Corneal Electrode Array for Retinal Activity Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring retinal activity, such as Humphrey Visual Field tests and multi-focal ERG, are limited in their ability to detect localized dysfunction, particularly in peripheral retinas, and are challenging to administer to young patients or those with low vision, with existing systems relying on single electrodes or simplified models that fail to accurately infer spatial differences in retinal activity.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a corneal electrode array with multiple electrodes on the cornea, sclera, and/or scalp, combined with a full-field stimulus, to record and analyze bioelectric potentials, allowing for the creation of a functional map of retinal activity through a computational method and finite-element modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multi-focal ERG is used to measure retinal activity, then spatial coverage of central retina is improved, but measurement time increases significantly and patient compliance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the retinal measurement task into multiple simultaneous channels by using an array of electrodes rather than a single electrode. This allows parallel measurement of retinal activity from multiple locations at the same time, achieving comprehensive spatial coverage without extending measurement duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point temporal measurement to spatial-temporal measurement by introducing multiple electrode positions across the cornea. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous capture of retinal activity patterns across different regions, providing both spatial distribution and temporal dynamics in a single measurement session.
2Ease of operation
If psychophysical tests are used to assess visual function, then patient cooperation is required, but administration becomes difficult for young patients or those with low vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/psychophysical testing approach (requiring patient response and cooperation) with an electrophysiological measurement system that directly records retinal electrical activity. This substitution eliminates the need for patient cooperation while providing objective functional assessment suitable for any patient population including infants and those with severe visual impairment.
3Device complexity
If single electrode ERG is used to measure retinal function, then device simplicity is maintained, but spatial resolution of retinal dysfunction is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single electrode into multiple electrodes arranged in an array across the cornea. This segmentation enables spatially resolved measurement of retinal activity, allowing identification of localized dysfunction while maintaining relative simplicity through the use of standard electrode materials and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional electrode system that can simultaneously perform global retinal assessment and localized spatial mapping. The electrode array serves multiple purposes: measuring overall retinal function, identifying specific dysfunctional regions, and providing comprehensive functional information from a single device configuration.
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
Enables accurate mapping of spatial differences in retinal activity, improving the detection of localized dysfunction and accessibility for patients with low vision or young children, while providing a cost-effective alternative to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
electrical potentials generated by the retina of the eye are measured upon exposing the retina to a light stimulus
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for obtaining information about the spatial distribution of photoreceptor activity and neural activity in the retina using simultaneously recorded multiple biopotential signals. The information thus gathered is used to assess retinal dysfunction due to trauma or disease. The biopotential signals are recorded from the surface of the eye and head using a plurality of electrodes, including those integral to a contact lens. The biopotential signals are recorded before, during and after the presentation of an optical stimulus to the subject eye. The recorded biopotential signals are then analyzed and interpreted to reveal the distribution of photoreceptor activity and neural activity across the retina. The analysis and interpretation of the biopotential signals is quantitative, and makes use of an electromagnetic model of the subject eye. The subject may be animal or human.