Light control devices and methods for regional variation of visual information and sampling

Abstract

To provide light control devices and methods for regional variation of visual information and sampling.SOLUTION: Exemplary light control devices and methods provide a regional variation of visual information and sampling ("V-VIS") of an ocular field of view that improves or stabilizes vision, ameliorates a visual symptom, reduces the rate of vision loss, or reduces the progression of an ophthalmic or neurologic condition, disease, injury or disorder. The V-VIS devices and methods may optically move, at a sampling rate between 50 hertz and 50 kilohertz, one or more apertures anterior to a retina between one or more positions anterior to the retina that are non-coaxial with a center of a pupil and a position anterior to the retina that is coaxial with the center of the pupil. Certain of these V-VIS devices and methods may be combined with augmented or virtual reality, vision measurement, vision monitoring, or other therapies including, but not limited to, pharmacological, gene, retinal replacement and stem cell therapies.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 608,039, entitled "LIGHT CONTROL DEVICES AND METHODS FOR NOVEL REGIONAL VARIATION OF VISUAL INFORMATION AND SAMPLING," filed December 20, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] The disclosed embodiments relate to light control devices and methods for varying visual information and sampling from region to region. [Background technology]

[0003] The retina is the part of the eye that responds to light from the ocular field and converts it into signals to initiate image processing. Vision processing continues in the brain, where retinal visual information is spatially and temporally integrated with eye movements to achieve vision in the ocular field. The optical axis is a straight line perpendicular to the front of the eye and extending through the center of the pupil, defined herein as the coaxial line. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In some examples, the light control device is configured to optically move one or more apertures in front of the retina of the eye between one or more positions in front of the retina that are off-axis with the center of the pupil and a position in front of the retina that is coaxial with the center of the pupil, the one or more apertures being moved at a rate between 50 Hertz and 50 kilohertz, and the light control device varies the visual information and sampling of the eye's field of view by region.

[0005] In a further example, the anterior to the retina can include one of an extraocular arrangement, an intracorneal arrangement, or an intraocular arrangement. Additionally, the light control device can electro-optically pass the one or more apertures through one or more see-through displays disposed in front of the retina. The one or more see-through displays of the V-VIS device can be further configured to display at least one of an augmented reality image, a virtual reality image, or a combination of an augmented reality image and a virtual reality image.

[0006] The optical device may also include one or more waveguides, and the optical control device may use the one or more waveguides to move the one or more apertures. In a further example, the one or more waveguides may be disposed adjacent to one another in a single layer or in at least one of holographically multiplexed vertical stacks.

[0007] In some examples, the one or more see-through displays can include one or more transmissive carrier layers, each of which can include one or more active optical elements. The light control device can also include an electrical component coupled to each of the transmissive carrier layers. The electrical component can send an electrical current through each of the transmissive carrier layers, the sent electrical current can charge the one or more active optical elements to form and move the one or more apertures. In some examples, two or more of the transmissive carrier layers can be stacked vertically in a plurality of planes, and the one or more active optical elements in each of the two or more transmissive carrier layers can be less transmissive than the apertures when charged. The one or more apertures can be defined by at least one of (i) an area that does not include the one or more active optical elements surrounded by an area in each of the transmissive carrier layers that includes the one or more active optical elements, or (ii) an area in which the one or more active optical elements are not active surrounded by an area in each of the transmissive carrier layers in which the one or more active optical elements are active. The spatial location of each of the one or more apertures in each carrier layer can be offset from one another.

[0008] In a further example, the light control device can be configured to move one or more apertures with an off-axis projection. Additionally, the light control device can be utilized to vary the visual information and sampling of the eye field from region to region for at least one of visual acuity, screening, customization, calibration, visual acuity measurement, or visual acuity monitoring.

[0009] Additionally, in some examples, the regional variation in visual information and sampling of the ocular field may provide at least one of the following: (i) improved visual acuity in one or both eyes of a subject; (ii) stabilization of visual acuity in one or both eyes of a subject; (iii) correction of an ocular disease or neurological condition; (iv) improvement of visual symptoms in one or both eyes of a subject having an ocular disease or neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder; (v) reduction in the rate of visual impairment in one or both eyes of a subject having visual impairment due to an ocular disease or neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder; (vi) reduction in the rate of progression of an ocular disease or neurological condition, disease, or disorder in one or both eyes of a subject having an ocular disease or neurological condition, disease, or disorder; or (vii) measurement or monitoring of visual acuity in one or both eyes of a subject.

[0010] The light control device can also include one or more cameras and at least one processor operatively coupled to the one or more cameras, and the at least one processor can be configured to execute software instructions to capture light from at least one of around, above, below, or behind one or both of the subject's eyes and direct the light to a retina of one or both of the subject's eyes.

[0011] Additionally, the light control device may also include one or more microphones and at least one processor coupled to the one or more microphones. The at least one processor may be configured to execute software instructions to convert the speech to text in a preferred language and display the text within the subject's field of view. In some examples, the light control device may also include one or more light emitting diodes positioned around the periphery of the field of view, and the processor may be further configured to execute software instructions to selectively energize the one or more light emitting diodes to indicate the direction in which the speech is being generated. It is possible.

[0012] In a further example, a method includes utilizing a light control device configured to optically move one or more apertures in front of a retina of the eye between one or more positions in front of the retina that are non-coaxial with the center of the pupil and a position in front of the retina that is coaxial with the center of the pupil. The one or more apertures are moved at a rate between 50 Hertz and 50 kilohertz, and the light control device varies the visual information and sampling (V-VIS) of the eye's visual field by region.

[0013] Further, in some examples, the anterior to the retina can include one of an extraocular arrangement, an intracorneal arrangement, or an intraocular arrangement, and the light control device can be configured to electro-optically move one or more apertures through one or more see-through displays positioned in front of the retina to vary visual information and sampling of the ocular field from region to region for at least one of vision, screening, customization, calibration, vision measurement, or vision monitoring. The light control device may also be configured to achieve at least one of improving visual acuity in one or both eyes of a subject, stabilizing visual acuity in one or both eyes of a subject, correcting an ocular disease or neurological condition, improving visual symptoms in one or both eyes of a subject having an ocular disease or neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder, reducing the rate of visual impairment in one or both eyes of a subject having visual impairment due to an ocular disease or neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder, reducing the rate of progression of an ocular disease or neurological condition, disease, or disorder in one or both eyes of a subject having an ocular disease or neurological condition, disease, or disorder, measuring visual acuity in one or both eyes of a subject, or monitoring visual acuity in one or both eyes of a subject.

[0014] The method may also include utilizing the light-controlled device to generate at least one of an augmented reality image, a virtual reality image, or a combination of an augmented reality image and a virtual reality image. In other examples, the method may also include using the light-controlled device to treat the eye and administering at least one of a gene therapy, a non-gene therapy, a photogene therapy, a retinal replacement therapy, or a stem cell therapy to treat the ocular disease or neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder at a time before, during, or after the treatment.

[0015] In a further example, the method may include treating the eye using a light control device and administering a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-angiogenic agent administered via at least one of intravitreal injection, oral administration, topical administration, intraretinal administration, an implant, or iontophoresis at a time before, during, or after the treatment, wherein the combination therapy is for treating or alleviating symptoms of an angiogenic ocular disease, condition, injury, or disorder.

[0016] The method may include treating the eye with a light-controlled device and administering, via topical administration, intraretinal administration, intravitreal injection, implant, or iontophoresis, a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of: (i) an intraocular antihypertensive agent including a miotic, an alpha or alpha / beta adrenergic agonist, a beta blocker, a Ca2+ channel blocker, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, a cholinesterase inhibitor, a prostaglandin agonist, a prostaglandin, a prostamide, or a cannabinoid; (ii) a retinal or cortical cell neuroprotective or neuroregenerative agent including a rho kinase inhibitor, an adenosine receptor agonist, a glutamate antagonist, a neurotrophic factor, or a neurotrophic factor modulator; or (iii) a combination of an intraocular antihypertensive agent and a retinal or cortical cell neuroprotective or neuroregenerative agent, to treat the ocular disease, neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder. The ocular disease or neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder can include glaucoma, macular degeneration, optic atrophy, optic nerve injury, an autoimmune neurodegenerative disorder, or a cerebrovascular accident. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the neural processes that result in vision, according to some examples. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a light control device comprising a transflective diffuser display capable of forming a movable aperture with off-axis projection, according to some examples. [Figure 3A]FIG. 1 is a diagram of a light control device including a substantially transparent liquid crystal or other optically activated material contained in a thin film, defined herein as a carrier layer or carrier layer unit, exhibiting a movable aperture at a single position during a single sampling time interval, in accordance with some examples. [Figure 3B] A diagram of a light control device comprising a vertical stack of multiple carrier layer units of FIG. 3A, each containing optically active material, showing five possible aperture positions used to create a movable aperture effect, according to some examples. [Figure 4A] 3C and 3D are side and top views of an eye showing the carrier layer of the present invention of FIG. 3B within a light control device comprising glasses, a waveguide, and a movable aperture at one position during a single sampling time interval according to some examples. [Figure 4B] FIG. 3 is a side view of an eye including a light control device comprising the contact lens and off-axis projection system of FIG. 2 forming a movable aperture, shown here in one position during a single sampling time interval, in accordance with some examples. [Figure 4C] 1A-1C are side views of an eye including a light control device with a corneal inlay showing a movable aperture at one position during a single sampling time interval according to some examples. [Figure 4D] 1 is a side view of an eye including a light control device with an intraocular lens implant showing multiple movable apertures in one exemplary configuration during a single sampling time interval in accordance with some examples. [Diagram 5] 1A-1C illustrate a light control device comprising glasses that are each visible at different times, according to some examples. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a light control device comprising a remotely accessible device according to some examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Among the benefits and improvements disclosed herein, other objects and advantages of the exemplary embodiments can become apparent when the following description is considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Although detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein, it should be understood that these disclosed exemplary embodiments are merely exemplary and may be embodied in various forms. Furthermore, each of the examples shown in connection with the various embodiments is illustrative and not limiting. Any changes and further modifications of the features shown herein, as well as any further application of one or more of the principles shown herein, would normally be conceived by a person skilled in the art having this disclosure, should be considered within the scope of the disclosed exemplary embodiments. Although the description herein teaches specific features that apply to the various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made in the form and details of the illustrated devices or methods without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. It will be recognized that some of the exemplary embodiments described herein can be embodied in forms that do not realize all of the features and benefits described herein, and some features can be used or realized separately from other features. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced within the scope of the claims.

