Artificial Retina Imaging for the Sight Impaired For someone who has lost their sight to retinitis pigmentosa a retinal implant can be inserted. This implant has an array on it that interfaces with the photoreceptors in the eye to give sight back to the individual. EE 4611 April 29, 2013Presented by: Matthew Engel Matthew Stoddard

Outline How it works History and information on Retinitis Pigmentosa Different Models Concerns with the technology Conclusion Key Concepts

How it Works (4) A camera mounted on a pair of glasses captures images. This information is sent to a microprocessor that converts the data into a proper signal and then sends this information to a receiver on the eye. The receiver then passes this onto the microelectrode array that is tacked onto the retina. The pulses emitted from the array then bypass the damaged photoreceptors. (2)

Solution to a Problem Retinitis Pigmentosa (7) Loss of vision comes in stages. Similar to viewing less pixels on a screen. Degenerative effect is not stable. No visual signs of disease. Estimated 100,00 people in the US are effected with RP. People have been looking for a solution to vision loss since the early 90’s. However the technology has now advanced to the point of clinical trials. (4) There are two main companies right now that are working on a technological solution to this disease.

Different Models Argus II (4) Bio-Retina (5) First generation of device would give 20/200 vision. 2 part system Independent bio-retina implant Eyeglasses that feature IR laser beam to charge the implant. Concept was validated but clinical trials have not yet taken place. Ultralow power consumption. Uses natural functionalities of the eye. 60 Electrodes: 20/1260 vision 3 part system Small video camera sitting on sunglasses. Electrode Array implanted near the retina. Computer to process video signals and send them back to the implant. Line of sight limited to 20° and patient must turn their head to see more. Has been approved for use in both the United States and the European Economic Area. (1) (5)

Bio-Retina (6)

Bio-Retina’s Wireless Charging (8) Poly-Si TFT’s A concept that is less intrusive and more natural. Unstable power supply causes slight distortion. Coil has a 7.5 cm diameter wound 100 times.

Current Concerns Amount of vision restored is still very low and with the Argus II system the patient would still be considered legally blind. (4) Systems will work only on patients that are afflicted by Retinitis Pigmentosa. (4) The cost for any of these systems is still very expensive. Other technologies may work better in the long run. (7) Gene Therapy Stem Cells Drug Therapies

Conclusion This is still a relatively new technology and it will most likely continue to advance. Neither system can offer complete restoration of sight. Difficult to upgrade a previous patient with new technology. Both systems only effect people who have Retinitis Pigmentosa.

References 1. will-hit-the-us-market-this-yearhttp://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/biomedical/bionics/bionic-eye-implants- will-hit-the-us-market-this-year your-bionic-visionhttp://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/biomedical/bionics/how-would-you-like- your-bionic-vision %20Company%20Profile.pdfhttp:// %20Company%20Profile.pdf

Key Concepts Technology uses an array to stimulate the photoreceptors. How both devices interact with the eye to restore sight. Electrodes that are powered will show a dot of light for the individual. Restored vision is still very low. Technology is only effective on individuals with Retinitis Pigmentosa.