Abstract: A system and method for applying stimulation therapy to a patient, the system including a first stimulation strip that includes a first elongated portion configured to be placed on the upper eyelid of the first eye of the patient and a second elongated portion configured to be placed on the lower eyelid of the first eye of the patient, wherein the first stimulation strip includes: a first plurality of individually controlled electrodes configured to deliver a microcurrent stimulation therapy to the patient, a first plurality of individually controlled light emitters configured to deliver light stimulation therapy to the patient, and a first plurality of individually controlled heat sources configured to deliver heat therapy to the patient; and a controller operatively coupled to the first stimulation strip and configured to control delivery of the microcurrent stimulation therapy, the light stimulation therapy, and the heat therapy.

Abstract: A device is presented herein that is configured to be located underneath an eyelid and worn by a user for treating dry eye. The device includes a first surface configured to face a portion of a sclera of the eye, and a second surface configured to face an eyelid and to be completely covered by the eyelid. In some embodiments, the device further includes a plurality of stimulation electrodes proximal to the first surface, wherein the plurality of stimulation electrodes is configured to stimulate the sclera. The device further includes an energy storage element coupled to the plurality of stimulation electrodes. The energy storage element is configured to supply power to the plurality of stimulation electrodes. The device further includes a processor configured to control a supply of energy from the energy storage element to the plurality of stimulation electrodes to stimulate the sclera.

Abstract: A balloon type retinal stimulation device includes: a substrate unit having an insertion portion to be inserted into an eyeball; and a stimulation unit provided at one or both of one and the other surfaces of the substrate unit. The insertion portion is expandable and contractible as a fluid is injected into and discharged from an inside of the injection portion. When the insertion portion expands, one surface of the insertion portion matches a shape of the retina such that the stimulation unit is brought into close contact with the retina on which an image is formed, and the other surface of the insertion portion comes into close contact with an inner surface of the eyeball that is not a region of retina on which an image is formed, to support the insertion portion that is in contact with the region of retina on which an image is formed.

Abstract: A system and method for applying stimulation therapy to a patient, the system including a first stimulation strip that includes a first elongated portion configured to be placed on the upper eyelid of the first eye of the patient and a second elongated portion configured to be placed on the lower eyelid of the first eye of the patient, wherein the first stimulation strip includes: a first plurality of individually controlled electrodes configured to deliver a microcurrent stimulation therapy to the patient, a first plurality of individually controlled light emitters configured to deliver light stimulation therapy to the patient, and a first plurality of individually controlled heat sources configured to deliver heat therapy to the patient; and a controller operatively coupled to the first stimulation strip and configured to control delivery of the microcurrent stimulation therapy, the light stimulation therapy, and the heat therapy.

Abstract: A polymer-based optoelectronic interface comprises an elastomeric substrate (10) and a plurality of discrete photovoltaic pixel elements (20) disposed on top of the substrate. Each pixel element comprises at least one active layer comprising a semiconducting polymer or polymer mixture. The pixel elements are excitable by light to generate an electric signal via a photovoltaic process. For mechanically protecting the pixel elements, an elastomeric encapsulation layer (30) can be disposed on top of the substrate, the encapsulation layer defining access openings (31) for the pixel elements (20). Pillar-like structures (40) can be disposed on the pixel elements. Methods for fabricating such an optoelectronic interface are also disclosed. The optoelectronic interface can be used as a retinal prosthesis.

Abstract: A system and method for applying stimulation therapy to a patient, the system including a first stimulation strip that includes a first elongated portion configured to be placed on the upper eyelid of the first eye of the patient and a second elongated portion configured to be placed on the lower eyelid of the first eye of the patient, wherein the first stimulation strip includes: a first plurality of individually controlled electrodes configured to deliver a microcurrent stimulation therapy to the patient, a first plurality of individually controlled light emitters configured to deliver light stimulation therapy to the patient, and a first plurality of individually controlled heat sources configured to deliver heat therapy to the patient; and a controller operatively coupled to the first stimulation strip and configured to control delivery of the microcurrent stimulation therapy, the light stimulation therapy, and the heat therapy.