[0019] Throughout the specification, the following words have the meanings expressly associated therewith unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: As used herein, the phrases "in one embodiment" and "in some embodiments" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Additionally, as used herein, the phrases "another embodiment" and "in some other embodiments" do not necessarily refer to different embodiments, although they may. Thus, as discussed below, various exemplary embodiments may be readily combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the exemplary embodiments.

[0020] Additionally, as used herein, the word "or" is an inclusive "or" operator and is equivalent to the word "and / or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The word "based on" is not exclusive and allows for a basis on additional factors not included in the description unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, throughout the specification, the meanings of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on."

[0021] A. Introduction In particular, exemplary devices and methods are described herein that implement regional variation of visual information and sampling of an ocular field of view (e.g., V-VIS) by optically moving one or more apertures in front of the retina between one or more locations in front of the retina that are non-coaxial with the center of the pupil and a location in front of the retina that is coaxial with the center of the pupil. The exemplary V-VIS devices described herein correspond to and function as optical control devices that vary visual information and sampling in a regional manner. Furthermore, as described herein, "in front of the retina" includes one of an extraocular placement, an intracorneal placement, or an intraocular placement, and the one or more apertures are moved at a speed between 50 Hertz and 50 kilohertz.

[0022] Some of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods can be used for at least one of screening for V-VIS use, customizing V-VIS, calibrating V-VIS, V-VIS visual acuity measurement, V-VIS visual acuity monitoring, or any combination thereof. One or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods can improve and / or stabilize visual acuity in one or both eyes of a subject, and / or correct an ocular disease or neurological condition. In some embodiments, the V-VIS delivery of visual information from the ocular field to the retina (e.g., using the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein) can also alleviate visual symptoms, reduce the rate of visual impairment, reduce the progression of visual impairment, or functionally measure or monitor visual acuity, including but not limited to the visual processing effects of an ocular disease or neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder.

[0023] Furthermore, one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein can provide visual information from the eye's field to different regions of the retina in a novel manner at a rate sufficient to overcome the limitations of conventional light control devices and the limitations of natural visual processing and vision, and improve vision in subjects with reduced vision or ocular diseases or neurological conditions, or a combination thereof. In contrast to conventional devices and methods for providing visual information from the eye's field to the retina, one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods can improve monocular and / or binocular visual outcomes, and / or reduce adverse visual effects, and / or improve patient convenience, and / or accommodate the treatment of ocular diseases or neurological conditions. Furthermore, in contrast to some conventional devices, such as retinal prostheses, some of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods can be utilized with existing and / or natural neural circuits in the retina and / or brain, and do not require replacement of natural neural circuits and do not interfere with normal natural vision processing mechanisms.

[0024] Examples of V-VIS devices and methods described herein include, but are not limited to, extraocular devices such as glasses, glasses attachment devices, heads-up displays, visors, contact lenses, contact lens attachment devices, and viewing surfaces such as, but not limited to, remotely accessible televisions, computers, and mobile devices, corneal inlays, intraocular devices, intraocular lenses, and intraocular lens attachment apparatus configured as V-VIS light control devices. The exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein may be combined with augmented reality and / or virtual reality to generate V-VIS or may be part of an augmented and / or virtual reality system.

[0025] In some embodiments, one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods may be used in combination with other therapies for retinal diseases and / or neurological conditions, diseases, injuries, and disorders, including, but not limited to, gene therapy, non-gene therapy, photogene therapy, retinal replacement therapy, stem cell therapy, and / or pharmacological agents, such as, but not limited to, anti-angiogenic agents, intraocular antihypertensive agents, neuroprotective agents, and neuroregenerative agents.

[0026] Exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein are configured to improve and / or stabilize vision in one or both eyes of a subject. Some embodiments of the exemplary devices and methods described herein correct ocular diseases or neurological conditions. In some embodiments, V-VIS delivery of visual information from the ocular field to the retina can be used to treat conditions such as, but not limited to, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Stargardt's disease, Best's vitelliform macular degeneration, light-induced retinal damage, cone dystrophy, inverse retinitis pigmentosa, myopic macular degeneration, macular scars, inherited retinal disorders, diabetic retinopathy (DR), macular edema, macular hole, macular detachment, macular pucker, retinal vascular disorders (including but not limited to retinal vein occlusion and Coats' disease), retinitis pigmentosa, nutritional retina, and the like. alleviating the visual symptoms of ocular or neurological conditions, diseases, injuries, or disorders, including ocular disorders, inflammatory retinal disorders, glaucoma or other neuroretinal or ganglion cell disorders, autoimmune disorders (including, but not limited to, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus), cerebrovascular disorders, dyslexia, amblyopia (caused by conditions including, but not limited to, refractive errors, medial opacity or obstructions, or ocular motility conditions, or any combination thereof), presbyopia, and refractive errors.

[0027] Some embodiments of the exemplary devices and methods described herein reduce the rate of vision loss in one or both eyes of subjects whose vision is impaired by an ocular or neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder, compared to a control group that is not treated. Some embodiments of the exemplary devices and methods described herein reduce the progression of the ocular or neurological condition, disease, or disorder, compared to a control group that is not treated. Some embodiments of the exemplary devices and methods described herein measure or monitor visual acuity, including, but not limited to, the effects of ocular or neurological conditions, diseases, or disorders on visual processing and / or auxiliary screening of subjects for V-VIS and / or customization of V-VIS and / or calibration of V-VIS.

[0028] B. Exemplary Devices and Methods for Varying Visual Information and Sampling by Region 1 shows a schematic of the integration of various components of the visual system according to some examples. Light carrying visual information from the ocular field passes through the eye and is sent to photosensitive retinal cells, which absorb the light and begin processing the visual information. The photosensitive retinal cells convert the light energy into signals that are sent to other retinal cells and to the brain, where further processing, including but not limited to coding, filtering, and integration, combines with feedforward and feedback loops between the retina and the brain and extraocular muscles to provide vision.

[0029] Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein deliver light to the retina in a novel manner. Some methods of the exemplary devices and methods vary the sampling of light in the eye field. In some exemplary embodiments, the eye field and / or the retinal region (or regions) to which the eye field is presented vary from region to region by moving one or more apertures in front of the retina between one or more positions non-coaxial with the center of the pupil and a position in front of the retina coaxial with the center of the pupil. In some exemplary embodiments, the eye field and / or the retinal region(s) to which the eye field is generated by one or more exemplary V-VIS devices and methods is determined by at least one of the diameter of the one or more apertures, the transmittance of the one or more apertures to the selective wavelengths, the number of apertures, the diameter of the region to which the one or more apertures are moved, the positions to which the apertures are moved, the order in which the apertures are moved to the different positions, the transmittance of the outer region or portions of the one or more apertures to the selective wavelengths, and the speed at which the one or more apertures are moved between 50 Hertz and 50 kilohertz.

[0030] In some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods move one or more apertures that are substantially circular or hexagonal or elliptical or oval or square or rectangular or any desired shape or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods move one or more apertures configured to have a constant or adjustable diameter and / or maximum diameter ranging from 0.1 mm to 4 mm. In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS devices are configured to move one or more apertures within a region having a constant or adjustable diameter and / or maximum diameter ranging from 0.2 mm to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods are configured to move one or more apertures to a position that is partially overlapping, non-overlapping, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the positions to which the apertures are moved overlap with regions outside the pupil under bright or dim or dark lighting conditions, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, under low light conditions, such as dim and / or dark conditions, electronic illumination expansion methods known to those skilled in the art are used. Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS device are configured to move each aperture of the one or more apertures in a predetermined order, including alternating, random, sequential, or any other desired order, or any combination thereof, in all positions.

[0031] In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS devices and systems transmit light containing visual information from the eye field to the retinal cells through one or more apertures for a presentation duration, referred to herein as a V-VIS sampling interval ("SI"), that is of sufficient duration to allow perception of the eye field after further processing in the retina and brain. In some embodiments, V-VIS is achieved by varying the position of one or more apertures at a rate between 50 Hertz and 50 Kilohertz, and not allowing an aperture to persist in any one position for more than one V-VIS SI. In some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein, the SI is a time interval that lasts only between 0.02 ms and 20 ms.

[0032] The V-VIS sampling rate ("SR") of one or more apertures is defined herein as the number of times per second that each SI is completed, i.e., the number of times per second that each aperture or apertures are moved to each selected position. In some embodiments, the SR is a rate between 50 Hertz and 50 Kilohertz. A V-VIS sampling cycle ("SC") is defined herein as a sequence of aperture positions. In some embodiments, a V-VIS sampling cycle includes several selected positions to which each aperture or apertures are moved multiple times during the sampling cycle.

[0033] In some embodiments described herein, the exemplary V-VIS methods and devices include, but are not limited to, the detection and correction of fixational eye movements, including microsaccades, drifts, and tremors. The device is configured to generate a velocity-based SR or a variable SR. The velocity of fixation eye movement is determined by the eye disease. are often modified by a neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder. stomach.

[0034] In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods move one or more apertures at an SR speed that is fast enough to allow for stable perception. Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS methods and devices transmit light containing visual information from the ocular field to retinal cells for a presentation duration customized for one or both eyes of the subject. In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods move one or more apertures at different speeds for different eyes and / or subjects to allow for stable perception without perceiving flicker by the subject. In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods move one or more apertures at different speeds for different eyes and / or subjects to allow for stable perception without stroboscopic and / or phantom array effects. In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods move one or more apertures at different speeds for different eyes and / or subjects to allow for stable perception without adverse effects including, but not limited to, headaches, migraines, cognitive impairment, and / or photosensitive seizures.

[0035] In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS device and method moves one or more apertures at different speeds for different eyes and / or subjects, depending on the age and / or type and / or severity of the ocular disease and / or neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder, and / or other factors. In some embodiments, the delivery of light by the exemplary V-VIS method and device is configured to be adjustable. In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS method and device delivers light containing visual information from the ocular field to the retinal cells by a presentation duration by each of one or more apertures configured to adjust an SR that is initially too fast to allow the subject to see with one and / or both eyes, so that a SR at which vision is first enabled can be determined for a given eye and / or both eyes of the subject at a slow SR, which SR depends on various factors, including but not limited to the age of the subject and the type or stage of infirmity. In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS method and device is configured for calibration of V-VIS therapy and staging of one and / or both eyes of a subject with an ocular disease or neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder. In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS method and device is configured for monitoring improvement in one and / or both eyes with an ocular disease or neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder after V-VIS therapy or after conventional therapy or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the average SR required for vision in an eye with a particular condition, disease, injury, or disorder is slower than the average SR required for vision in a corresponding control eye without the particular condition, disease, injury, or disorder, and becomes faster as vision improves after V-VIS therapy or after other therapy or combination thereof.

