Ramp Waveform Eye Stimulation to Preserve Vision Without Dry Eye
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transcorneal electrical stimulation (TcES) therapies for retinal neurodegenerative disorders often induce clinical dry eye symptoms, necessitating the development of treatments that preserve vision without causing dry eye issues.
Innovation Solution
Delivering electrical stimulation in a ramp waveform to the eye, which can be transpalpebrally applied, to treat conditions like macular degeneration, photoreceptor degeneration, and other ocular disorders, while also enhancing nerve length, tear production, and reducing microglia activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transcorneal electrical stimulation (TcES) is applied to treat retinal neurodegenerative disorders, then visual function is preserved or improved, but clinical dry eye symptoms are induced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical stimulation waveform from conventional rectangular waves to ramp waves with specific parameters (rising phase 0-100 μA over 50ms, falling phase 100-0 μA over 50ms, frequency 10-50 Hz). This parameter modification allows effective retinal stimulation while reducing corneal side effects that cause dry eye symptoms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate approach by using ramp waveform as a mediator between the stimulating current and the ocular tissues. The gradual rise and fall of the ramp waveform acts as a buffer that reduces abrupt electrical transitions at the cornea while still delivering effective stimulation to the retina, thereby preventing dry eye symptoms
2Reliability
If electrical stimulation is delivered to stimulate retinal neurons, then neurodegenerative progression is slowed, but corneal damage and dry eye occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electrical stimulation parameters by using ramp waves with controlled rise and fall times (50ms each phase) and specific frequency ranges (10-50 Hz). This parameter optimization delivers sufficient current to stimulate retinal neurons while the gradual transitions prevent corneal epithelial damage that would otherwise occur with conventional rectangular waveforms
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 ramp waveform electrical stimulation effectively preserves visual function, increases nerve length, promotes tear production, and reduces microglia activation, thereby alleviating dry eye symptoms and improving visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
delivering electrical stimulation in a ramp waveform to the eye of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are methods for treating macular degeneration, age-related macular degeneration, and photoreceptor degeneration in a subject including delivering to the subject electrical stimulation in the form of a ramp waveform, wherein the electrical stimulation is delivered through the skin around the eye. The methods provide for electrical stimulation at least most days per week.