Bioelectronic Lens Electrical Stimulation for Retinal Neuroprotection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for neurodegenerative retinal diseases such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, Age-Related Macular Degeneration, and glaucoma lack effective methods to slow down or reverse neuronal death, with existing electrical stimulation technologies primarily focused on rehabilitation rather than prevention or delay of neuronal loss.
Innovation Solution
A bioelectronic lens (E-lens) system that induces neuroprotective changes in the retina through controlled electrical stimulation, utilizing a stimulating electrode and a reference electrode to create safe and effective electric fields, with computational modeling to optimize electrode configuration and stimulation parameters, targeting outer retinal neurons affected by degeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied to the retina using conventional electrodes, then neuronal activation can be achieved, but the electric fields are insufficient to reach subthreshold currents of targeted retinal neurons and cannot effectively slow or reverse neurodegeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into multiple independent electrodes positioned at specific locations on the eye surface (cornea, sclera, or eyelid). Each electrode can be independently controlled to deliver targeted electrical stimulation to specific retinal regions, enabling precise control of electric field distribution while achieving effective neuroprotection without requiring a single complex electrode design
Solution Approach 2:
Different electrodes are placed at specific locations (e.g., corneal electrode, scleral electrode, eyelid electrode) to create localized electric fields that target specific retinal layers and neuron types. The stimulation parameters (voltage, current, pulse duration, frequency) are optimized for each electrode position to maximize neuroprotective effects while minimizing side effects, allowing tailored treatment for different retinal conditions
2Reliability
If high intensity electrical stimulation is used to reach deep retinal neurons, then therapeutic effect may be improved, but safety of electrical stimulation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple electrodes positioned in different spatial dimensions (anterior corneal surface, lateral sclera, upper/lower eyelid) to create three-dimensional electric field distribution. This multidirectional approach allows the electric fields to converge on deep retinal neurons without requiring any single electrode to generate excessively high intensity, thereby achieving effective stimulation while maintaining safety margins
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses computational modeling (Admittance Method/NEURON platform) as an intermediary to predict and optimize electric field distribution before actual stimulation. The models simulate electric field propagation through ocular tissues and predict neuronal responses, allowing selection of stimulation parameters that achieve therapeutic thresholds while staying below safety limits, thus mediating between effectiveness and safety requirements
3Reliability
If conventional electrical stimulation approaches are used, then rehabilitation can be addressed, but prevention and delay of neuronal loss cannot be effectively achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation system is designed with dynamic, adjustable parameters including voltage amplitude, current intensity, pulse duration, frequency, and duty cycle that can be modified in real-time based on disease stage, patient response, and target retinal region. This dynamic control allows the same electrode system to be adapted for different therapeutic goals (prevention, delay, or rehabilitation) and different retinal conditions (RP, AMD, glaucoma), providing versatile neuroprotective treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs systematic variation of electrical stimulation parameters (voltage, current, pulse width, frequency) to achieve different therapeutic outcomes. By changing these parameters, the system can target different retinal layers and neuron types, modulate gene expression differently, and adapt to various disease stages, thereby enabling both prevention and rehabilitation functions with a single platform
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively slows the progression of retinal degeneration by modulating gene expression and reducing neuronal death, offering a minimally invasive, cost-effective, and adaptive therapeutic approach for neuroprotection.
Implementation Method 1
The designed stimulation strategies establish electrical gradients across existing but diseased/degenerating neurons... The system includes a stimulating electrode placed on the sclera or cornea or on the eyelid and a reference electrode designed such that electric fields in the retina are effectively induced
Data Source
AI summary
Bioelectronic lens (E-lens) systems for inducing neuroprotective changes in neurons, in particular the retina. A system may include a stimulating electrode configured to be placed on an eye or skin around the eye. The system may further include a return electrode configured such that voltage distribution is focalized to the eye and induced electric fields to an area of interest on the eye or on the skin around the eye are maximized. The electric fields provide neuroprotection and reinnervation.