Could a Retinal Prosthesis Restore Sight for People with Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Source: The Brink, Boston University. Published April 14, 2026. https://www.bu.edu/articles/2026/retinal-prosthesis-age-related-macular-degeneration/ Authors: Andrew Thurston, Jackie Ricciardi (photography).

Summary

BU researchers Chen Yang and Ji-Xin Cheng, collaborating with Serge Picaud (Institut de la Vision, Paris), have developed a flexible photoacoustic retinal prosthesis. Thin, soft PDMS+nanocarbon film converts each pixel of light into a tiny ultrasound wave. The ultrasound stimulates mechanosensitive layers of the retina still intact in AMD. Results published in Nature Communications (Leong et al. 2026, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-67518-6).

Key Quotes

• Yang: “Lost vision has a huge impact on quality of life. There is a critical need for so many patients — they need an alternative solution.”
• Yang: “Our technology is made of polymer, so we can make large implants relatively easily. And it’s soft, so the surgical procedure is easier.”
• Yang: “The science part we have — it’s possible to give artificial vision. It’s going to be a long trajectory, but we’re highly motivated.”
• Yang on previous prostheses: “It’s very challenging to develop positive, satisfying patient outcomes.” (e.g., Argus II: only 60 pixels, rigid, discontinued)

Context

• Nearly 200 million people globally have AMD; ~1.5 million in advanced stages in the US.
• AMD destroys the photoreceptor layer. Inner retinal layers (mechanosensitive) remain intact.
• Famous late-stage AMD patient example: actress Dame Judi Dench (can no longer read scripts or watch films, 2023 interview).

Translation Path

• BU patents already licensed to Axorus (France) — developing a contact lens form factor.
• Chen Yang founding US start-up.
• Next: first-in-human safety study → clinical trial.
• Funding: NIH and Axorus SAS.
• Yang’s lab: chemistry, optical engineering, mechanical engineering, and neuroscience backgrounds.