[0036] In some embodiments, the V-VIS devices and methods can be combined with methods or devices for visual testing known to those skilled in the art of visual testing, including but not limited to visual acuity testing, contrast sensitivity testing, or perimetry, to distinguish vision problems caused by visually noticeable defocusing of light at the retina from vision problems due to other causes, including but not limited to functional or structural causes. Vision problems related to retinal defocus and / or refractive error and / or accommodative abnormality are corrected and / or alleviated by utilizing some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS methods and devices described herein at speeds within the normal range of speeds for subjects with refractive error and / or accommodative abnormality but without other ocular or neurological conditions, diseases, injuries, or disorders. In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS methods or devices can be combined with methods or devices for visual testing known to those skilled in the art of visual testing, including but not limited to visual acuity testing, contrast sensitivity testing, or perimetry, to quantify and / or monitor the severity of vision impairments caused by defects in visual processing in the eye, retina, or brain over time. Vision impairments related to defects in visual processing in the retina and / or brain are corrected and / or alleviated by utilizing certain embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein, e.g., by applying to a subject at a rate within a range of rates that differ from the rate applied to other subjects that do not have defects in visual processing in the retina and / or brain. The methods described herein include V-VIS in combination with other medical or surgical treatments.

[0037] Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS methods and devices described herein are configured to deliver light to the retina to reduce myopic and / or hyperopic vergence movement at the retina. Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS methods and devices are configured to deliver approximately collimated light through one or more movable apertures. Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS methods and devices move one or more apertures having a diameter effective to reduce refractive error in one eye of a subject with refractive error. Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS methods and devices move one or more apertures having a diameter effective to increase depth of focus in one eye of a subject with presbyopia. Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS methods and devices reduce refractive error or increase depth of focus or any combination thereof, thereby reducing symptoms of refractive error or presbyopia or any combination thereof. Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS method and device overcome limitations of conventional devices incorporating small fixed apertures, including but not limited to visual field restriction, reduced amount of light reaching the retina, impaired contrast sensitivity, reduced stereopsis, and diffraction blur. When the fixed aperture is small enough to collimate light and placed in front of the retina, it limits peripheral light rays from being sent to the retina. In eyes with retinal macular pathology, fixed small apertures often do not improve vision, and often reduce vision by restricting light to dysfunctional areas of the retina. Fixed small apertures reduce total illumination, allowing less light to reach the retina, thereby reducing vision under low light conditions. Fixed small apertures in only one eye of a subject develop anisocoria, creating harmful binocular differences in visual delays that result in dangerous distortions of relative motion.Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and systems described herein overcome the limitations of a fixed, small aperture by positioning and moving one or more apertures between 50 Hertz and 50 Kilohertz in strategic novel ways, resulting in higher illumination and better visual acuity in eyes with ocular or neurological conditions, diseases, injuries, or disorders than conventional devices with a fixed, small aperture.

[0038] In some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and systems described herein, the transmittance of the aperture or apertures for selecting wavelengths is fixed or adjustable, hi some embodiments, the transmittance of the aperture or apertures for selecting wavelengths in the region outside the region where the aperture or apertures are moved is fixed or adjustable.

[0039] In some examples, a range of wavelengths of light stimulates each type of retinal receptor to different degrees. Yellowish-green light stimulates both L and M cones equally strongly, but only weakly S cones. Red light stimulates L cones much more than M cones, and barely stimulates S cones. Blue-green light stimulates M cones more than L cones, S cones a little more than L cones, and is the peak stimulator for rod cells. Blue light stimulates S cones more than red or green light, and stimulates L and M cones less than red or green light. The brain combines information from each type of receptor to produce a different perception for each different wavelength of light. Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS method and device vary the transmittance of one or more apertures and / or select wavelengths in the area outside the area where one or more apertures are moved to modify the amount of stimulation of each different type of retinal photoreceptor in one or both eyes of the subject to obtain a beneficial effect.

[0040] Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS method and device selectively modify the transmittance of the aperture(s) and / or the area outside the area where the aperture(s) are moved for wavelengths in the visual spectrum ranging from about 400 nm to 700 nm. Furthermore, in some examples, due to wavelength dispersion, the wavelengths in the visual spectrum may have a focal range of about 2.25 diopters. The refractive index is inversely proportional to the wavelength, with blue light (shorter wavelengths) being refracted more strongly than red light (longer wavelengths). Some implementations of the exemplary V-VIS method and device selectively modify the transmittance of the aperture(s) and / or the area outside the area where the aperture(s) are moved for visible wavelengths to change the defocus on the retina in one or both eyes of the subject.

[0041] In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS methods and devices described herein can be configured to deliver light to the retina in a manner that reduces myopic and / or hyperopic convergence and divergence movements in the retina in different regions of the retina, effectively modifying the eye's normalization process and / or vision development. Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods reduce defocus on retinal regions within the central retina or outside the central retina or any combination thereof, and reduce the progression of refractive errors, including but not limited to myopia in which the center of the central retina is located on the fovea, may include the fovea or parafovea or macula or any combination thereof, and may have any diameter between 1.5 mm and 6 mm, compared to an untreated control group. In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS methods and devices described herein can be configured to reduce defocus in retinal regions by the diameter, position, chromaticity, or any combination thereof of one or more of the movable apertures, one or more regions not including the movable apertures, or any combination thereof.

[0042] One or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein can be configured to improve and / or stabilize vision in one or both eyes of a subject, including, but not limited to, improving and / or stabilizing at least one of visual acuity (including at least one of uncorrected and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity for distance, intermediate and near visual acuity), hyperacuity, stereoacuity, vernier acuity, contrast sensitivity, depth of focus, color vision, visual field, peripheral vision, night vision, facial recognition, light adaptation, dark adaptation, vision-related quality of life, or any combination thereof.

[0043] Additionally, some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein improve vision by modifying visual processing, including, but not limited to, neural coding and / or integration and / or filtering and / or neural adaptation and / or perception of ocular field. Some embodiments of exemplary V-VIS devices and methods deliver light to retinal cells in novel ways to at least one of: (i) modify the sampling of visual information to enable more accurate retinal visual information to be encoded by functional retinal cells in multiple retinal regions and transmitted from the retina to the brain with improved adaptation and / or anticipatory sensitization and / or integration; (ii) increase effective and / or spontaneous exploration of the integration of more visual information; (iii) minimize the effects of unstable fixation and / or poor gaze selection; (iv) beneficially modify neural attention modulation; (v) beneficially modify the excitatory / inhibitory balance of the visual system in the eyes and brain, including but not limited to modifying and focusing excitatory and inhibitory inputs in one or more visual pathways; (vi) beneficially activate underutilized or underutilized sensory, motor, and cognitive systems in the eyes and brain; and (vii) beneficially neuroadaptation using residual eye movement and / or sensory plasticity. In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein can improve the function of retinal circuits, including but not limited to, the connectivity functions in visual processing involving photoreceptors and / or ganglion cells and / or axonal cells and / or bipolar cells and / or horizontal cells and / or Muller cells or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods can improve and / or trigger certain processes of neural adaptation, including but not limited to, using alternative, potential, and / or new natural visual pathways in the retina and brain.Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods can improve visual processing and / or perception without having to replace existing and / or natural neural circuits in the retina and / or brain and without interfering with normal natural vision processing mechanisms.

[0044] Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods may vary visual information and sampling on a regional basis in combination with augmented reality and / or virtual reality or may be implemented as part or component of an augmented and / or virtual reality system. Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein may vary visual information and sampling on a regional basis in association with at least one of an augmented reality image, a virtual reality image, or any combination thereof to improve and / or stabilize and / or restore vision. Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein combine a novel V-VIS feed to the retina with the presentation to the retina of specific images, graphical and / or chromatic and / or achromatic colors, addition, removal, and / or attenuation of light by varying spatial, temporal, and / or brightness patterns superimposed on the view of a natural scene. Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods vary the chromatic and / or achromatic spatial and / or temporal and / or contrast information of light in a plurality of regions within the ocular field by chromatic and / or achromatic highlighting and / or filtering and / or blocking of the regions prior to sending the light to retinal cells. Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods provide regional visual chromatic and / or achromatic excitatory and / or inhibitory stimulation to one or both eyes while the subject views natural visual scenes within the ocular field during normal daily activities to improve vision and / or restore vision in a subject with low or impaired vision from a condition, disease, injury, or disorder. Some embodiments of the example V-VIS devices and methods described herein vary visual information and sampling regionally in relation to at least one virtual reality image or at least one virtual reality image (or any combination thereof), modifying and / or improving neural coding, filtering, integration, and / or adaptation in the retina and / or brain, resulting in a more complete and / or more correct perception of a natural visual scene.

[0045] In some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS methods and devices, light is delivered to retinal cells through one or more movable apertures, thereby reducing the cumulative light exposure over time of retinal cells that receive light for only a portion of each sampling cycle of one or more apertures, compared to retinal cells that receive light for a longer portion of a sampling cycle or for the entire sampling cycle or in both eyes without light being delivered by one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein.

[0046] In some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS methods and devices, the light is delivered to reduce cumulative exposure to select wavelengths of light over time by selective wavelength attenuation to retinal cells receiving light through one or more movable apertures and / or retinal cells outside the area through which the one or more apertures move. In some embodiments described herein, one or more devices of the exemplary V-VIS device are configured to block selective wavelengths, including but not limited to UV wavelengths or blue wavelengths between 415 nm and 455 nm or blue and violet wavelengths or other predetermined wavelengths or any combination thereof, which are delivered to the retina through one or more of the movable apertures or areas not including the movable apertures or any combination thereof during photopic, dim light, or dark lighting conditions or any combination thereof.

