Photovoltaic Substitute for Lost Photoreceptors in Retinal Injury or Degeneration
Abstract
Ocular trauma or laser injury, as well as retinal degeneration, can lead to loss of photoreceptors, resulting in a permanent visual impairment. Our photovoltaic substitute of the photoreceptors directly converts light into pulsed electric current in each pixel, stimulating the second order retinal neurons. Recent clinical tests in patients blinded by retinal degeneration demonstrated safety of this approach and prosthetic visual acuity closely matching the 100m pixel pitch of the implant. To further improve visual acuity, we are developing smaller pixels, down to 20m, based on three-dimensional honeycomb design. In particular, we study integration of such implants with the retina, the optimal geometry of the honeycomb electrodes for the highest spatial resolution and selectivity of the retinal activation, as well as a long term follow-up of the retinal excitability with such implants. Upon successful completion of the proposed development and preclinical testing, this implant will be transferred to our industrial partner for clinical studies. This technology will benefit patients with traumatic retinopathy, laser injury and degenerative retinal diseases. Implants with adequately small pixels should support visual acuity sufficient for reading and face recognition, thereby enabling independent and productive lifestyle to the Service Members, veterans, and their family members.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1211466
Entities
People
- Daniel Palanker
Organizations
- Stanford University