The Problem
Retinal degenerative diseases range from a wide variety and are currently the leading cause of blindness worldwide. By 2040, an estimated amount of over 280 million adults are projected to be affected by diseases of such. Resulting from a loss of photoreceptor cells, these diseases often lead to irreversible vision loss. Despite this, less than 10% of patients with retinal degeneration have access to effective treatment options and many of these treatments are considered ineffective and unreliable.
Modern prosthetics for lost photoreceptor cells and therapeutic intervention are significantly limited in terms of costs, accessibility, and accuracy. Moreover, these treatments only focus on slowing the progression of the disease rather than restoring vision. As a result, patients are limited to two options: A possibility of partial or no vision improvement, both of which significantly diminish individual life quality.
The reason behind present-day limitations revolves around the limited ability to regenerate or replace lost photoreceptor cells. Although advancements in medical research have developed new methods of prosthetics and gene therapies, options of such are inaccessible to many as a consequence of their high complexity and expense. Furthermore, these treatments are limited in addressing the main cause of degeneration of cells which result in millions without a reliable treatment option.
Our Solution
To combat the devastating effects of retinal degenerative diseases, we present OPTIC (Ocular Photoreceptor Integration for Therapeutic Intervention and Compensation). OPTIC integrates three main components, each with a specific contribution to the hierarchical structure: Quantum Dot-based synthetic photoreceptors, sub-micron flexible electrode arrays, and Biocompatible Hyaluronic Acid hydrogels. The process begins with the synthetic photoreceptors- Quantum Dots (QDs) which mimic the natural function of the rods and cons. The photoreceptors are then connected to remaining retinal cells, if any, through the use of Cell Adhesion Molecules (CAMs) N-Cadherin and E-cadherin, which develop the precise alignment. To ensure tissue regeneration, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Hydrogel with crosslinking is incorporated to support future cell growth and maintain adhesion. A flexible high-density electrode array then transmits the electrical signals from the photoreceptors to the brain via the optic nerve. This electrode array stimulates bipolar and ganglion cells as well, replicating the natural signaling process which was initially disrupted by the damaged photoreceptor cells.
Why OPTIC is Different
Feature/Need
Current Treatments
OPTIC
Cost
Current treatments are very expensive, typically ranging in cost from $50,000 to over $150,000, which makes them extremely affordable for many patients.
OPTIC is focuses on reducing costs through the use of scalable and cost-effective materials.
Accessibility
As a result of their high complexity and various infrastructure needs, existing solutions are have high constraints in their accessibility.
OPTIC utilizes biocompatible materials and a simpler structure. This ensures that it is easier to deploy in a variety of healthcare settings.
Vision Restoration
Most current treatments do not restore full vision to patients with retinal diseases, they rather only slow down its progression.
By mimicking the natural photoreceptors(rods & cones) of the eye, OPTIC aims to restore functional vision.
Mechanism
Current treatments revolve around prosthetics or gene therapy to slow down degeneration.
OPTIC incorporates the use of synthetic photoreceptors and neural interface, which, if combined together, grant it the ability to replicate the natural visual signaling.
*Operational definition of Current treatments: Technological interventions which aim to either slow down the progression of vision loss or partially restore visual function such as the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System and the Bionic Eye.