[0047] In some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods, the reduction of the cumulative exposure of retinal cells to light over time, with or without selective wavelength attenuation, reduces light stress and / or metabolic stress and / or phototoxicity in retinal cells. In some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods, the reduction of the cumulative exposure of retinal cells to light over time, with or without selective wavelength attenuation, can continue for a period ranging from months to years. The reduction of the cumulative exposure of retinal cells to light over a period ranging from months to years in diseased retinas, including but not limited to retinas with age-related macular degeneration, can prevent the progression of retinal cell damage or drusen formation due to one or more of apoptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy. In some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods, the selective emphasis of light to surviving retinal cells can enhance the activation of repair and regeneration processes in damaged retinal areas, which also stimulates retinal repair and regeneration processes. In some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods, varying the visual information and sampling as described herein from region to region can stimulate surviving cells, resulting in cell repair, cell regeneration, or any combination thereof, within damaged retinal cells or regions of the retina.

[0048] Examples of V-VIS devices described herein include, but are not limited to, extraocular devices, eyeglasses, eyeglass attachment devices, contact lenses, contact lens attachment devices corneal inlays, intraocular devices, intraocular lenses, and intraocular lens attachment devices, collectively or individually configured as a V-VIS light control device. Some embodiments of the example V-VIS light control devices and methods described herein may vary visual information and sampling by region in combination with augmented reality and / or virtual reality, or may be part of or incorporated within an augmented reality and / or virtual reality system.

[0049] Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods can perform the operation of electro-optically moving one or more apertures through one or more see-through displays positioned in front of the retina. For convenience of explanation, well-known features of optical technology are omitted or simplified so as not to obscure the underlying principles of the disclosed embodiments. In some embodiments, some of the exemplary V-VIS devices are comprised of components of a see-through microdisplay, including, but not limited to, at least one of a light source, an optical system, an opto-mechanical device, or a vision system-optical system interface.

[0050] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary V-VIS light control device and method for forming a movable aperture, according to some examples. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 2, the retina of an observer's eye 10 observes an ocular field of view 11 through a transmissive display 12. The transmissive display can be one or more of a head-up display, a visor, a head-mounted display, a clip-on lens, a spectacle lens, or a spectacle attachment device. For example, while viewing a tree 17 in a natural environment, a region of the observer's retina is also exposed to a movable aperture 14 formed on a surface or in a material of the transmissive display, for example, using an off-axis projection of a transmissive-reflective diffuser display system or other transmissive display that includes or is coated with luminescent particles 16 activated by a projector 13. The projector 13 can be, but is not limited to, emits excitation light 15 which may include UV or IR light.

[0051] In some examples, projector 13 may be operatively coupled to a controller (not shown in FIG. 2 ). The controller may include one or more processors that, when executed, software instructions (e.g., stored locally by the controller in a tangible, non-transitory memory or included in a received signal) cause the controller to generate and send control signals to projector 13. Based on the received control signals, projector 13 may selectively emit and project excitation light 15 onto a transflective diffuser display system or other transmissive display as described above.

[0052] UV sources include, but are not limited to, solid-state lasers, semiconductor laser diodes, gas lasers, dye lasers, excimer lasers, and other suitable UV sources. IR lasers include, but are not limited to, solid-state lasers, semiconductor laser diodes, and other suitable IR sources. The intensity of the excitation light from the light source can be modulated to produce visible fluorescence of varying chromaticity, intensity, or grayscale. The excitation light is absorbed in the retina of the observer's eye by luminescent particles that emit visible light. The intensity and configuration of the output of one or more projectors, e.g., projector 13, is modulated to form one or more movable apertures to appear within the field of view.

[0053] The light emitting particles 16 incorporated into the transmissive display 12 may be chromatic or achromatic. The light emitting particles may be nanoparticles or molecules that are smaller than the wavelength of visible light, thus eliminating light scattering, and when activated, form a less transmissive or non-transmissive region 18 that is in the range of 0.2 mm to 10 mm in diameter and surrounds and defines the transmissive aperture 14 that is in the range of 0.1 mm to 4 mm in diameter.

[0054] 3A-3B, 4A-4D, and 5 show additional exemplary embodiments of devices and methods for directing visual information from the eye's field to the retina using regional variation of visual information and controlling the sampling of visual information by retinal cells of the eye. Such variation of visual information and sampling (e.g., V-VIS) may be performed by one or more of the devices and methods shown in the following figures, but should not be restricted or limited in scope to the illustrated embodiments.

[0055] 3A shows a partial cross-section and a top view of the basic components of an exemplary V-VIS device, defined herein as a carrier layer unit. A partial cross-section of an exemplary V-VIS device is shown, in which two transmissive layers 20A and 20B form a space 22 that is partially filled with one or more active optical elements 24. In some examples, the transmissive layers 20A and 20B can be flat or curved and can be made of glass or plastic, including but not limited to polysulfone, polyetheramide, and / or other thermoplastic materials that have a refractive index of about 1.67 and thus have no optical intensity. Additionally, the one or more active optical elements 24 can be formed from materials with a refractive index of about 1.67, such as but not limited to polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs), bistable liquid crystals, surface stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystals (SSFLFs), transmission and color tunable organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), ferroelectric liquid crystals, super twisted liquid crystals, or liquid crystal galvanic materials.

[0056] The inner surface of each of the transmissive outer layers 20A and 20B is lined with an optically transparent conductive layer 21A and 21B made of a conductive material such as, but not limited to, indium tin oxide (ITO), a conductive organic material such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate), and / or carbon nanotubes. Additionally, the conductive material may also include traces of metal such as silver or aluminum to improve electrical conductivity. The conductive layers 21A and 21B may be connected to a power source 25 and a drive box 26, which may be housed in one unit or divided into multiple units, have an on / off switch, a power source, and driving software, and may apply a desired voltage through one or more regions of the conductive layer to the active optical material 24, causing the active optical material 24 to change its optical properties from transparent to various degrees of opacity depending on the voltage. Multiple variations in color, and location and size of opaque and transparent regions can be achieved by configuring some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS device to have different patterns and densities of active optical material within the space 22 between the transparent outer layers 20A, 20B of the carrier layer and / or by configuring patterns of electrical stimulation via the conductive layer.

[0057] In some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods, the carrier layer may incorporate optical filters that block harmful wavelengths of light in certain ranges, including, but not limited to, blue and violet wavelengths between 415 nm and 455 nm and / or UV wavelengths to prevent retinal photodamage.

[0058] In some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS device, the carrier layer includes a broadband anti-reflection (AR) coating applied to the carrier layer to minimize ghosting. The AR coating can be either a single layer MgF2 or a multi-layer coating. Multi-layer coatings of various materials and various absolute and relative thicknesses can be used to achieve the AR function.

[0059] In some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS methods and devices described herein, each carrier layer unit has an arrangement of active optical material 24 surrounding an area 23 that does not contain active optical material. The apertures of these exemplary V-VIS devices and methods may, in some embodiments, be defined by an area that does not contain one or more active optical elements surrounded by an area in each carrier layer that has one or more active optical elements (e.g., the one or more active optical elements in each carrier layer are less transmissive when energized than the area of ​​the aperture). The aperture may be configured to range from 0.1 mm to 4 mm in diameter, while the surrounding region is configured to range from 0.2 mm to 10 mm in diameter. The degree of opacity of the aperture and / or surrounding region is determined by the density and arrangement of the active optical material.

[0060] Multiple apertures can be formed in a single layer depending on where the active optical material is placed within the layer. In some embodiments, the size, location, and opacity of the apertures and / or surrounding regions are determined by modifying a pattern of electrical stimulation through the conductive layer (e.g., based on control signals generated by a controller having a processor executing locally stored or received software instructions). In some embodiments, one or more apertures in the carrier layer are defined as a region without activation of one or more active optical elements surrounded by a region in the carrier layer characterized by activation of one or more active optical elements. The location of the one or more apertures may be determined by selectively applying electrical energy to one or more of the carrier layers. The location of the one or more apertures varies at a rate between 50 Hertz and 50 kilohertz. One location of the one or more apertures is coaxial with the center of the pupil, while one or more other locations of the one or more apertures are non-coaxial with the center of the pupil.

[0061] 3B is a diagram of a vertical stacking of multiple carrier layer units of FIG. 3A to form a moving aperture effect, according to some examples. A programmable controller 26 connected to a power source 25 sends electrical current to the active optical material 24 in each of the carrier layer units 29, either through a direct connection or remotely through a radio frequency antenna 27. In some examples, the programmable controller 26 may include one or more processors that, when executed, software instructions (e.g., stored locally by the controller in a tangible non-transitory memory or included in a received signal) cause the programmable controller 26 to selectively send electrical current (e.g., as a control signal) to the active optical material 24 in each of the carrier layer units 29 using any of the processes described herein.

[0062] Each carrier layer unit has an arrangement of active optical material 24 surrounding a region 23 that does not include active optical material. The apertures of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods are formed by surrounding a region that does not include one or more active optical elements with a region in each layer that includes one or more active optical elements, such that the one or more active optical elements in the carrier layer are less transmissive than the region of the aperture when energized, e.g., by a received electrical current. In some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices, two or more transmissive carrier layers are vertically stacked, such that the one or more active optical elements in each of the two or more transmissive carrier layers are less transmissive than the aperture when energized.

[0063] In some examples described herein, the apertures may be defined by at least one of the regions not including one or more active optical elements surrounded by regions in each carrier layer that include one or more active optical elements. In other examples, the apertures may be defined by regions without activation of one or more active optical elements surrounded by regions in each carrier layer that do include activation of one or more active optical elements. In further examples, the spatial location of each of the apertures in each carrier layer may be shifted relative to each of the other apertures in each carrier layer. In some embodiments, the location and number of locations of the apertures, the sequence of locations, and the interval between changes in location may be customized for a particular person or a particular condition, disease, injury, or disorder.

[0064] 4A-4D show cross-sections of an eye illustrating various exemplary placements for a V-VIS device in front of the retina of the eye. In FIG. 4A, the eye has a cornea 30 covering an iris 31. In some examples, a V-VIS device, such as the exemplary V-VIS device shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, can be placed in or clipped to a spectacle lens 33 or placed in one or more waveguides 34 connected to a spectacle frame 32. The frame 32 houses a power source 25 and a programmable controller 26, which is connected to one or more carrier layers 29 in the spectacle lens or attached to the spectacle lens using a suitable attachment method or mechanism. Each activated carrier layer forms one or more apertures 23 as described above based on, for example, a current selectively sent by the programmable controller 26 via a control signal. In some examples, the programmable controller 26 may receive input data, for example, feedback from a sensor or a remotely accessible device (not shown in FIG. 4A), and may perform a calibration or configuration process based on the received input.

