Abstract: The present invention is a method of treating glaucoma by electrically stimulating the ciliary muscle to produce shear stress on the trabecular meshwork sufficient for cytokine production. A device for electrically stimulating the ciliary muscle includes a pair of electrodes configured to provide a voltage to the ciliary muscle. The electrodes are coupled to a voltage source. A controller operates to apply the voltage to the ciliary muscle.

Abstract: A visual prosthesis system comprises a retina implant at least partly located in the interior of a patient's eye. The retina implant comprises an array of micro-contacts adapted for contacting ganglia of the patient's retinal tissue. The visual prosthesis system further comprises a data processing unit with an additional interface for receiving an external signal from an external signal source, the data processing unit being adapted for converting the external signal into corresponding stimulation data for the retina implant, and a wireless transmission unit adapted for transmitting the stimulation data to the retina implant via wireless transmission. The retina implant is adapted for receiving the stimulation data and for stimulating the micro-contacts according to the stimulation data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the dissociation of soft proteinaceous tissue using pulsed rapid variable direction energy field flow fractionization is disclosed. The pulsed rapid disruptive energy field is created by the use of a probe which surrounds the soft proteinaceous tissue to be removed. Once the adhesive mechanism between tissue constituents has been compromised, fluidic techniques are used to remove the dissociated tissue.

Abstract: A device for electrically stimulating biological material with an implantable electrode array placed in active contact with the biological material. The array has a two-dimensional arrangement of individual electrodes (Eij) that produce a stimulation field (S1, S2,) for the biological material when a stimulation signal is provided, and an apparatus for providing stimulation signals. Alternating field stimulation signals (Vij) are provided to the individual electrodes (Eij) and the electrode array has at least two tripolar or higher multipolar multipole elementary cells (T1, T2,; Q1, Q2,) from three or more adjacent individual electrodes each, and the stimulation fields (S1, S2,) produced by every multipole elementary cell for the biological material has a rotational component, and at least one of the individual electrodes pertains to at least two multipole elementary cells. Method of use, e.g. with retina implants are also provided.

Abstract: An electrode array adapted for stimulating the retina to create the perception of vision in blind patients. The electrode array may be embodied as a combination of a subretinal electrode array and an epiretinal electrode array, with an electronics unit external to the eye. The subretinal and epiretinal arrays are in electrical communication with each other and are suitable to pass an electrical signal through retinal tissue.

Abstract: A vision regeneration assisting device for regenerating vision by applying electrical stimulation to cells that form a retina, comprises: a plurality of electrodes: a bendable substrate having a first face on which the electrodes are disposed; and a holding portion provided on a second face of the substrate opposite to the first face, the holding portion holding an installation tool used when the substrate is installed in an eye. In this manner, the substrate having the electrodes disposed thereon can be easily installed in the eye.

Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. The perceptual response to electrical neural stimulation varies from patient to patient and the response to electrical neural stimulation varies from patient to patient and the relationship between current and perceived brightness is often non-linear. It is necessary to determine this relationship to fit the prosthesis settings for each patient. It is advantageous to map the perceptual responses to stimuli. The method of mapping of the present invention is to provide a plurality of stimuli that vary in current, voltage, pulse duration, frequency, or some other dimension; measuring and recording the response to those stimuli; deriving a formula or equation describing the map from the individual points; storing the formula; and using that formula to map future stimulation.

Abstract: An oxygen-producing device for aiding in treatment of diseases and conditions of the human eye has a power supply with an electrical output, and at least one pair of electrodes, one electrode of the pair coupled to the electrically positive output and the other coupled to the electrically negative output. The device is characterized in that the device is sized to occupy no more than one fortieth of the volume of an average human eye, and the power supply is enabled to provide a DC voltage of at least 1.2 volts over a period of time.

Abstract: An image is captured or otherwise converted into a signal in an artificial vision system. The signal is transmitted to the retina utilizing an implant. The implant consists of a polymer substrate made of a compliant material such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) or PDMS. The polymer substrate is conformable to the shape of the retina. Electrodes and conductive leads are embedded in the polymer substrate. The conductive leads and the electrodes transmit the signal representing the image to the cells in the retina. The signal representing the image stimulates cells in the retina.

