Abstract: Dynamically functional intra-ocular prosthesis. The prosthesis includes an implantable intra-ocular lens and microelectronic components mounted on the lens. One embodiment is a variable focal length implantable intra-ocular lens system for adjusting the focal length of the implantable lens. In one embodiment, a micromotor changes the tension in a band encircling the peripheral portion of the deformable lens changing its shape to vary its focal length. Another embodiment is an artificial intra-ocular lens which serves as a holding substrate for microelectronic components that form part of a prosthesis to stimulate the neural elements of the eye to restore vision to patients who are blind from retinal disease.

Abstract: Dynamically functional intra-ocular prosthesis. The prosthesis includes an implantable intra-ocular lens and microelectronic components mounted on the lens. One embodiment is a variable focal length implantable intra-ocular lens system for adjusting the focal length of the implantable lens. In one embodiment, a micromotor changes the tension in a band encircling the peripheral portion of the deformable lens changing its shape to vary its focal length. Another embodiment is an artificial intra-ocular lens which serves as a holding substrate for microelectronic components that form part of a prosthesis to stimulate the neural elements of the eye to restore vision to patients who are blind from retinal disease.

Abstract: A method for epi-retinal implantation of an object into a subject is disclosed. The method includes rendering the normally transparent cortical vitreous visible and separating at least a portion of a cortical vitreous of the subject away from an adherent retinal surface to form an epi-retinal space between the retina and the separated cortical vitreous material. An object to be implanted may be introduced into the epi-retinal space and the object engaged with a surface of the retina. In preferred embodiments, the object may then be adhered to the surface of the retina. A method for implantation of a neural contact structure for contact with neural tissue, for example, neural tissue of the retina within which are ganglion cells to be electrically stimulated is also described.

Abstract: A low-pressure neural contact structure for contact with neural tissue, for example, neural tissue of the retina within which are ganglion cells to be electrically stimulated. The contact structure comprises a first portion for attachment to a first bodily location, such as the inner surface of the retina, and a second portion interconnected with the first portion via an interconnection and being held in contact with the neural tissue. The interconnection exhibits a weak restoring force which in conjunction with the geometry of said second portion provides a preselected desired pressure of contact against the neural tissue. As adapted for the retina, the interconnection exhibits a weak restoring force developed in response to curvature of the interconnection along the inner radius of the retina.

Abstract: Medication dispensing intra-ocular lens system for implantation into an eye. An implantable intra-ocular lens includes a carrier medium disposed on a surface of the lens. A biologically active material is embedded in the carrier medium for controlled release into the eye. Contemplated biologically active materials include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents and cell growth inhibitors. The controlled release of biologically active materials within the eye is more effective than conventional topical applications of the same substances.

Abstract: A low-pressure neural contact structure for contact with neural tissue, for example, neural tissue of the retina within which are ganglion cells to be electrically stimulated. The contact structure comprises a first portion for attachment to a first bodily location, such as the inner surface of the retina, and a second portion interconnected with the first portion via an interconnection and being held in contact with the neural tissue. The interconnection exhibits a weak restoring force which in conjunction with the geometry of said second portion provides a preselected desired pressure of contact against the neural tissue. As adapted for the retina, the interconnection exhibits a weak restoring force developed in response to curvature of the interconnection along the inner radius of the retina.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preferentially stimulating neural somas over neural axons located around the somas but not integral with the somas. In the invention, a positive electrical pulse is applied to a region of neural tissue consisting of one or more neural somas to be stimulated and neural axons, and due to the physiology of the somas, they are preferentially stimulated by the electrical pulse over the neural axons not integral with the somas to be stimulated. The preferential soma stimulation provided by the invention achieves the advantage of locally focusing external stimulation such that it may be directed to particular soma locations for indicating location-dependent sensory information. Thus the pulse scheme of the invention may be employed in prosthetic applications directed to, for example, the retinal ganglia neural tissue.