Abstract: A system and method for applying stimulation therapy to a patient, the system including a first stimulation strip that includes a first elongated portion configured to be placed on the upper eyelid of the first eye of the patient and a second elongated portion configured to be placed on the lower eyelid of the first eye of the patient, wherein the first stimulation strip includes: a first plurality of individually controlled electrodes configured to deliver a microcurrent stimulation therapy to the patient, a first plurality of individually controlled light emitters configured to deliver light stimulation therapy to the patient, and a first plurality of individually controlled heat sources configured to deliver heat therapy to the patient; and a controller operatively coupled to the first stimulation strip and configured to control delivery of the microcurrent stimulation therapy, the light stimulation therapy, and the heat therapy.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for delivering electrons to skin of a person, comprising the steps of: (1) attaching a longitudinal length of a flexible electrically conductive tape to the skin of the person, the flexible electrically conductive tape comprising: an electrically conductive strip and an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer comprising a top surface and an adhesive surface, (2) the adhesive surface affixing the electrically conductive strip to the skin, where the adhesive layer comprises a set of apertures therethrough to form longitudinally distributed electrical contact points along a length of the electrically conductive strip; and (3) an energy source delivering electrons, under control of an electrical control circuit of a controller, to the electrical contact points of the flexible electrically conductive tape.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a computer-implemented method of conveying a visual image to a blind subject fitted with a visual prosthesis. The computer-implemented method includes: mapping a representation of a visual image onto a two-dimensional array of points having a resolution greater than or equal to an electrode resolution of the visual prosthesis; identifying one or more continuous paths along the mapped representation; and controlling the visual prosthesis to sequentially actuate electrodes along the one or more paths. Another aspect of the invention provides a system including: a visual prosthesis comprising multiple electrodes; and an imaging processing device in communication with the visual prosthesis. The imaging processing device can be programmed to receive an image and perform any of the methods described herein.

Abstract: An improved stimulus coil for use in wireless stimulation of biological tissue (e.g., nerves, muscle tissue, etc.) and, in one exemplary implementation, to glaucoma therapy based on the wireless administration of energy to the eye of a mammalian subject (e.g., human, rodent, etc.) to reduce an elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) involving the use of an improved stimulus coil. The improved stimulus coil may be implanted in the eye of a mammalian subject or positioned on the exterior of the eye, such as (by way of example) by being disposed within a contact lens worn by a mammalian subject.

Abstract: A three-dimensional electrode device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. A three-dimensional electrode device as disclosed can be in close contact with target cells in a retina without damaging the retina to apply electrical stimulation to the retina. The three-dimensional electrode device can include a board prepared to be inserted into a photoreceptor layer in an eyeball and formed of a transparent material; and a plurality of electrodes formed on the board and configured to stimulate a retina. The board can be prepared to be deformed corresponding to a shape of the retina and configured to make the electrodes be in close contact with the retina.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.

Abstract: A malleable implantable medical device for implanting in a recipient comprising a flexible region of the medical device, one or more structures proximate to the flexible region, wherein the one or more structures is configured to provide a bending force to the flexible region, and one or more hermetically sealed medical components coupled to the flexible region, wherein the one or more medical components is configured to provide a therapeutic effect on the recipient.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a treatment probe and method for treating dry eye. The treatment probe may include a thin stainless steel tip, a spacer to ensure proper contact and protect the skin of a patient, a sensor to provide temperature feedback to the power supply providing RF energy to the treatment probe. The treatment focuses on a patient's temple and periorbital area.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided including an intraocular device which is implanted entirely in an eye of a subject and includes photosensors which detect photons representing an image in a gaze direction of the subject, and stimulating electrodes which apply currents to the retina. The apparatus further includes an extraocular device including an imaging device which captures a wide-field image. The apparatus further includes processing circuitry which (i) receives the wide-field image from the imaging device of the extraocular device, (ii) receives a signal from the photosensors of the intraocular device, (iii) based on the signal from the photosensors, process the wide-field image from the imaging device to generate image data representative of a sub-portion of the wide-field image, and (iv) cause the electrodes to apply currents to the retina based on the image data. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for object recognition and presentation are provided. An example apparatus may include a camera, an assistance feedback device, an input device, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry may be configured receive an image from the camera, compare characteristic features within the image to an object identification dataset to identify object matches for a plurality of objects within the image, receive a selected name of an identified object from the user via the input device, and transmit assistance feedback to the user indicating a position of the selected object within the field of view via the assistance feedback device.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing inflammation of tissue of animal or human, which comprises an energy wave generator has an energy wave's frequency control mode. The energy wave's frequency control mode includes multiple controls for acting the energy wave generator to generate and emit energy waves each with a corresponding energy density. The energy density is calculated by a corresponding base frequency, a sweep bandwidth of the corresponding base frequency, an emission rate and a total time of emission in a duty cycle, so that the energy waves with the corresponding energy densities effecting on the body of animals or human to reduce inflammation of tissue of animal or human.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved spatial fitting and training system for a visual prosthesis. The system of the present invention maps projected locations of percepts, where a person perceives a percept from a visual prosthesis to the intended location of the percepts. The projected location may vary over time. These test results can be used to correct a visual prosthesis or spatially map the visual prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved spatial fitting and training system for a visual prosthesis. The system of the present invention maps projected locations of percepts, where a person perceives a percept from a visual prosthesis to the intended location of the percepts. The projected location may vary over time. This test results can be used to correct a visual prosthesis or spatially map the visual prosthesis.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for modulating, suppressing or preventing an ocular disorder in a subject. One step of the method can include positioning at least one electrode on or proximate to at least one of a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a sphenopalatine nerve (SN), a vidian nerve (VN), a greater petrosal nerve (GPN), a deep petrosal nerve (DPN), or a branch thereof, of the subject. Next, the at least one electrode can be activated to apply an electrical signal to at least one of the SPG, the SN, the VN, the GPN, the DPN, or the branch thereof.