Abstract: An electrical energy applicator in one embodiment extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The energy conducting applicator includes, at the proximal end, a connection to one or more electrical energy sources. The energy conducting applicator directs electrical energy from the one or more electrical energy sources to the distal end. The energy conducting applicator includes an outer conductor and an inner conductor extending to the distal end. The outer conductor and the inner conductor are separated by a gap. The outer conductor includes a plurality of moveable outer segments and the inner conductor includes a plurality of moveable inner segments. The plurality of outer segments and the plurality of inner segments form a total contact surface at the distal end. The total contact surface is positionable at a surface of an eye. The electrical energy is applied to the eye according to the total contact surface.

Abstract: Embodiments according to aspects of the present invention provide a single convenient and versatile tool that allows an operator to apply energy to the cornea according to different patterns to suit different treatment cases, without requiring multiple applicators or interchangeable components. An electrical energy applicator in one embodiment extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The energy conducting applicator includes, at the proximal end, a connection to one or more electrical energy sources. The energy conducting applicator directs electrical energy from the one or more electrical energy sources to the distal end. The distal end is positionable at a surface of an eye. The energy conducting applicator includes at least three selectable conductors coupled to the one or more electrical energy sources. The selectable conductors define an outer conductor and an inner conductor being separated by a gap.

Abstract: Intraocular retinal prosthesis devices and methods for fabricating the same. A prosthesis device includes a cable region that connects an electrode array region with a power and data management region. The electrode array region includes one or more arrays of exposed electrodes, and the power and data management region includes various power and control elements. The power and data management elements, in one aspect, include an RF coil or coils and circuit arrangements and/or chips configured to provide drive signals to the electrodes via a cable and receive power and signals from the RF coil or coils. Each region includes elements fabricated on or in a single polymer layer during the same fabrication process.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including an external device, including a mount, which is placed in front of an eye of a subject. A laser is coupled to the mount and configured to emit toward the eye radiation that is outside of 380-750 nm. A partially-transparent mirror is coupled to the mount. An intraocular device is implanted entirely in the subject's eye, and includes a plurality of stimulating electrodes, and an energy receiver, which receives the radiation from the laser and generates a voltage drop in response thereto. A plurality of photosensors detect photons and generate a signal in response thereto. Driving circuitry is coupled to the energy receiver and to the photosensors, and receives the signals from the photosensors and utilizes the voltage drop to drive the electrodes to apply currents to the retina in response to the signals from the photosensors. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A biological implantable functional device comprises: a casing having a space for accommodating an electronic device and formed with an opening; a bendable flexible wiring substrate in which a wiring is formed in a predetermined pattern so as to correspond to an device-side terminal of the electronic device; a casing inner connecting terminal to be connected to an electric substrate provided outside the casing; and a bump to be electrically connected with the flexible wiring substrate and the casing inner connecting terminal; and a cover for sealing the opening of the casing to hermetically seal the electronic device.

Abstract: In order to generate the smallest phosphenes possible, it is advantageous to selectively stimulate smaller cells. By hyperpolarizing the somas of the large cells selectively with sub-threshold anodic ‘pre-pulse’ stimuli (making them more difficult to stimulate) and then selectively depolarize the smaller cells one can selectively stimulate smaller cells. Alternatively, one can hyperpolarize the dendrites of the cells with larger dendritic fields by applying sub-threshold anodic currents on surrounding electrodes and then depolarizing the smaller cells in the center. Further, one can manipulate the phases of an individual biphasic wave to affect selective stimulation resulting in more focal responses. It is possible to increase resolution with the ‘pre-pulse’ described above. One can also effect resolution by modifying the pulse order of the cathodic and anodic phases.

Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. The perceptual response to electrical neural stimulation varies from patient to patient and The response to electrical neural stimulation varies from patient to patient and the relationship between current and perceived brightness is often non-linear. It is necessary to determine this relationship to fit the prosthesis settings for each patient. It is advantageous to map the perceptual responses to stimuli. The method of mapping of the present invention is to provide a plurality of stimuli that vary in current, voltage, pulse duration, frequency, or some other dimension; measuring and recording the response to those stimuli; deriving a formula or equation describing the map from the individual points; storing the formula; and using that formula to map future stimulation.

