Wearable RF-Coil Stimulation for Retinal Neuroprotection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for retinal blindness conditions such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, Age-Related Macular Degeneration, and glaucoma do not effectively halt or slow the progression of neuronal death, despite understanding of underlying mechanisms like genetic mutations, lipid metabolism abnormalities, and intraocular pressure.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive wearable device, resembling a contact lens with internal RF coils and electrodes, delivers controlled electromagnetic stimulation to induce epigenetic changes in the retina, using a charge-balanced waveform to stimulate specific areas of the eye, thereby promoting neuroprotection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional treatments are used for retinal blindness conditions, then existing therapies are applied, but they do not effectively halt or slow the progression of neuronal death
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electromagnetic radiation at specific frequencies (radiofrequency, microwave, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet) to induce epigenetic changes in retinal cells. This changes the physical-chemical parameters of cell interaction, triggering neuroprotective responses that conventional treatments do not achieve. The specific frequency ranges and dosing protocols represent parameter optimization to maximize therapeutic effect while minimizing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical or chemical treatment approaches with electromagnetic field application. Instead of using drugs or surgical interventions, the system uses controlled electromagnetic radiation to directly stimulate epigenetic mechanisms in retinal neurons, representing a fundamental substitution of the treatment modality.
2Reliability
If electromagnetic stimulation is applied to induce epigenetic changes, then neuroprotection is promoted, but the system complexity increases with multiple coils and waveform controls
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device integrates multiple functional components into a single unit: external RF coils for electromagnetic transmission, internal RF coils for signal reception and conversion, electrodes for electrical stimulation, and waveform generation circuitry. This multi-functional integration allows the device to perform electromagnetic stimulation, electrical stimulation, and waveform control in one unified system, reducing the need for multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses charge-balanced waveforms as an intermediary mechanism to deliver electromagnetic energy safely to retinal tissue. The waveform design acts as a mediator that converts high-frequency RF energy into controlled electrical stimulation patterns that can induce epigenetic changes without causing thermal damage or excessive current exposure. This intermediary approach simplifies the control of complex electromagnetic-field-tissue interactions.
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 effectively slows the progression of retinal degeneration by inducing neuroprotective epigenetic changes, complementing existing therapies and potentially serving as an adjunct treatment for various neurodegenerative diseases.
Implementation Method 1
an external RF coil configured to transmit RF signals
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of internal radiofrequency (RF) coils configured to receive the RF signals from the external RF coil
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of stimulating electrodes configured to electromagnetically stimulate a portion of the eye or an area adjacent to the eye, causing changes to cells or tissue within the eye or adjacent to the eye
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus for causing changes to cells or tissue within or adjacent to an eye. The system includes an external RF coil configured to transmit RF signals. The system also includes a wearable device configured to be removably disposed on the eye, the wearable device including a plurality of internal radiofrequency (RF) coils configured to receive the RF signals from the external RF coil and a plurality of stimulating electrodes configured to electromagnetically stimulate a portion of the eye or an area adjacent to the eye, causing changes to cells or tissue within or adjacent to the eye.