[0065] FIG. 4A shows a single aperture in one position during a single sampling interval. The selected alignment of the aperture and SI determines the sampling of light by the retina. The exemplary V-VIS device of Figure 4A is configured to optically move an aperture in front of the retina between one or more positions in front of the retina that are off-axis with the center of the pupil and a position in front of the retina that is coaxial with the center of the pupil.

[0066] The transmission waveguide 34 shown in Figure 4A can act, for example, as a see-through display. In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein can include multiple waveguides arranged in at least one vertical stack adjacent to each other in a single layer, holographically multiplexed, or any combination thereof. An aperture and surrounding opaque regions as described in Figures 2, 3A, and 3B can be projected onto the retina through the waveguide.

[0067] In some embodiments, the see-through display of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein may be further configured to display at least one augmented reality image, at least one virtual reality image, or any combination thereof. In one example, the programmable controller 26 may maintain local data characterizing the at least one virtual and / or augmented reality image in a tangible, non-transitory memory and may generate control signals when software instructions are executed that cause the V-VIS device to generate and display at least one virtual and / or augmented reality image, for example, on the transmission waveguide 34.

[0068] In other examples, the programmable controller 26 may be communicatively coupled to a virtual reality or augmented reality (VR / AR) system or device via one or more communication networks, such as a short-range communication network using the Bluetooth® communication protocol or a near-field communication (NFC) protocol. The programmable controller 26 may receive data transmitted by the VR / AR system or device and, in response to the data, generate control signals that cause the V-VIS device to generate and display at least one virtual and / or augmented reality image as described herein (not shown in FIG. 4A ).

[0069] An exemplary embodiment using augmented reality is for elderly patients and subjects with both vision and hearing impairments, which are often co-morbid in some genetic syndromes or disorders such as Alport syndrome, Usher syndrome, Marshall syndrome, Stickler syndrome, Duan syndrome, Leber's disease, and Norrie syndrome, as well as infectious diseases such as cytomegalovirus and rubella. One or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices described herein may be configured to combine a vision-improving movable aperture with multiple directional microphones 35 integrated into a head mount or eyeglass frames connected to the VR / AR system or device. In some examples, when one or more application programs are executed, the VR / AR system or device may perform operations to receive voice data captured by one or more of the directional microphones 35. Based on the captured voice data, the VR / AR system or device may detect the source location of the voice, convert the detected voice into text in a preferred language, and display the enlarged text (e.g., "Mom is calling you") 36 as an augmented reality image or layer on the waveguide 34 within the field of view of the vision and hearing impaired subject. Additionally, in some embodiments, additional directional cues are provided by one or more light emitting diodes positioned around the periphery of the field of view (e.g., around waveguide 34) to indicate to the hearing-impaired subject the direction from which the sound was produced. In some embodiments, one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices described herein may include one or more microphones and may include, or be in communication with, one or more processors or processing units that execute application programs or software instructions that convert the sound to text in a preferred language and display the text in the subject's field of view using the exemplary V-VIS device.Additionally, as described herein, one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices may further include one or more light emitting diodes positioned around the periphery of the field of view to indicate the direction in which the sound was generated. The application programs and software instructions may include an application programming interface (API) for creating visual alerts for incoming texts and phone calls, as well as other alerts and notifications, and can convert sound from the phone into viewable text.

[0070] In some embodiments, one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices can be used in conjunction with eye-tracking or gaze-interactive assistive technology, examples of which include, but are not limited to, technology commercially available from Tobii Dynavox (Pittsburgh, PA) for subjects with speech and / or movement disorders. Because the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods can improve the vision of subjects with vision disorders, eye-tracking and gaze-interactive assistive technology can enable subjects who also have speech or movement disorders to better align their gaze with words, letters, and commands, thereby enabling such subjects to communicate, regain personal independence, learn and interact with others and computers, compose e-mails using a computer, access social networking sites, acquire new skills, and promote creativity, thereby improving health and well-being.

[0071] In another exemplary embodiment, a head-mounted or eyeglass frame (connected, for example, by Bluetooth to a processor described herein) can be combined with a peripherally directed camera to treat subjects with partial loss of normal visual field, such as subjects with transient hemianopia, quadrantopia, or unilateral visual field defects. When AR techniques are used in conjunction with an intermittent V-VIS display of the current visual field, light carrying information from the lost portion of the total visual field is sent to the remaining functional parts of the retina-brain complex for interpretation, integration, and viewing. The intermittency of V-VIS prevents confusion and distraction that occurs when the lost portion of the visual field is constantly displayed in conventional picture-in-picture techniques.

[0072] In some embodiments, one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices can be combined with the simultaneous display of augmented reality content (e.g., on a corresponding waveguide), and augmented reality can be used with V-VIS to capture light from a field of view that is larger than the field of view of one, the other, or both of the subject's eyes and send the light to the retina. The field of view of an eye typically extends more than 90° in the temporal direction, 60° nasally and superiorly, and approximately 70° inferiorly. In some embodiments, the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein can extend the field of view of the subject's one, the other, or both eyes for a total field of view that can be constant or variable and configured to encompass a selected degree up to 360° around the subject's one, the other, or both eyes. In further embodiments, the exemplary processors described herein can be combined with cameras directed around and / or above and / or below and / or behind the one, the other, or both eyes. In further embodiments, one or more of the V-VIS devices can be combined with a simultaneous augmented reality display, where the use of augmented reality with V-VIS captures light from a field of view that is larger than the field of view of the V-VIS device alone or the AR device alone, providing the subject with an extended field of view. In some embodiments, the combination of the V-VIS device and the AR device includes 3D detection and / or high-speed tracking. In some embodiments of devices and methods configured to use V-VIS with AR, light collimated by the V-VIS aperture can be sent to the retina from a field of view of up to 360° around one or both of the subject's eyes. In some embodiments, one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices can be further configured to include one or more cameras and software to capture light from around, above, below, and / or behind one, the other, or both of the subject's eyes and send the light to the retina of one, the other, or both of the subject's eyes.

[0073] FIG. 4B shows two different embodiments of an exemplary V-VIS device including a contact lens 40 covering the cornea 30 and iris 31. The contact lens 40 can be corneal or scleral, or any combination thereof. One exemplary embodiment utilizes off-axis projection as shown in FIG. 2. For example, a projector 13 is attached to the exterior of the contact lens 40, which contains luminescent particles. Excitation light 15 from the projector creates a moving aperture effect in or on the contact lens surface using any of the exemplary processes described herein, such as those described in FIG. 2.

[0074] In another embodiment, also shown in Figure 4B, a contact lens 40 has one or more carrier layers 29 as described in Figures 3A and 3B, each carrier layer 29 including active optical material 24 defining one or more apertures 23. One or more antennas, such as antenna 27, receive signals including instructions regarding the order, duration and interval of aperture activation. Figure 4B shows the movable apertures in one position during a single sampling period.

[0075] In one example, the received signal may include a radio frequency signal and antenna 27 may include a radio frequency antenna capable of receiving the radio frequency signal. The disclosed exemplary embodiments are not limited to radio frequency signals and antennas, and in other examples, antenna 27 may be capable of receiving transmitted signals formatted according to any additional or alternative communication protocols, such as those described herein.

[0076] Additionally, in some examples, antenna 27 may receive signals from a corresponding transmitter unit contained within (located on) glasses worn by the subject, or contained within a mobile device operated by the subject or a physician, or from any other suitable device or system, e.g., via any of the communications networks described herein. Software instructions may be generated or specified, for example, by a physician, and stored in one or more tangible, non-transitory memories of the glasses, the mobile device, or other suitable device or system.

[0077] 4C, an exemplary V-VIS device includes an intracorneal inlay 45 that includes one or more built-in antennas, such as antenna 27, that can receive transmitted signals. Examples of transmitted signals include, but are not limited to, radio frequency signals, or signals formatted according to any additional or alternative communications protocols, such as those described herein.

[0078] The corneal inlay is placed in the cornea 30 overlying the iris 31. The active optical material 24 in one or more transmissive carrier layers 29 within the corneal inlay 45, when activated (based on signals received by the antenna 27), forms one or more movable apertures 23. Figure 4C shows the movable apertures in one position during a single sampling period.

[0079] In FIG. 4D, the exemplary V-VIS device comprises an intraocular implant 46 that replaces the human crystalline lens and is typically positioned inside the eye's capsular bag 47 behind the iris 31. However, the intraocular implant 46 can be positioned above the capsular bag or above the iris 31 in some embodiments. The exemplary V-VIS device can include an intraocular device, an intraocular lens (IOL), an intraocular lens attachment device (IOLAD), or any combination thereof inserted into a phakic, aphakic, or pseudophakic eye, including at least one of an anterior chamber, sulcus fixation, iris fixation, capsular fixation, or transscleral sutured IOL or IOLAD. The active optical material 24 in one or more transparent carrier layers 29 inside the implant forms one or more movable apertures 23 when activated (based on signals received by one or more built-in antennas, such as antenna 27). FIG. 4D shows multiple movable apertures at one position during a single sampling period. An exemplary V-VIS device moves one or more apertures by sending an electric current (e.g., from a signal received by antenna 27) through each of one or more transparent carrier layers that contain one or more active optical elements.

[0080] In some embodiments, the refractive error of the eye can be corrected by incorporating an appropriate lens for correcting the refractive error into one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices described herein, such as, but not limited to, glasses, contact lenses, corneal inlays, or intraocular lenses.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the power source for each carrier layer inside the contact lens, corneal inlay, or intraocular implant may be radio frequency (RF) transmission assisted by a rechargeable solar microbattery that may be built into the corresponding one of the exemplary V-VIS devices. For example, a micron-sized solar-powered microbattery may provide additional power to extend the range of the radio frequency (RF) power source to its RF antenna, which may then be coupled to the corresponding V-VIS device. The present invention may be incorporated into one or more of these exemplary V-VIS devices.

[0082] FIG. 5 illustrates six different instants (e.g., instants A-F) with five possible aperture positions. As shown in FIG. 5, a transmissive aperture 51A located coaxially with the center of the pupil alternates with a non-transmissive aperture 50D located coaxially with the center of the pupil in each lens during different sampling cycles. Further, in FIG. 5, the exemplary V-VIS device includes eyeglasses configured to treat a subject with amblyopia. The exemplary V-VIS device may be incorporated into a lens 33 of an eyeglass frame 32.