Abstract: A structure of an artificial electronic retina is disclosed, which includes an array of a plurality of photoelectric units, and each photoelectric unit includes one electronic photosensitive element, one microelectrode, one electronic circuit, and sidewalls surrounding the photoelectric unit, wherein the microelectrode is disposed on and electrically connected to the electronic photosensitive element, and the electronic circuit is disposed on the electronic photosensitive element adjacent to the sidewalls near the circumference of the electronic photosensitive element. A layer of a light-permeable conductive material is disposed on the electronic photosensitive element between the microelectrode and the electronic circuit, wherein the layer of the light-permeable conductive material is electrically connected to both the electronic photosensitive element and the microelectrode.

Abstract: An active retinal implant (10) to be implanted into an eye has an array (16) of stimulation elements (17) that emit stimulation signals to cells of the retina, wherein the stimulation elements (17) are designed as radiation-emitting elements.

Abstract: The present invention is a saliency-based apparatus and methods for visual prostheses. A saliency-based component processes video data output by a digital signal processor before the video data are input to the retinal stimulator. In a saliency-based method, an intensity stream is extracted from an input image, feature maps based on the intensity stream are developed, plural most salient regions of the input image are detected and one of the regions is selected as a highest saliency region.

Abstract: The present technology provides an organic based artificial retina device that includes a substrate and an array of micro-electrodes formed on the substrate. The illustrative artificial retina device further includes a photoconducting polymer blend deposited on the array of micro-electrodes. The photoconducting polymer blend is configured to produce a photoelectric signal in response to receiving light.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an apparatus to be implanted in eyes, including: a configuration memory used for storing signal parameter configuration; a signal generator connected to the configuration memory and used for generating stimulating signals according to the signal parameter configuration in the configuration memory; electrodes connected to the signal generator and contact with outer surface of eye ball after implanted; a communication assembly connected to the configuration memory and used for receiving the signal parameter configuration, storing the received signal parameter configuration in the configuration memory; and a power supply connected to the configuration memory, signal generator and communication assembly, used for providing power. An update system for the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of for prevention of presbyopia and glaucoma envisages stimulation of the ciliary body to determine contraction thereof via a low-voltage d.c. current sent in the form of pulse trains. This contraction, if applied in a rhythmic way at a constant frequency, subjects the ciliary muscle to a passive gymnastics increasing the force of contraction thereof, the dimensions, and the efficiency. This increase of force enables the crystalline to be moved with greater efficiency and consequently increases the power of accommodation thereof. The contraction of the ciliary muscle stretches the tendinous formation in direct contact with the sclero-corneal trabeculate and increases the distance between the lamellae of the sclero-corneal angle, restoring the natural function of the trabeculate and thus preventing glaucoma.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of providing flexible image possessing in a visual prosthesis by providing downloadable video filters. In a visual prosthesis, the input video image is normally higher resolution than the output stimulation of the retina, optic nerve or visual cortex. It is advantageous to apply video processing algorithms (filters) to help provide the most useful information to the lower resolution electrode array. Different filters are more effective in different environments and for different subjects. Examples of situation dependent filters include reverse image, contrast increasing, edge detection, segmentation using chromatic information and motion detection. Filters loaded in the video processing unit may be selected dynamically to suit the situation or the user's preference. It is therefore advantageous to provide flexibility in applying filters. However, it is also important to maintain the security necessary for a medical device.

