Intraocular Projector Implant: A Platform for Vision Restoration

PROJECT ABSTRACT The cornea is the clear window into the eye through which light must pass in order for the eye to see. It can be damaged by infections or injury. When the cornea and ocular surface is severely injured there is currently no effective treatment for vision preservation. In addition to disease, there are thousands of patients who suffer such injuries in work related accidents. Due to the industrial nature of many ocular chemical and thermal burns, corneal injury disproportionately affects those in the prime of their life. Building on the most recent developments in small image and wireless transmission technology we have designed an intraocular projection system that can be implanted into the eye in these patients. The device will wirelessly receive video data and power from a camera and processor positioned upon the frame of a pair of glasses. A small optical apparatus will focus the image on the retina. This in effect will place a microscopic office projector inside the eye so that it will be able to see even with a scarred cornea or even if the eyes are closed. Here we propose to test this device in rabbits. Our first aim is to build and implant 25 dummy lenticule implants of different weights into rabbits and observe them for 6 months. This is to identify how heavy intraocular implants can be before becoming unstable, a current unknown. Our second aim is to build and implant 25 semiactive lenticule implants into rabbits and observe them for 6 months at different power use levels. This is to identify the power safety limit of these implants, another unknown. In the penultimate aim, we will implant 11 fully functioning implants into rabbits. We will observe these rabbits for 6 months and measure their vision using brain signals to examine the long-term safety and efficacy. This project will provide important information and technology for development of a new class of visual restoration devices. It will pave the way for the eventual use of such a device to restore vision in humans.