Intraocular Vision Restoration Device Bypassing Corneal Transplantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for corneal opacity, such as corneal transplantation, are high-risk, have a high failure rate, and are limited by donor shortages, while existing artificial vision systems are costly and not designed for patients with intact outer retinas, necessitating a more robust, cost-effective, and long-lasting solution for vision restoration.
Innovation Solution
An implantable vision restoration device and system comprising an intraocular projection component with a projector to project digital images onto the central retina, an extraocular component for wireless image reception, and a trans-scleral communication wire for data transmission, using medical-grade materials and adjustable lenses for focus, potentially bypassing transplantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If corneal transplantation is used to restore vision, then visual function can be recovered, but the procedure carries high risk and has high failure rate due to rejection, infection, and blood vessel growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intraocular projection component as an intermediary device that projects images directly onto the retina, bypassing the damaged cornea entirely. This mediator approach avoids the harmful factors of corneal transplantation by not relying on corneal tissue integrity or immune system compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/biological corneal transparency system with an electronic projection system. Instead of relying on the cornea's optical properties, the invention uses a projector, display device, and optical components to deliver images directly to the retina, substituting a mechanical-electronic system for a biological one.
2Productivity
If corneal transplantation is performed, then vision can be restored, but donor availability is limited and waiting times are long due to global donor shortages
Solution Approach 1:
The intraocular projection component is a self-contained implantable device that does not require external biological materials. It generates and projects images independently, eliminating the need for donor corneas and external support systems, thereby enabling immediate deployment without waiting for donor availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an implantable projection device that can be manufactured and implanted without relying on scarce biological resources. The electronic and optical components can be produced more readily than donor corneas, effectively replacing a scarce biological resource with manufacturable components.
3Reliability
If retinal artificial vision systems are used, then vision can be restored, but the systems are costly and require complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vision restoration system into distinct functional segments: an intraocular projection component implanted in the eye, an optical component for image transmission, and an external component for image generation. This segmentation allows for specialized optimization of each part and simplifies the overall implantation procedure compared to monolithic artificial vision systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The intraocular projection component serves multiple functions: it acts as both the image display device and the projection system, while also serving as the implantable carrier. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the implantation procedure compared to systems requiring multiple separate implants.
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 provides a robust, cost-effective, and long-lasting solution for vision restoration, reducing the need for transplantation and minimizing post-operative care, with the potential for both short-term and long-term vision recovery for patients with corneal-related blindness.
Implementation Method 1
The cornea is the normally clear anterior portion of the eye. When the cornea is functioning properly, it allows light into the eye and helps focus this onto the retina
Implementation Method 2
focusing optics located within the sealed capsule and arranged for focusing an image on the electronic display onto the retina
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for restoring vision to a subject. In one embodiment, the vision restoration device comprises a projector configured to project one or more digital images onto a central retina of the subject and one or more lenses coupled to the projector and configured to focus the one or more digital images. The vision restoration device can also comprise an extraocular component configured to be implanted within the subject and comprising one or more processors programmed to execute instructions stored in a memory to wirelessly receive the one or more digital images from an extracorporeal device. The intraocular projection component can be connected or coupled to the extraocular component by a trans-scleral communication wire configured to cross the sclera of the eye. The trans-scleral communication wire is configured to transmit digital data between the extraocular component and the intraocular projection component.