Abstract: In order to generate the smallest phosphenes possible, it is advantageous to selectively stimulate smaller cells. By hyperpolarizing the somas of the large cells selectively with sub-threshold anodic ‘pre-pulse’ stimuli (making them more difficult to stimulate) and then selectively depolarize the smaller cells one can selectively stimulate smaller cells. Alternatively, one can hyperpolarize the dendrites of the cells with larger dendritic fields by applying sub-threshold anodic currents on surrounding electrodes and then depolarizing the smaller cells in the center. Further, one can manipulate the phases of an individual biphasic wave to affect selective stimulation resulting in more focal responses. It is possible to increase resolution with the ‘pre-pulse’ described above. One can also effect resolution by modifying the pulse order of the cathodic and anodic phases.

Abstract: An ophthalmic treatment method for inhibiting death of retinal constitutive cells of an eye by stimulating the cells includes a first step of placing a positive electrode and a negative electrode in such positions outside the eye that the electrodes provide electrical stimulation to the cells, at least one of the electrodes being placed on one of a cornea and sclera of the eye; and a second step of generating an electrical stimulation pulse having an electric current set at 20 ?A or more but not exceeding 300 ?A from each placed electrode.

Abstract: This system gives the experimenter great flexibility to present spatio-temporal stimulation patterns to a subject. A video configuration file (VCF) editor allows the experimenter to determine the electrical stimulation parameters for each electrode. A Pattern Stimulation software program allows direct stimulation of chosen patterns of electrodes, scaled by the subject's VCF, through a Graphical User Interface. The subject then responds by drawing the outline of the phosphene he or she perceives on a touchscreen. The Pattern Stimulation program saves all of the trial parameters and the parameters of an ellipse fit to their drawing, as well as a raw data file containing the input to the touchscreen is saved. After the experiment, offline image analysis can be performed to obtain a detailed quantitative description of the subject's percepts. Image descriptors can assigned to the touchscreen data; these image descriptors can be used to make formalized comparisons between various experimental conditions.

Abstract: A visual prostheses codes visual signals into electrical stimulation patterns for the creation of artificial vision. In some examples, coding of the information uses image compression techniques, temporal coding strategies, continuous interleaved sampling (CIS), and/or radar or sonar data. Examples of the approach are not limited to processing visual signals but can also be used to processing signals at other frequency ranges (e.g., infrared, radio frequency, and ultrasound), for instance, creating an augmented visual sensation.

Abstract: A retinal prosthesis that provides power control capabilities through the temporal integration of electrical charge is provided. The retinal prosthesis comprises at least one stimulating component, each stimulating component in turn comprising a photojunction element (e.g., a photodiode) in electrical communication with an electrode. A pulse generation circuit provides a reverse-bias signal and, from time to time, a pulsatile forward-bias signal to the photojunction element. During application of the reverse-bias signal, light incident upon the photojunction element causes electrical charge to be accumulated. Upon application of the pulsatile forward-bias signal, the accumulated electrical charge is injected via the electrode into retinal tissues, thereby stimulating the retina. By appropriately selecting the bias signal parameters, a sufficient amount of charge may be accumulated to ensure reaching stimulation thresholds.

Abstract: This invention is for directly modulating a beam of photons onto the retinas of patients who have extreme vision impairment or blindness. Its purpose is to supply enough imaging energy to retinal prosthetics implanted in the eye which operate essentially by having light (external to the eye) activating photoreceptors, or photoelectrical material. The invention provides sufficient light amplification and does it logarithmically. While it has sufficient output light power, the output light level still remains at a safe level. Most preferred embodiments of this invention provide balanced biphasic stimulation with no net charge injection into the eye. Both optical and electronic magnification for the image, as for example, using an optical zoom lens, is incorporated. Otherwise, it would not be feasible to zoom in on items of particular interest or necessity. Without proper adjustment, improper threshold amplitudes would obtain, as well as uncomfortable maximum thresholds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting a visual image provided to a patient. In one embodiment, an image may be presented to the patient to obtain the patient's subjective perception of the image, and the patient may either manipulate the image to obtain a desired adjustment, or guide a clinician performing the adjustment. In another embodiment, the clinician may make objective observations of, for example, the position of an electrode array on the patient's retina, and make adjustments accordingly. The adjustment may be a spatial adjustment comprising a re-mapping performed to decreases image distortion resulting from differences in the patient's perception of stimulation of different areas of the retina. Such distortion may result from differences between the patient's perception of stimulation falling within the macula, and stimulation falling within the periphery surrounding the macula. The adjustment may also compensate for translations or rotations of the electrode array on the retina.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of improving the persistence of electrical neural stimulation, and specifically a method of improving the persistence of an image supplied to a retina, or visual cortex, through a visual prosthesis. A continuously stimulated retina, or other neural tissue, will desensitize after a time period in the range of 20 to 150 seconds. However, an interruption of the stimulation on the order of a few milliseconds will restore the retinal sensitivity without the user perceiving the interruption, or with the user barely perceiving the interruption.