[0083] In some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS device for treating amblyopia, during at least one sampling cycle, the entire central field in front of the eye is obstructed (e.g., 50A and 50D), while a central transmission aperture coaxial with the center of the pupil is located in front of the fellow eye (e.g., 51A and 51D). The fully obstructed central field alternates between the two eyes every sampling cycle or every few sampling cycles. At other sampling intervals (SI) during each sampling cycle, the transmission aperture appears in front of both eyes in a non-coaxial position with the center of the pupil, e.g., 52B, 52C, 52E, and 52F. The aperture and surrounding opaque regions can be colored or have a desired density of opacity from 10% opaque to 100% opaque, depending on the density and type of optically active material disposed in one or more carrier layers of the exemplary V-VIS device. The aperture position changes at a predetermined sampling rate (SR) between 50 Hertz and 50 Kilohertz. Depending on the severity and type of amblyopia, the presentation duration, color, and / or density of central opacity, e.g., 50A and 50D, can be adjusted to be longer lasting or denser to enhance and / or improve the visual pathway and perception of the amblyopic eye(s).

[0084] Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein overcome limitations of conventional treatments for amblyopia, including, but not limited to, inadequate improvement of visual function due to lack of focused bilateral stimulation of the visual pathway and / or obstruction and / or suitability issues of peripheral vision, which has been demonstrated to be relatively spared from visual impairment in amblyopia. Conventional treatments for amblyopia, unlike some embodiments of these exemplary V-VIS devices and methods, reduce the number of spatial samples available for accurate integration of visual information, especially in the periphery, resulting in impaired binocular vision function and / or failure to improve binocular vision function during treatment, and often impair the ability to integrate peripheral visual information in the visual cortex. Unlike conventional shutter or flicker glasses for amblyopia that block peripheral vision, some embodiments of exemplary V-VIS devices for amblyopia maintain a visual representation of the peripheral vision because the peripheral vision is not disturbed. Conventional vision training for amblyopia using conventional electronic devices, including augmented reality (VR) displays, cannot be used during normal activities, are only used for short training sessions, and do not improve vision while the visually impaired subject is viewing objects in natural scenes or during normal visual tasks. Some embodiments of V-VIS therapy for amblyopia (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein) allow for focused binocular visual stimulation, unlike conventional amblyopia treatments, which achieves plasticity mechanisms in the entire visual pathway of FIG. 1. Amblyopic eyes may have dystrophic retinal cells. Unlike conventional glasses for amblyopia, some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS device for amblyopia can be configured to increase or decrease stimulation of different retinal regions due to the movable aperture, and in some configurations, the combination of one or more of the exemplary V-VIS methods and devices with AR or VR. The advantageous stimulation for amblyopia may be enhanced in some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS method and device by adding red, green, or blue to the central opaque region to isolate the excitation of individual sets of cone photoreceptors.

[0085] One or more of the extracorneal V-VIS devices shown in the previous figures, such as glasses, glasses-attached devices, head-up displays, visors, contact lenses, and viewing surfaces including but not limited to remotely accessible televisions, computers, or mobile devices, may be utilized for at least one of screening V-VIS effects, customizing V-VIS, calibrating V-VIS, measuring vision, monitoring vision, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment of the exemplary V-VIS method and device described herein, the SR is set to a speed that is too fast to allow perception and is gradually decreased until the subject first perceives the visual target. In some embodiments, this SR not only allows for customization of V-VIS therapy based on patient feedback, but also defines a functional measure of the person's visual processing capabilities, which differs between subjects depending on age and underlying ocular or neurological diseases. Thus, the V-VIS device and method can be utilized for diagnosis.

[0086] Another embodiment of an exemplary V-VIS method and device is shown in Figure 6. In Figure 6, a viewing surface of one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices described herein (e.g., a remotely accessible television, computer, or mobile device, etc.) may present a subject with a display 61 including letters, numbers, and / or objects having various positions, sizes, and / or contrasts that are delivered to the retina by one or more movable exposure apertures. As an example, display 61 may include a portion of an eye chart, where the eye chart may be selectively and variably obscured by the movable aperture.

[0087] In some examples, the subject may establish a communication channel with the testing, diagnostic, monitoring, or testing facility by telephone (e.g., by dialing a toll-free number), instant messaging, or other internet-based or electronic communication mechanism. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 6, the subject focuses on a target on the same axis as the center of the pupil (e.g., the eye in FIG. 6). A target 62) may be oriented (e.g., by contrast) to fixate on a possibly dark display 61. At least one exposure aperture 63 is moved at a speed between 50 Hertz and 50 KHz between one or more locations 64 (e.g., exposure letters "Z" and "N" in an eye chart) in front of the retina on the display and non-coaxial with the center of the pupil, and a location 65 (e.g., exposure letter "H" on an eye chart) in front of the retina on the display 61 and coaxial with the center of the pupil. As shown in FIG. 6, the at least one exposure aperture 63 (e.g., at locations 64 and 65) delivers a portion of the full field of view of the display 61, possibly obscured by the dark screen, to the retina, where the full field of view of the display 61 includes the test image.

[0088] The subject's vision of the test images is measured and monitored by the subject's responses using recording and data collection methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, the subject may provide information to the facility via an established communication channel identifying each of the letters or numbers seen in display 61, and a computing system maintained by the facility may receive the provided information (e.g., through one or more programmatic interfaces or based on input provided by an agent or employee of the facility).

[0089] The computer may execute stored software instructions that, in some examples, generate (and store) a record of the identified letters and numbers and determine one or more letters or numbers that the subject failed to identify based on a comparison of the identified record with information characterizing the movement and position of at least one exposure aperture relative to the text image. Based on the determination, the computer may execute an operation to generate a map of the subject's entire visual field using any of the exemplary V-VIS methods described herein. For example, the generated map may identify the location or size of a scotoma exhibited by the subject, additionally or alternatively, an area of ​​metamorphopsia exhibited by the subject. Furthermore, variations in the size of the presented letters or numbers may facilitate a determination of the subject's potential visual acuity based on the generated map. Some embodiments of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein measure and monitor vision and / or visual acuity more conveniently and / or more accurately than conventional devices and methods.

[0090] One or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein include or utilize a light control device for moving one or more apertures in front of the retina between one or more positions in front of the retina that are off-axis with the center of the pupil and a position in front of the retina that is on-axis with the center of the pupil. The one or more apertures may be moved at a rate of, for example, between 50 Hertz and 50 kilohertz, thereby varying the visual information and sampling (V-VIS) of the eye's field of view from region to region. Additionally, the phrase "in front of the retina" includes one of an extraocular placement, an intracorneal placement, or an intraocular placement, and the device may electro-optically move the one or more apertures through one or more see-through displays positioned in front of the retina.

[0091] In further embodiments, the light control device can be utilized for at least one of screening the use of V-VIS by a subject, customizing V-VIS, calibrating V-VIS, measuring V-VIS visual acuity, monitoring V-VIS visual acuity, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the V-VIS device is configured to provide at least one of stabilizing visual acuity in one or both eyes of a subject, correcting an ocular disease or neurological condition, reducing visual symptoms in one or both eyes of a subject having an ocular disease or neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder, reducing the rate of visual impairment in one or both eyes of a subject experiencing visual impairment due to an ocular disease or neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder compared to an untreated control group, reducing the rate of progression of an ocular disease, disease, or disorder in one or both eyes of a subject having an ocular disease, disease, or disorder compared to an untreated control group, measuring visual acuity in one or both eyes of a subject, or monitoring visual acuity in one or both eyes of a subject, or any combination thereof. can be done.

[0092] In some embodiments, one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods combine V-VIS teachings with ophthalmic and neurological treatments. Some treatment embodiments include treating an eye with a method that includes utilizing a V-VIS device in conjunction with administration of another therapy for an ocular or neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder. The V-VIS device can be configured to optically move one or more apertures between one or more positions in front of the retina that are off-axis with the center of the pupil and a position in front of the retina that is on-axis with the center of the pupil, moving the one or more apertures at a rate between 50 Hertz and 50 kilohertz. In some embodiments, one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods may be used in combination with other ophthalmic and neurological treatments, including but not limited to pharmacological and / or nutritional supplements and / or lasers and / or radiation and / or retinal replacement and / or stem cell transplantation and / or non-genetic and / or genetic and / or optogenetic and / or retinal prosthetic and / or other treatments (hereinafter referred to as other treatments), to improve the treatment of ophthalmic diseases, disorders, injuries, or disorders, including but not limited to macular degeneration and / or diabetic retinopathy and / or glaucoma and / or axial myopia and / or other neovascular and / or atrophic and / or inflammatory and / or genetic and / or nutritional and / or age-related retinal conditions, diseases, injuries, or disorders (hereinafter referred to as "ocular diseases") and / or neurological diseases, injuries, or conditions (hereinafter referred to as "neurological conditions"). Some of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of conventional treatments by introducing various mechanisms of visual sampling and / or visual processing and / or vision and / or retinal and / or neural repair processes associated with ocular and / or neurological diseases.Additionally, some of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods may be used synergistically with V-VIS to overcome shortcomings and deficiencies of other therapies to improve visual and / or anatomical outcomes, and also improve patient compatibility with other therapies. In combination therapy with V-VIS, the other therapy may be administered before, during, or after V-VIS. In some embodiments of combination therapy, V-VIS therapy is administered before a non-V-VIS therapy or some time after the initiation of a non-V-VIS therapy.

[0093] In some embodiments, V-VIS treatment can be combined with other therapies for ophthalmic and neurological diseases, including but not limited to photobiomodulation, laser photocoagulation, laser photodynamic therapy, subthreshold micropulse laser therapy, glaucoma laser therapy (including but not limited to laser trabeculoplasty and cyclophotocoagulation), glaucoma filtration surgery (including but not limited to trabeculectomy, microtrabeculectomy, internal or external tube shunt implantation, suprachoroidal shunt implantation), vision correction (including but not limited to refractive surgery, laser vision correction, and gene therapy), optic nerve surgery (including but not limited to decompression and restorative surgery), retinal prostheses, stem cell transplantation, and laser therapies including radiation therapy (including but not limited to focal intraocular strontium 90 beta radiation).

