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: A method and apparatus for providing microcurrent stimulation (MSC) therapy. In accordance with the present invention, it has been determined that the application of microcurrent signals at particular frequencies to the eye for particular periods of time stabilizes and even improves conditions of macular degeneration and other ocular diseases. Experimental data from clinical trials shows that results of persons who underwent therapy are at least better than placebo (i.e., efficacious), and that the therapy is safe. In fact, experimental data from clinical trials showed that approximately 98% of the patients who underwent the MCS therapy of the invention experienced either stabilization or improvement of macular degeneration within one year of starting therapy. Of this percentage, approximately 65% of the patients subjected to the MCS therapy experienced improved vision, while approximately 32% experienced stabilization of macular degeneration (i.e., no further loss of vision).

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.

Abstract: An ophthalmic treatment apparatus includes an electrode which is set on a place to apply electrical stimulation to cells constituting a retina; and an electrical stimulation pulse generator which is connected to the electrode, for generating, from the electrode, a predetermined electrical stimulation pulse whose electric current is set at 20 ?A or more but not exceeding 300 ?A.

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: An implantable electrode and method for manufacturing the electrode wherein the electrode has a strong, adherent surface coating of iridium oxide or titanium nitride on a platinum surface, which demonstrates an increase in surface area of at least five times when compared to smooth platinum of the same geometry. The iridium oxide coating may be formed on platinum by a physical deposition process, such as sputtering. The process of electroplating the iridium oxide surface coating is accomplished by voltage control processes. A gradient coating of iridium oxide ranging in composition from essentially pure platinum to essentially pure iridium oxide is produced by sputtering.

Abstract: An implantable miniature eyelid electrode apparatus that causes a paralyzed eyelid to close or open by passing an electrical stimulating current to a nerve or muscle, is comprised of a longitudinally flexible, nonconductive body containing electrodes that pass an electrical signal to the nearby nerve or muscle, which closes or opens the eyelid. The apparatus is electrically actuated by a source that may be located remotely from the apparatus. The electrical signal passes along wires from the source to the apparatus. The apparatus is biocompatible with the environment in the living tissue and is electrically insulated from the surrounding tissue, except where the electrodes contact the living tissue. The apparatus is very small and is not obvious to visual inspection when implanted.

Abstract: An ophthalmic treatment apparatus includes an electrode which is set on a place to apply electrical stimulation to cells constituting a retina; and an electrical stimulation pulse generator which is connected to the electrode, for generating, from the electrode, a predetermined electrical stimulation pulse whose electric current is set at 20 &mgr;A or more but not exceeding 300 &mgr;A.

Abstract: An eye mask has magnetic bodies and self-heating warm members, which are inserted in eye pads on a mask member to be placed over eyeball parts. If required, vibrators and illumination bodies may be additionally placed in the eye pads. Thus, fatigue on the eyes and surroundings thereof can be relieved by the magnetic actions of the magnetic bodies and the warming effects of the warming member, in addition to expected effects of restoring ocular functions, recovering from various ocular diseases, and so on. Furthermore, the surface of each of the eye pads is gradually curved like the inner surface of a sphere. When the eye pads are press-contact to the eyeball parts at predetermined pressures for a long time, the cornea can be warmed by the warming members so that the shape of the cornea can be changed along the shape of the eye pad, resulting in the effects of recovering from eye sight disorder such as pseudo-myopia, moderate farsightedness, or moderate astigmatism.

Abstract: An implantable miniature eyelid electrode apparatus that causes a paralyzed eyelid to close or open by passing an electrical stimulating current to a nerve or muscle, is comprised of a longitudinally flexible, nonconductive body containing electrodes that pass an electrical signal to the nearby nerve or muscle, which closes or opens the eyelid. The apparatus is electrically actuated by a source that may be located remotely from the apparatus. The electrical signal passes along wires from the source to the apparatus. The apparatus is biocompatible with the environment in the living tissue and is electrically insulated from the surrounding tissue, except where the electrodes contact the living tissue. The apparatus is very small and is not obvious to visual inspection when implanted.

Abstract: A contact lens with a conductive outer shell (one electrode of a two-electrode electrophoresis device) and a preferably soft, preferably disposable contact lens for contacting a patient's eye, assists in delivering dilation drops or other medicaments to a patient's eye. Advantageously, the lens is used with a relatively small hand-held power source. Electrophoresis can be used to help deliver dilation drops more rapidly, regardless of the delivery apparatus used for the electrophoresis.

Abstract: Macular degeneration and other ocular pathology in a subject is treated by the steps of: placing a positive electrode of a direct current source in electrical contact with a closed eyelid of a subject; placing a negative electrode of the source in electrical contact with the posterior neck of the subject; and causing a constant direct current of 200 .mu.A to flow between the electrodes through the subject for about 10 minutes. The source can be a portable, battery powered constant direct current generator which is affixed to the subject. The subject is thus enabled to ambulate during treatment.

Abstract: A method and device for improving cranial nerve function to improve muscle function and thereby overcome visual/perceptual dysfunction of a user includes a voltage source and electrodes positioned on the user proximate a cranial nerve for receiving a voltage signal from the voltage source and for transmitting an electrical stimulus to the cranial nerve of the user. A timer is electrically connected to the voltage source and the electrodes for establishing a first predetermined period of time in which the voltage signal is provided to the electrodes and a second predetermined period of time in which the voltage signal is suppressed.