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: Directly modulating a beam of photons onto the retinas of patients who have extreme vision impairment or blindness. Supplying enough imaging energy to retinal prosthetics implanted in the eye which operate by having light (external to the eye) activating photoreceptors, or photoelectrical material. Providing sufficient light amplification and does it logarithmically. Having sufficient output light power, the output light level still remains at a safe level. Providing balanced biphasic stimulation with no net charge injection into the eye. Both optical and electronic magnification for the image is incorporated. It would not be feasible to zoom in on items of particular interest or necessity. Improper threshold amplitudes would obtain uncomfortable maximum thresholds. Proper adjustment for the threshold amplitudes and maximum comfortable thresholds is provided.

Abstract: A method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient is disclosed. By recording neural response to a predetermined input stimulus, one can alter that input stimulus to the needs of an individual patient. A minimum input stimulus is applied to a patient, followed by recording neural response in the vicinity of the input stimulus. By alternating stimulation and recording at gradually increasing levels, one can determine the minimum input that creates a neural response, thereby identifying the threshold stimulation level. One can further determine a maximum level by increasing stimulus until a predetermined maximum neural response is obtained.

Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically adjusting an electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. By recording neural response to a predetermined input stimulus, one can alter that input stimulus to the needs of an individual patient. A minimum input stimulus is applied to a patient, followed by recording neural response in the vicinity of the input stimulus. By alternating stimulation and recording at gradually increasing levels, one can determine the minimum input that creates a neural response, thereby identifying the threshold stimulation level. One can further determine a maximum level by increasing stimulus until a predetermined maximum neural response is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rehabilitating patients and assessing tactile skills in response to visual stimuli generated from a portable neural training device. The device generates a visual output to elicit tactile response (hand movement) from the patient. The device preferably automatically adjusts the difficulty of a session in response to demonstrated patient skill level (i.e. combination of correct responses, speed, and accuracy of responses). The invention evaluates and challenges the patient to control tactile response, overcome visual perception difficulties, or practice simple multi-tasking or reasoning skills. The invention also provides information which is valuable to those administering the rehabilitation program or assessing patient skill and/or progress. By way of example the neural training device is described with an embodiment having discrete fixed keys and an embodiment utilizing a touch sensitive display screen.

Abstract: A retinal implant has at least one functional unit positioned internally inside an eye and at least one functional unit positioned externally outside the eye and at least one functional unit positioned outside the eye, which are separably connected to one another via a signal path in a manner designed for signal or data transmission. The patient's residual vision which may still remain is preserved because the signal path extends through the sclera of the eye and does not incorporate the anterior eye section.

Abstract: Methods of treating obesity and/or type II diabetes include applying at least one stimulus to the pituitary gland of a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The at least one stimulus is configured to treat obesity and/or type II diabetes. Systems for treating obesity and/or type II diabetes include a stimulator configured to apply at least one stimulus to the pituitary gland of a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The at least one stimulus is configured to treat obesity and/or type II diabetes.

Abstract: A method for improving visual ability of even a patient's non-operative eye is provided. The electrical stimulation method for improving vision of patient's eyes comprises placing an electrode in one of patient's right and left eyes, and outputting an electrical stimulation pulse signal from the electrode placed in the patient's eye under a predetermined stimulation condition to stimulate cells constituting a retina or optic nerve, thereby improving vision of the other patient's eye with no electrode being placed.

Abstract: An integrated device for improving the visual system of a human subject includes a computer having a timer and in data communication with a display, a current source and a housing that contains the current source in addition to at least one of the display and the computer. The computer and display are adapted to present optical stimuli to a targeted region of an eye. The current source has at least one terminal for connection of at least one electrode assembly. The timer measures a time relationship.