[0094] Some embodiments include treating the eye with V-VIS in combination with administering at least one of a genetic therapy, a non-genetic therapy, a photogenetic therapy, a retinal replacement therapy, or a stem cell therapy to treat an ocular disease (e.g., based on utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein) before, during, after, or any combination thereof. In further embodiments, a therapy or method of treatment for treating the eye (e.g., a "combination" method) can include utilizing a V-VIS device in conjunction with administering at least one of a genetic therapy, a non-genetic therapy, a photogenetic therapy, a retinal replacement therapy, or a stem cell therapy to treat an ocular or neurological disease before, during, after, or any combination thereof. As described herein, the device can be configured to optically move (e.g., according to any of the processes described herein) one or more apertures in front of the retina of the eye between one or more positions in front of the retina that are non-coaxial with the center of the pupil and a region in front of the retina that is coaxial with the center of the pupil, moving the one or more apertures at a rate between 50 Hertz and 50 kilohertz.

[0095] In some embodiments of the combination therapy, the V-VIS therapy is a combination of gene therapy, non-gene therapy, photogene therapy, Improve and / or promote and / or facilitate the recovery and / or restoration of visual function, including but not limited to at least one of neural connections, neural integration, visual sampling, or vision, following gene therapy, retinal replacement therapy, or stem cell therapy. In some embodiments, V-VIS is used in combination with retinal replacement and / or stem cell therapy to overcome limitations of retinal replacement and / or stem cell therapy, including but not limited to inaccurate or inadequate targeted delivery of stem cells or other retinal cells. In some embodiments, treatment of retinal dystrophies and / or degeneration is used in combination with V-VIS therapy to overcome limitations in dystrophic retinas, including but not limited to abnormal remodeling of intraretinal connections and pathological spontaneous hyperactivity in dystrophic retinas, unlike retinal prosthesis and photogene therapy alone. In some embodiments, treatment of retinal dystrophies and / or degeneration in combination with V-VIS treatment overcomes limitations of retinal prosthetics and photogene therapy in dystrophic retina, including but not limited to central scotoma formation due to displacement of retinal ganglion cells from the fovea, difficulties in color encoding, and limited knowledge of which color channels ganglion cells encode.

[0096] In further embodiments, one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein may be used in combination with angiogenesis inhibitor therapy to treat or reduce symptoms of neurological eye diseases, disorders, injuries, or disorders, including, but not limited to, macular degeneration, choroidal neovascularization, and diabetic retinopathy. Some embodiments include treating the eye with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods described herein) in combination with administration of a therapeutically effective amount of angiogenesis inhibitor administered via intravitreal injection, oral administration, topical administration, intraretinal administration, implant, or via iontophoresis before, during, after V-VIS, or any combination thereof. As used herein, the terms "alleviate" or "treat" or "compensate" mean that the clinical signs and / or symptoms associated with an eye disorder (e.g., macular degeneration) are attenuated as a result of the treatment performed. The signs or symptoms to be monitored are characteristic of eye disorders and are known to physicians in the art, along with the methods for monitoring signs, symptoms, and conditions.The combination therapy that utilizes V-VIS together with antiangiogenic therapy is more advantageous than antiangiogenic therapy alone or V-VIS alone.This is because the combination therapy further improves visual function, further stabilizes visual function, reduces treatment burden, and / or improves patient compatibility.

[0097] Some embodiments described herein provide methods of alleviating or treating neovascular ocular diseases, conditions, injuries, or disorders by treating the eye with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an angiogenesis inhibitor, including, but not limited to, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonists (inhibitors of VEGF activity), including, but not limited to, aflibercept, ranibizumab, bevacizumab, and brolucizumab.

[0098] Some embodiments described herein provide methods of alleviating or treating neovascular ocular diseases, conditions, injuries, or disorders by treating the eye with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an angiogenesis inhibitor, including, but not limited to, a platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) antagonist, including, but not limited to, volociximab and P200.

[0099] Some embodiments also provide methods of treating or ameliorating neovascular ocular diseases, conditions, injuries, or disorders by treating the eye with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an angiogenesis inhibitor, including but not limited to, an angiopoietin antagonist, including but not limited to, an angiopoietin-2 antagonist, including but not limited to, RG7716.

[0100] Some embodiments described herein provide methods of alleviating or treating neovascular ocular diseases, conditions, injuries, or disorders by treating the eye with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an angiogenesis inhibitor, including, but not limited to, an endoglin antagonist, including, but not limited to, carotuximab.

[0101] Some embodiments described herein provide methods of alleviating or treating neovascular ocular diseases, conditions, injuries, or disorders by treating the eye with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an angiogenesis inhibitor, including but not limited to, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including but not limited to, inhibitors of VEGF and PDGF receptor phosphorylation, including but not limited to, vatalanib or pazopanib.

[0102] Some embodiments described herein provide methods of alleviating or treating neovascular ocular diseases, conditions, injuries, or disorders by treating the eye with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an angiogenesis inhibitor, including but not limited to, integrin antagonists, including but not limited to, anti-integrin peptides, inhibitors of α5β1 integrin activity, and oligopeptides that bind to integrin receptor sites, including but not limited to, luminate.

[0103] Some embodiments described herein provide methods of alleviating or treating neovascular ocular diseases, conditions, injuries, or disorders by administering a therapeutically effective amount of two or more angiogenesis inhibitors, including, but not limited to, any VEGF antagonist, any PDGF antagonist, any angiopoietin antagonist, any endoglin antagonist, and any integrin antagonist, before, during, after V-VIS, or any combination thereof, in which case the two or more angiogenesis inhibitors are delivered simultaneously or sequentially by treating the eye with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods).

[0104] In other embodiments, a method of treating or alleviating an ocular disease, such as, but not limited to, neovascular ocular disease and / or wet macular degeneration and / or diabetic retinopathy in a subject, comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-inflammatory agent, including, but not limited to, fluocinolone acetonide, wherein the anti-inflammatory agent is administered via intravitreal injection, oral administration, topical administration, intraretinal administration, implant, or via iontophoresis in combination with treatment with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods).

[0105] In some embodiments, a method of treating or alleviating an ocular disease, such as but not limited to geographic atrophy and / or dry macular degeneration in a subject, includes treating with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administering, via intravitreal injection, oral administration, topical administration, intraretinal administration, implant, or via iontophoresis, a therapeutically effective amount of a complement inhibitor, including but not limited to, inhibitors of complement 3 or 5 activity, including but not limited to, avacyn captad pegol, LEG316, POT-4, eculizumab, JPE-1375, ARC1905, or a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-inflammatory agent, including but not limited to, an antibody of the tetracycline class, including but not limited to, doxycycline, or a therapeutically effective amount of an immunomodulatory agent, including but not limited to, a T helper 2 inducer, including but not limited to, glatiramer acetate.

[0106] In some embodiments, the subject may have, but is not limited to, geographic atrophy and / or Methods for treating or alleviating eye diseases such as dry macular degeneration include treatment with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administering a therapeutically effective amount of OT551, or any other downregulator of overexpression of the protein complex nuclear factor B (NF-B), or a combination of antioxidants including, but not limited to, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene or lutein and zeaxanthin, and combinations of omega-3 fatty acids, such as those in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and AREDS 2 studies.

[0107] In some embodiments, a method of treating or alleviating an ocular disease, such as, but not limited to, geographic atrophy and / or dry macular degeneration in a subject, includes treatment with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administering a therapeutically effective amount of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) or any precursor of NAD, including, but not limited to, nicotinamide riboside or nicotinamide mononucleotide.

[0108] In some embodiments, the subject may have, but is not limited to, geographic atrophy and / or Methods for treating or alleviating ocular diseases such as dry macular degeneration include treatment with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administering a therapeutically effective amount of trophic factors, including, but not limited to, pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGE).

[0109] Some embodiments involve administering to the eye with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of the following agents via topical administration, intraretinal administration, intravitreal administration, via an implant, or via iontophoresis before, during, after V-VIS, or any combination thereof, to treat an ocular or neurological condition, disease, injury, or disorder, including, but not limited to, glaucoma, macular degeneration, optic atrophy, autoimmune neurodegenerative disease, or cerebrovascular disease: The present invention relates to a method for treating glaucoma, comprising treating glaucoma, comprising administering to the patient a treatment for glaucoma, the method ...

[0110] In some embodiments, a method of treating or alleviating an ocular disease or neurological condition, such as, but not limited to, geographic atrophy and / or dry macular degeneration and / or glaucoma in a subject, includes treatment with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administering a therapeutically effective amount of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) or any other neurotrophic factor or any other inhibitor of photoreceptor apoptosis.

[0111] In some embodiments, a method of treating or alleviating an ocular or neurological disorder, such as, but not limited to, geographic atrophy and / or dry macular degeneration and / or glaucoma in a subject, includes treatment with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administering a therapeutically effective amount of a neuroprotective agent, including, but not limited to, brimodinin.

[0112] In some embodiments, a method of treating or alleviating an ocular or neurological disorder, such as, but not limited to, geographic atrophy and / or dry macular degeneration in a subject, includes treatment with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administering a therapeutically effective amount of a Fas inhibitor or other agent designed to protect retinal cells from cell death.

[0113] In some embodiments, a method of treating or alleviating an ocular or neurological disorder, such as, but not limited to, geographic atrophy and / or dry macular degeneration and / or neovascular macular degeneration and / or glaucoma in a subject, includes treatment with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administering a therapeutically effective amount of a statin, including, but not limited to, atorvastatin, lovastatin, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin, or simvastatin.

[0114] In some embodiments, a method of treating or alleviating an ocular disorder, such as, but not limited to, glaucoma or ocular hypertension in a subject, includes treatment with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administering a therapeutically effective amount of an intraocular (IOP) antihypertensive agent, including, but not limited to, miotics, alpha or alpha / beta adrenergic agonists, beta blockers, Ca2+ channel blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, cholinesterase inhibitors, prostaglandin antagonists, prostaglandins, prostamides, cannabinoids, and combinations thereof.

[0115] In some embodiments, a method for treating or alleviating an ocular disorder, such as, but not limited to, glaucoma in a subject includes treatment with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that reduces retinal ganglion cell dysfunction and / or pathology related to ischemia or excitotoxicity.

[0116] In some embodiments, a method of treating or alleviating an ocular disorder, such as, but not limited to, glaucoma in a subject, includes treatment with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that reduces excessive excitatory amino acid (EAA) stimulation, including, but not limited to, a glutamate antagonist and / or any combination of a glutamate antagonist and at least one IOL antihypertensive agent.

