Closed-Loop Electrical Stimulation for Vision Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and genetic retinal disorders lack effective systems for preventing, arresting, or reversing disease progression, and often have side effects from pharmaceutical interventions.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods involving electrical stimulation combined with pharmaceuticals, impedance monitoring, and patient feedback to enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects, using devices like wearable electrodes and smartphone interfaces for monitoring and adjusting therapy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical stimulation is used to treat eye diseases, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the electrical stimulation into multiple independent channels with separate electrodes positioned at different locations around the eye. Each channel can be independently controlled to target specific retinal regions, allowing complex therapy delivery through modular components rather than a monolithic complex device
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single platform including impedance monitoring, phosphene threshold testing, therapy delivery, and real-time adjustment capabilities. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices into one unified system, managing complexity through functional integration
2Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring and adjustment capabilities are added, then therapy precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors impedance values during therapy delivery and uses this feedback to automatically adjust stimulation parameters in real-time. This closed-loop control maintains optimal therapy delivery without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms, as the feedback system autonomously manages precision through programmed adjustment algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment through automated impedance monitoring and phosphene threshold testing. The device monitors its own performance metrics and makes necessary adjustments without external intervention, reducing the need for complex external monitoring equipment and manual control mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrodes and output channels are used, then treatment versatility is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects and activates different electrode combinations and output channels based on the specific treatment protocol and patient response. Rather than requiring manual configuration of multiple electrodes, the system automatically adapts the active electrode set according to programmed parameters, maintaining versatility while simplifying operation through automated dynamic reconfiguration
Data Source
AI summary
Illustrative methods and devices for providing stimulus to the eye to treat vision disorders. Systems and methods for feedback relating to the stimulus itself as well as the effect of such stimulus on the patient are provided. Various examples may include therapies for vision disorders that can progress to blindness, such as macular degeneration or other diseases and disease processes.