Abstract: A visual restoration aiding device for restoring vision of a patient, comprises: a substrate which will be placed on or under a retina, a choroid or a sclera of a patient's eye; a plurality of electrodes arranged on the substrate for applying electrical stimulation pulse signals to cells constituting the retina; a photographing unit which photographs an object to be recognized by the patient; and a control unit which controls output of the electrical stimulation pulse signals from each electrode based image data captured by the photographing unit. The number of the electrodes placed on the substrate is less than the number of electrodes that can simultaneously output the electrical stimulation pulse signals based on the image data corresponding to one frame.

Abstract: A visual restoration aiding device includes an electrode array (21) having a plurality of electrodes (21a) placed on an outside of a choroid (E2) of a patient's eye (E) to electrically stimulate cells constituting a retina (E3).

Abstract: An oxygen-producing device for aiding in treatment of diseases and conditions of the human eye has a power supply with an electrical output, and at least one pair of electrodes, one electrode of the pair coupled to the electrically positive output and the other coupled to the electrically negative output. The device is characterized in that the device is sized to occupy no more than one fortieth of the volume of an average human eye, and the power supply is enabled to provide a DC voltage of at least 1.2 volts over a period of time.

Abstract: The present application discloses an ocular stimulation device including a contact lens with a member embedded in a surface thereof for electrically stimulating an eye of a wearer of the lens.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a vision regeneration assisting apparatus capable of assisting in vision regeneration without making a system structure complicated. In the invention, a vision regeneration assisting apparatus for regenerating a vision of a patient going blind by a disease of a retina includes a photosensor embedded in the retina of an eye of the patient and converting an optical signal into an electric signal, photographing means for photographing an object to be recognized by the patient, image processing means for carrying out an image processing to extract a feature with respect to an image of the object obtained by the photographing means, pulse light forming means for forming a luminous flux into a pulse light to induce a vision, and irradiating means provided before the eye of the patient and applying the pulse light toward the photosensor so as to be formed as an image processed by the image processing means.

Abstract: An electrode array is disclosed which has applications for neural stimulation and sensing. The electrode array, in certain embodiments, can include a plurality of electrodes each of which is flexibly attached to a common substrate using a plurality of springs to allow the electrodes to move independently. In other embodiments of the electrode array, the electrodes can be fixed to the substrate. The electrode array can be formed from a combination of bulk and surface micromachining, and can include electrode tips having an electroplated metal (e.g. platinum, iridium, gold or titanium) or a metal oxide (e.g. iridium oxide) for biocompatibility. The electrode array can be used to form a part of a neural prosthesis, and is particularly well adapted for use in an implantable retinal prosthesis.

Abstract: Circuitry for and method of power efficient operation of, and energy recovery from, tissue-stimulating electrodes having high charge capacities. Post-stimulation energy is recovered from the electrodes through a variety of techniques into circuit elements such as other electrodes, an intermediate distribution system, a power supply or any other elements, through the use of sequential switching. Energy is also recoverable from the intermediate distribution system, which preferably is comprised of one or more storage capacitors operating a different voltages. Efficient power transfer among circuit elements is effected by transferring energy while limiting element-element voltage differences and/or voltage differences between the elements and the capacitances of the electrodes.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement for electrical stimulation of biological material has at least one stimulation electrode via which the biological material can be fed a stimulus signal. Furthermore, a counter electrode is present which forms a counter pole to the stimulation electrode, one sensor electrode is provided with the aid of which it is possible to determine a polarization voltage across the stimulation electrode.

Abstract: A visual restoration aiding device for restoring vision of a patient comprises an electrode array having a plurality of electrodes placed on or under a retina of an eye of the patient for applying an electrical stimulation pulse signal to cells constituting the retina; a photographing unit which photographs an object to be recognized by the patient; a converting unit which converts photographic data transmitted from the photographing unit to data for electrical stimulation pulse signals; and a control unit which outputs an electrical stimulation pulse signal through each electrode based on the data for electrical stimulation pulse signals so that the control unit produces pulse output through one of a first electrode and a second electrode during a halt time of pulse output through the other electrode, the first and second electrodes being arranged within a distance such that electrical stimulation pulse signals outputted therethrough at substantially the same time are likely to interfere with each other.