[0117] In some embodiments, a method for treating or alleviating an ocular disorder, such as, but not limited to, glaucoma in a subject includes treatment with V-VIS (e.g., utilizing one or more of the exemplary V-VIS devices and methods) in combination with administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that enables neuroprotection and / or neuroregeneration of retinal ganglion cells, including a rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitor or an adenosine receptor agonist. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 10 The Observer's Eye 11 Eye field of view 12 Transparent Display 13 Projector 14 Movable opening 15 Excitation light 16 Luminous Particles 17 Thu 18 Opaque area 20A, 20B Transparent outer layer 21A, 21B Transparent conductive layer 22 Space 23 areas 24 Active Optical Elements 25 Power supply 26 Drive Box 27 Radio Frequency Antenna 29 Carrier Layer Unit 30 Cornea 31 Iris 32 Eyeglass frames 33 Eyeglass Lenses 34 Waveguide 35 directional microphone 36 Expanded Text 40 Contact Lenses 45 Corneal Inlay 46 Intraocular Implants 47 Capsule 50A~52F Eye 61 Display 63 Exposure aperture 64, 65 position

Claims

1. A light control device, comprising: one or more transparent layers disposed in front of the retina of the eye; disposed on or within said one or more transmission layers one or more optically active elements; a controller coupled to a power source, electrically coupled to the one or more optically active elements via a conductive layer, and configured to generate and transfer control signals to the one or more optically active elements according to a time sequence; the anterior to the retina comprises one of an extraocular location, an intracorneal location, or an intraocular location; the one or more optically active elements, upon receiving the control signal, form one or more regions of reduced transmittance in the one or more transmissive layers, the one or more regions of reduced transmittance surrounding and defining one or more apertures that include a corresponding transmissive region; A light control device in which the one or more apertures optically appear at spatially separated or overlapping positions within the one or more transparent layers according to the time sequence, the one or more apertures creating a movable aperture effect that samples ambient light from the eye's field of view and delivers it to the retina at a sampling rate between 50 Hertz and 50 Kilohertz.

2. 2. The light control device of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor electrically coupled to the controller, the at least one sensor taking measurements at at least one of: (i) a maximum sampling rate that produces a perception in the subject of the ocular field sampled and sent to the retina of the eye of the subject by the moving aperture effect; or (ii) a minimum sampling rate that produces the perception in the subject of the ocular field sampled and sent to the retina of the eye of the subject by the moving aperture effect without producing one or more of a stroboscopic effect or a phantom array effect.

3. 11. The light control device of claim 1, wherein the controller generates and forwards additional control signals to adjust at least one of the transmittance, color, chromaticity, size, or shape of at least one of (i) the one or more apertures, or (ii) an area outside a bounded area that includes the one or more apertures.

4. the light control device further comprises a display unit electrically coupled to the controller; the controller generates and transmits additional control signals to the display unit; the display unit, in response to the additional control signal, displays at least one of an augmented reality image, a virtual reality image, or a camera-derived image for visual perception by the subject; The light control device of claim 1, wherein the camera-derived image includes visual information, the visual information including ambient light captured by one or more externally mounted cameras from at least one of around, above, below, or behind the eye, other eye, or both eyes of the subject.

5. a viewing surface of a remotely accessible device is positioned within the field of view of the eye, the viewing surface presenting a display including at least one of letters, numbers, or objects; 2. The optical control device according to claim 1.

6. A light control device, comprising: A projection unit; one or more transparent layers disposed in front of the retina of the eye; optically active particles disposed on a surface of or within the one or more transparent layers; a controller coupled to a power source, the controller being electrically coupled to the projection unit and configured to generate and transfer control signals to the projection unit according to a time sequence; the anterior to the retina comprises one of an extraocular location, an intracorneal location, or an intraocular location; the projection unit projects excitation light onto a portion of the one or more transmissive layers upon receiving each of the control signals, the optically active particles disposed on or within a surface of the one or more transmissive layers absorb the excitation light to form one or more regions having reduced transmittance, the one or more regions having reduced transmittance surrounding and defining one or more apertures that include a corresponding transmissive region; A light control device in which the one or more apertures optically appear at spatially separated or overlapping positions within the one or more transparent layers according to the time sequence, the one or more apertures creating a movable aperture effect that samples ambient light from the eye's field of view and delivers it to the retina at a sampling rate between 50 Hertz and 50 Kilohertz.

7. 7. The light control device of claim 6, further comprising at least one sensor electrically coupled to the controller, the at least one sensor taking measurements at at least one of: (i) a maximum sampling rate that produces a perception in the subject of the ocular field sampled and sent to the retina of the eye of the subject by the moving aperture effect; or (ii) a minimum sampling rate that produces the perception in the subject without producing one or more of a stroboscopic effect or a phantom array effect of the ocular field sampled and sent to the retina of the eye of the subject by the moving aperture effect.

8. 7. The light control device of claim 6, wherein the controller generates and forwards additional control signals to adjust at least one of the transmittance, color, chromaticity, size, or shape of at least one of (i) the one or more apertures, or (ii) an area outside the bounded area that includes the one or more apertures.

9. the light control device further comprises a display unit electrically coupled to the controller; the controller generates and transmits additional control signals to the display unit; the display unit, in response to the additional control signal, displays at least one of an augmented reality image, a virtual reality image, or a camera-derived image for visual perception by the subject; The light control device of claim 6, wherein the camera-derived image includes visual information, the visual information including ambient light captured by one or more externally mounted cameras from at least one of around, above, below, or behind the eye, other eye, or both eyes of the subject.

10. a viewing surface of a remotely accessible device is positioned within the field of view of the eye, the viewing surface presenting a display including at least one of letters, numbers, or objects; The optical control device according to claim 6.

11. A light control device, comprising: a transmission waveguide disposed in front of the retina of the eye; a controller coupled to the power source, the controller coupled to the transmission waveguide and configured to generate and forward control signals according to a time sequence; the anterior to the retina comprises one of an extraocular location, an intracorneal location, or an intraocular location; the transmission waveguide presents image data that, in response to the control signal, reduces a transmittance of one or more regions within the transmission waveguide, the one or more regions characterized by the reduced transmittance surrounding and defining one or more apertures that include a corresponding transmission region; A light control device in which the one or more apertures optically appear at spatially separated or overlapping positions within the transmission waveguide according to the time sequence, the one or more apertures creating a movable aperture effect that samples ambient light from the eye's field of view and delivers it to the retina at a sampling rate between 50 Hertz and 50 Kilohertz.

12. 12. The light control device of claim 11, further comprising at least one sensor electrically coupled to the controller, the at least one sensor taking measurements at at least one of: (i) a maximum sampling rate that produces a perception in the subject of the ocular field sampled and sent to the retina of the eye of the subject by the moving aperture effect; or (ii) a minimum sampling rate that produces the perception in the subject of the ocular field sampled and sent to the retina of the eye of the subject by the moving aperture effect without producing one or more of a stroboscopic effect or a phantom array effect.

13. 12. The light control device of claim 11, wherein the controller generates and forwards additional control signals to adjust at least one of the transmittance, color, chromaticity, size, or shape of at least one of (i) the one or more apertures, or (ii) an area outside the bounded area that includes the one or more apertures.

14. the light control device further comprises a display unit electrically coupled to the controller; the controller generates and transmits additional control signals to the display unit; the display unit, in response to the additional control signal, displays at least one of an augmented reality image, a virtual reality image, or a camera-derived image for visual perception by the subject; The light control device of claim 11, wherein the camera-derived images include visual information, the visual information including ambient light captured by one or more externally mounted cameras from at least one of around, above, below, or behind one, other, or both eyes of the subject.

15. a viewing surface of a remotely accessible device is positioned within the field of view of the eye, the viewing surface presenting a display including at least one of letters, numbers, or objects; The optical control device according to claim 11.

16. using a light control device to create a movable aperture effect in front of a retina of an eye, the movable aperture effect including forming, in a time sequence, one or more regions in an ocular field of the eye characterized by reduced transmittance, the one or more regions characterized by reduced transmittance surrounding and defining one or more apertures with corresponding transparent regions, the one or more apertures appearing in spatially separated or overlapping positions in the ocular field according to the time sequence; and using the light control device to sample ambient light from the eye's field of view at a sampling rate between 50 Hertz and 50 kilohertz and send it to the retina based on the resulting movable aperture effect.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising using the light control device to perform measurements at at least one of: (i) a maximum sampling speed that produces a perception in the subject of the ocular field sampled and delivered to the retina of the eye of the subject by the moving aperture effect; or (ii) a minimum sampling speed that produces the perception in the subject without one or more of a stroboscopic effect or a phantom array effect of the ocular field sampled and delivered to the retina of the eye of the subject by the moving aperture effect.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising using the light control device to adjust at least one of the transmittance, color, chromaticity, size, or shape of at least one of: (i) the one or more apertures, or (ii) an area outside a bounded area that includes the one or more apertures.

19. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising using the light control device to display at least one of an augmented reality image, a virtual reality image, or a camera-derived image for visual perception by the subject, the camera-derived image comprising visual information including ambient light captured by one or more externally mounted cameras from at least one of around, above, below, or behind one, other, or both eyes of the subject.

20. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein directing the ambient light to the retina comprises directing the ambient light from the eye field through the at least one formed aperture onto a retinal region having at least one of a constant retinal diameter, an adjustable diameter, or a maximum diameter in a range of 0.1 mm to 4 mm.

21. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of directing the ambient light to the retina includes directing the ambient light from the eye's field of view through the at least one formed aperture to within at least one of a constant retinal diameter in the range of 0.2 mm to 10 mm, an adjustable retinal diameter, or a maximum retinal diameter by the movable aperture effect.

22. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising using the light control device to direct approximately collimated light from the eye field through the at least one formed aperture.

23. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising reducing myopic convergence at the retina.

24. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising reducing hyperopic convergence at the retina.

25. defocus on at least one retinal region within or outside the central retina 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of reducing the central retina, wherein the center of the central retina is located on the fovea, the central retina includes at least one of the fovea, parafovea, or macula, and the central retina has a diameter of 6 mm or less.

26. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising sampling the ambient light from the ocular field and directing the ambient light from the ocular field to a portion of the retina that has been genetically, optogenetically, non-genetically altered, or modified with a neuroregenerative or neuroprotective agent to synergistically direct light.

27. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising sampling the ambient light from the eye field and directing the light to a portion of the retina comprising at least one of a retinal implant, implanted retinal cells, implanted stem cells, or an implanted prosthesis so as to synergistically direct the light.

28. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein a viewing surface of a remotely accessible device is positioned within the eye's field of view, the viewing surface presenting a display including at least one of letters, numbers, or objects.

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