Comprehensive comparative analysis of invasive implants and non-invasive sensory substitution. Evidence-based evaluation of PRIMA, Neuralink Blindsight, ReVision Occular, and The vOICe.
Peer-reviewed research on vision restoration technologies
Four major approaches to vision restoration, each with distinct advantages and limitations
84.4% of AMD patients regained reading ability. First technology to provide true "form vision." Published in NEJM (2025).
Acuity: 20/42 with zoom | Invasiveness: Low
30+ years of peer-reviewed validation. Congenitally blind users exceed WHO blindness threshold. Develops acquired synaesthesia.
Acuity: 20/360 median | Invasiveness: None
1,000+ flexible electrodes. Realistic target of 3/20 vision by 2030. Strong pre-clinical data. Human trials planned 2026-2027.
Target: 3/20 | Invasiveness: Very High
FDA Breakthrough Device status, but UW research shows 45,000 electrodes produce barely recognizable images. Claims contradict peer-reviewed evidence.
Resolution: Low (blurry) | Status: Pre-clinical
Click on any technology to view detailed specifications and research findings
Subretinal Photovoltaic Implant
ELECTRODES/PIXELS
378 pixels (100 μm)
RESOLUTION
20/42 with zoom
INVASIVENESS
Low
APPLICABILITY
AMD only
Cortical Implant (Flexible)
ELECTRODES/PIXELS
1,000+ flexible
RESOLUTION
3/20 target (2030)
INVASIVENESS
Very High
APPLICABILITY
Universal
Cortical Implant (Thousands)
ELECTRODES/PIXELS
~45,000 (estimated)
RESOLUTION
Low (blurry)
INVASIVENESS
Very High
APPLICABILITY
Universal
Non-invasive Sensory Substitution
ELECTRODES/PIXELS
25,344 pixels (theoretical)
RESOLUTION
20/360 (median)
INVASIVENESS
None
APPLICABILITY
Universal*
Clinical guidance based on peer-reviewed research and disease etiology
Recommendation: PRIMA System
PRIMA is the clear choice with 84.4% success rate and demonstrated form vision. No other technology has matched these clinical results. FDA pathway is accelerating.
Recommendation: The vOICe (Non-invasive)
30+ years of validation, proven safety, and demonstrated functional acuity. Immediately available, free software. Non-invasive alternative to experimental cortical implants.
Recommendation: ReVision Occular
Most scientifically grounded cortical implant with realistic goals (3/20 by 2030). Flexible electrodes minimize brain scarring. Human trials planned 2026-2027.
Status: Pre-clinical with Unrealistic Claims
UW research shows fundamental limitations. Even 45,000 electrodes produce barely recognizable images. Claims of "exceeding normal vision" contradict peer-reviewed computational neuroscience.
All findings grounded in peer-reviewed publications and clinical trials
NEJM (2025) - 84.4% success rate in 38 AMD patients
Ophthalmology Science (2024) - 4-year follow-up data showing sustained improvement
First vision restoration device to provide true form vision and reading ability.
PLOS ONE (2012) - Congenitally blind users exceed WHO blindness threshold
Consciousness & Cognition (2010) - Acquired synaesthesia in long-term users
30+ years of peer-reviewed evidence with thousands of users worldwide.
University of Washington (2024) - Computational modeling shows resolution ceiling
Neural Code Problem - Fundamental challenge in mapping electrode stimulation to visual perception
Peer-reviewed research contradicts speculative claims about cortical implant performance.
Flexible Electrode Arrays - Long-term biocompatibility demonstrated in primates
Realistic Goals - 3/20 vision target by 2030 based on electrode count and neural physiology
Most scientifically grounded cortical implant approach with transparent development.
Download the comprehensive research report with full peer-reviewed citations, clinical data, and evidence-based recommendations.