Abstract: An artificial eye system may include an extracorporeal unit mounted outside a user's body and an intracorporeal unit 3 mounted inside a user's eye. The extracorporeal unit 2 may include a visor and a power supply unit. The visor may include a primary coil, an image receiving element that receives a picture image, a light emitting element that transmits an electric stimulus signal produced based on an image signal from the image receiving element, and an eye-gaze point recognizing unit. The intracorporeal unit may include a secondary coil that is electro-magnetically induced by the primary coil, a light receiving element that receives the electric stimulus signal from the light emitting element, a signal processing circuit that processes the electric stimulus signal received by the light receiving element, and a plurality of electrodes that transmits the electric stimulus signal processed by the signal processing circuit to the retina.

Abstract: The invention is a retinal prosthesis with an inductive coil mounted to the side of the eye by means of a strap around the eye. This allows for close coupling to an external coil and movement of the entire implanted portion with movement of the eye ball.

Abstract: An object is to provide an electrode member for retina stimulation which can form an actually transmitted image without pressing the retina in an excessively broad range and to provide an artificial retina device using the electrode member. An electrode member includes electrodes disposed in a shape of a vertical and horizontal matrix, a support holding each electrode at a predetermined position, and a fixing pin fixing four corners of the support to a sclera. Each electrode projects in the shape of a needle from an opposed face of the support toward a retina. The fixing pin is provided with a positioning projection allowing a distal end of each electrode to come into contact with retinal bipolar cells and limiting the overall opposed face to come into contact with a retina when the support is fixed to the retina.

Abstract: An artificial retina device and a retinal stimulation system and method for stimulating and modulating its function is disclosed. The artificial retina device includes multi-phasic microphotodiode subunits. In persons suffering from blindness due to outer retinal layer damage, a plurality of such devices, when surgically implanted into the subretinal space, may allow useful formed artificial vision to develop. By projecting real or computer controlled visible light images, and computer controlled infrared light images or illumination, simultaneously or in rapid alternation onto the artificial retina device, the nature of induced retinal images may be modulated and improved. The retinal stimulation system may be worn as a headset. Color images may be induced by programming the stimulating pulse durations and frequencies of the stimulation.

Abstract: An artificial vision system for regenerating or restoring vision of an eye of a patient includes: a power acquiring unit which is disposed inside the eye, includes a magnetic core having an opening and a coil wound around the magnetic core, and is adapted to acquire power from outside a body using electromagnetic induction; and a plurality of electrodes which is provided at a retina and is adapted to electrically stimulate cells constituting the retina.

Abstract: An implantable biocompatible device, that may be either a sensor or stimulator, having electronic circuitry and electrodes formed on a substrate, is uniformly covered with a coating approximately one-micron thick of ultra-nanocrystalline diamond, hermetically sealing the electronic circuitry. Selected electrodes are either left uncovered during coating or uncovered by conventional patterning techniques, allowing the electrodes to be exposed to living tissue and fluids. The ultra-nanocrystalline diamond coating may be doped to create electrically conductive electrodes. These approaches eliminate the need for a hermetically sealed lid or cover to protect hybrid electronic circuitry, and thus allow the device to be thinner than otherwise possible. The conformal ultra-nanocrystalline diamond coating uniformly covers the device, providing relief from sharp edges and producing a strong, uniformly thick hermetic coating around sharp edges and on high aspect-ratio parts.

Abstract: A visual prosthesis including an enhanced receiving and stimulating portion for electrically stimulating retinal tissue to present an apparent image to a user. The prosthesis includes an extracellular camera which responds to a real image to generate a real image signal. The real image signal is coupled, e.g., RF coupling, from an extracellular primary coil to a secondary coil. The secondary coil is preferably affixed within the vitreous body of the user's eye positioned for good signal coupling to the primary coil and arranged to be in good thermal contact with the vitreous body which acts as a heat sink. A hermetically sealed housing containing signal processing circuitry is also preferably placed in the vitreous body to assure efficient heat transfer away from the housing. The circuitry is electrically connected to the secondary coil and responds to an output signal therefrom to produce an apparent image signal for driving an electrode array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided by which eyelid diseases may be treated and eyelid hygiene may be performed. In particular, the method and apparatus stimulate eyelid muscles and facial muscles, allowing stimulation of glandular eyelid components that allow optimization of the tear film and the ocular surface. In this manner, the symptoms associated with ocular irritation or with eyelid disorders may be treated by maintaining proper tear film composition.