Abstract: An electrode structure for use with a monitoring system. A thin flexible body of an electrode material comprising conductive rubber is provided with projections extending externally to a working surface. According to this construction of the working surface of the electrode only the projections make a contact to the recipient's skin. When the projections are provided with a small cross-section, the constant electrode-skin contact is ensured due to the resiliency of the electrode material.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for configuring an implantable device to interface with retina cells are described. The device may comprise an array of pixel units capable of stimulating the retina cells are described. The pixel units may operate in a mode of operation selected from a plurality of modes including a normal mode and a calibration mode. A control circuitry of the device may be configured to switch the mode of operation for the pixel units. In one embodiment, the pixel units may be configured to receive light for stimulating the retina cells during the normal mode to enable perception of the light. During the calibration mode, the pixel units may be configured to adjust amount of stimulation to the retina cells.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for mapping a high resolution image to a lower resolution electrode array and, by applying varying stimulus to neighboring electrodes, creating a perceived image greater in resolution than the electrode array. The invention is applicable to a wide range of neural stimulation devices including artificial vision and artificial hearing. By applying a sub-threshold stimulus to two neighboring electrodes where the sum of the stimuli is above the threshold of perception, a perception is created in neural tissue between the two electrodes. By adjusting the stimulus on neighboring electrodes, the location of stimulation can be altered. Further, noise can be applied to the stimulating electrode or its neighboring electrodes to reduce the threshold of stimulation.

Abstract: A system and method of treating hyperactivity of an eyelid closing muscle in a subject includes providing a stimulation system in the subject with the hyperactivity of the eyelid closing muscle, sensing an activity of the eyelid closing muscle, and selectively stimulating eyelid opening muscle(s) or innervating nerves, eyelid opening reflexes, or eyelid opening reflexes in non-muscular tissue, using the stimulation system, without substantially activating the eyelid closing muscle. The system and method evokes eyelid movement in the subject.

Abstract: A medical lead includes a plurality of electrodes on an annular distal end portion of the lead. The electrodes may be arranged along a circle concentric with the center of a void defined by the annular portion. The annular medical lead design is well suited for application of electrical signal therapy to the suborbital nerve at its point of exit from the inferior orbital foramen in the skull.

Abstract: An electrode array, having application as a cochlear implant, includes a tube formed of Parylene defining a hollow channel. A substrate formed primarily of Parylene is supported by the tube. In turn, a plurality of metallic electrodes and feed lines are supported by the substrate. Numerous voids are defined by the tube which opens into the hollow channel. The size and spacing of the voids regulate stiffness and curl of the tube to provide excellent fit within the cochlea.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode array for a medical implant device, comprising a substrate supporting a plurality of electrodes, the substrate comprising at least two layers of material including a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer of material and the second layer of material have different coefficients of thermal expansion. The plurality of electrodes may be supported on the first layer of material, and are preferably incorporated in and/or project from the second layer of material. The second layer of material may itself have a layered structure comprising multiple material layers, with the plurality of electrodes incorporated within the said multiple material layers. The first layer of material preferably has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the second layer of material. The invention furthermore provides a medical implant device including an electrode array according to the invention, and a method of manufacturing such an electrode array.

Abstract: A stimulation system stimulates anatomical targets in a patient for treatment of dry eye. The system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The controller may be implemented externally to or internally within the microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a controller signal and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. The microstimulator may not have any intelligence or logic to shape or modify a signal. The microstimulator may be a passive device configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller. The microstimulator may shape or modify a signal. Waveforms having different frequency, amplitude and period characteristics may stimulate different anatomical targets in a patient.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices and methods for stimulation or recording of accommodation of an eye. Accommodation of an eye naturally occurs through contraction of the ciliary muscle. Embodiments described herein can deliver electrostimulation to the ciliary muscle through a pair of electrodes which deliver power over an area of the sclera which is both positioned above and over an area which is substantially equivalent to the surface area of the ciliary muscle. In further embodiments, electrical impulses produced by the ciliary muscle can be received by one or more electrodes positioned proximate the ciliary muscle. Thus, by embodiments described herein, accommodation of the eye can be reproducibly achieved by external stimulation of the ciliary muscle or measured based on electrical impulses generated by or in conjunction with the ciliary muscle.

