Retinal Neuromodulation Device with Eye Tracking for Home Rehabilitation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices for retinal neuromodulation therapy and extrafoveal reading in subjects with visual impairment, such as those caused by macular degeneration or amblyopia, are complex, difficult to use, and require frequent visits to clinics, limiting their effectiveness and accessibility for home-based rehabilitation.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a first apparatus for assessing central and eccentric visual reading capabilities, paired with a second apparatus that includes a screen and tracking device for monitoring eye movements, allowing patients to perform rehabilitation exercises autonomously at home, using a combination of cameras, sensors, and software for data collection and biofeedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional retinal neuromodulation therapy devices are used, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables patients to perform retinal neuromodulation therapy independently at home using automated eye tracking and stimulus presentation software that adapts to individual retinal sensitivity maps, eliminating the need for clinician presence and complex manual adjustments while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary retinal sensitivity mapping and creates personalized stimulus presentation protocols before therapy sessions, allowing subsequent treatments to be delivered automatically without requiring real-time clinician intervention or complex manual configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional retinal neuromodulation therapy devices are used, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables patients to perform retinal neuromodulation therapy independently at home using automated eye tracking and stimulus presentation software that adapts to individual retinal sensitivity maps, eliminating the need for clinician presence and complex manual adjustments while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automated eye tracking that provides real-time feedback on gaze position and adjusts stimulus presentation accordingly, along with patient response monitoring that adapts the therapy protocol based on measured visual responses, making the system self-regulating and easy to use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If clinic-based rehabilitation is provided, then therapy effectiveness is maintained, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy effectivenessVSAvoidtime for clinic visits

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables patients to perform retinal neuromodulation therapy independently at home using automated eye tracking and stimulus presentation software that adapts to individual retinal sensitivity maps, eliminating the need for clinician presence and complex manual adjustments while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines multiple functions including retinal sensitivity mapping, personalized protocol creation, automated stimulus presentation, eye tracking, and response monitoring into a single integrated home-use platform, replacing multiple separate clinic-based procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effective and reliable retinal neuromodulation therapy and extrafoveal reading rehabilitation, allowing patients to perform visual rehabilitation exercises independently at home, improving autonomy and quality of life with reduced clinical dependency.

Implementation Method 1

When the photoreceptors in the retina absorb light, they impart chemical and electrical impulses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a camera, preferably of the infrared type, for displaying the retina image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20230337909A1Device for retinal neuromodulation therapy and extrafoveal reading in subjects affected by visual impairment

Publication Date: 2023.10.26 ERA OPHTHALMICA SRL

AI summary

A device for retinal neuromodulation therapy and extrafoveal (eccentric) reading in subjects affected by visual impairment with loss of central vision, comprising a first apparatus designed to assess the eccentric reading capabilities correlated to the retinal anatomy of the patient; the first apparatus comprises a still camera or video camera device adapted to visualize the retina while the patient performs preset visual tasks; the device further comprises a second apparatus which comprises a screen associated with a tracking device for tracking the eyes which is adapted to monitor the eye movements of the patient, the second apparatus being adapted to control the images transmitted by the screen in order to execute eccentric exercises for visual rehabilitation.