-box problem and cybersecurity vulnerabilities make these technologies potentially dangerous without proper oversight.

Sciencedirect