Abstract: A method for electrically stimulating a retina of an eye to induce visual perception includes placing an electrode adjacent a retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer and selectively applying a biphasic asymmetrical waveform (BAW) to a portion of the axon. The BAW includes a pre-pulse phase and a stimulation-pulse phase. The pre-pulse phase has a first polarity, a first amplitude, and a first duration. The first amplitude and the first duration together define a pre-pulse charge having a first magnitude. The stimulation-pulse phase has a second polarity opposite the first polarity, a second amplitude, and a second duration less than the first duration. The second amplitude and the second duration together define a stimulation charge having a second magnitude. Application of the pre-pulse phase and the stimulation-pulse phase effects a change in excitability of the at least one ganglion cell and induces visual perception, respectively.

Abstract: Active glasses for stimulating optic nerves of a user.

Abstract: The artificial percept of light may be created by electrically stimulating the neurons of the retina. While a photolithographed array internal to the retina provides superior resolution, an array external to the retina provides easier implantation and improved manufacturability. Therefore it is advantageous to supply a high-resolution electrode array internal to the sclera, near the fovea and a lower-resolution electrode array external to the sclera near the periphery of the retina. It is advantageous to encourage current to flow through the retina by providing a physically separate and distinct electrode array and return electrode. The high-resolution electrode array and lower-resolution electrode array may be return electrodes for the other, or completely separate return electrodes may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neural prosthesis. In its most general form, the neural prosthesis comprises an electrode array including a stimulating electrode (801) and a bipolar return electrode (802). The neural prosthesis also comprises a monopolar return electrode (806), a first electrical return path (812) associated with the bipolar return electrode (802) and a second electrical return path (814) associated with the monopolar return electrode (806) wherein, in use, the stimulating electrode (801) provides a stimulating current to the tissue of a recipient and a total return current is divided between a first current in the first electrical return path (812) and a second current in the second electrical return path (814).

Abstract: A vision regeneration assist apparatus includes: a substrate including electrodes; a control unit; a mount that is formed from a sintered element made of an insulating material, the mount including through holes; an internal conductor that is to be filled into the through holes of the mount to electrically connect the control unit with wires extending from the electrodes. The internal conductor includes: a first conductive material which is to be filled to a predetermined depth from an opening of the through holes at the upper surface of the mount, the first conductive material which takes at least one type of conductive material, which is not fused at a sintering temperature of the mount; and a second conductive material which is formed from a conductive material that is to be filled into a remaining of the through holes, which faces the substrate, the second conductive material exhibiting biocompatibility.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible circuit electrode array for improved layer adhesions where the metal conductors overlap the polymer insulator. The steps to build the flexible circuit are as follows. Deposit a base polymer layer. Deposit a conductive trace over the base polymer layer. Deposit a top polymer layer over the trace and prepare a void in the top polymer layer smaller than the surface of the trace. Deposit an electrode on the trace through the void with a periphery larger than, and overlapping the void.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.

Abstract: An implantable device (10) is used to emit electrical stimulation signals to surrounding tissue by means of at least one stimulation electrode (17). The device (10) has an input stage which is connected to a supply unit (12) by a cable, by means of which the input stage is supplied with at least one substantially square electrical AC voltage which is, averaged over time, at least virtually free of a DC voltage with respect to an external ground (29), which can be connected to the tissue (64) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The present invention is a visual prosthesis including a visor with an embedded camera and an optical filter to limit light entering the lens of the camera. This invention will allow use of custom filters to limit light intensity or certain light frequencies sent to the camera of the visual prosthesis in a variety of brightness conditions which will remove glare. It will allow modification of the color of the light sent to camera of the visual prosthesis to respond to different environments.

Abstract: A system and method of treating hyperactivity of an eyelid closing muscle in a subject after facial nerve paralysis includes providing a stimulation system and selectively stimulating eyelid opening muscle(s) or innervating nerves, eyelid opening reflexes, or eyelid opening reflexes in non-muscular tissue, using the stimulation system, without substantially activating the eyelid closing muscle. The system and method evokes eyelid movement in the subject.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for preventing glaucomatous optic neuropathy, an affliction of the eye. An incision is made in the scleral region of the eye and an optic nerve head shield is inserted and positioned proximate to the optic nerve head of the eye to form a pressure seal over the optic nerve head of the eye. The optic nerve head shield decreases the pressure differential across the cribiform plate preventing bowing of the cribiform plate and glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

Abstract: An improved method for stimulating electrical activity in an eye is provided. Provided is a technique for implanting small, nanometer-sized photoactive devices into an eye to improve electrical activity within an eye or mitigate degradation of electrical response in damaged eyes.