Wearable Early Intervention Electric Stimulation for Optic Nerve Regeneration
Abstract
This project addresses the FY21 Vision Research Program Focus Area to restore visual function after trauma-related vision loss. Specifically, the goal of this project is to develop a medical device to regenerate the optic nerve, the cable that relays visual information from the eye to the brain. Traumatic damage to the optic nerve usually results from either direct (i.e., crushed by broken bones) or indirect (i.e., transmission of force energy) injury but can also occur after exposure to lasers, microwaves, and particle beams. Blindness is irreversible because the cells that make up the optic nerve, retinal neurons, have limited capacity to self-repair and no capacity to self-regenerate when injured. Current strategies to overcome this problem employ the use of viruses to alter gene expression and have only been proven to be effective when applied two weeks before injury, which is not clinically practical. This project employs an innovative technology that uses electric stimulation to promote retinal neuron survival and direct regeneration of retinal neuronal axons, the appendage of the retinal neuron that connects with the brain. We have previously shown in tissue culture experiments that electric fields directed regeneration of retinal neuron axons. Here, we present compelling feasibility experiments that demonstrate that 30 days of electrical stimulation initiated five days after injury directed threefold more survival of retinal neurons, full-length optic nerve regeneration, and partial recovery of visual function--something never seen in untreated animals. Our current method of generating an electric field along the optic nerve involves placing a device around the optic nerve behind the eye and another device in the brain. Service Members, however, require devices that can be readily deployed by non-medical staff in the prolonged field care setting. The goal of this project is to (1) develop a minimally invasive, wearable device to stimulate the optic nerve and (2) test and demonstrate the effectiveness of these devices at directing optic nerve regeneration after crush injury. We propose to combine computer simulations with animal and human cadaver experiments test our hypotheses. If successful, this will be the first therapy described to help regenerate the optic nerve after injury has occurred. Moreover, the device would be one that requires no medical training to activate. This has important implications for active-duty Service Members whose access to medical care may be delayed from time of injury, with early treatment increasing the chances of regaining vision. In addition to its potential benefit for traumatic optic neuropathy, this therapy has the potential to make large strides in directing optic nerve regeneration in a number of other diseases including inflammatory disease, like Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, and glaucoma. This work has the potential to revolutionize the visual outcomes of Service Members blinded by optic nerve disease--something for which no treatment currently exists.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 28, 2022
- Source ID
- W81XWH2210743
Entities
People
- Kimberly Gokoffski
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Southern California