Scanning laser device and methods of use

Abstract

In one aspect, the invention provides vision prosthesis systems. Exemplary vision prosthesis systems of the invention comprise a light energy generator operably connected to a wearable head piece comprising a device for directing light energy produced by the light energy generator onto a mammalian retina, wherein the light energy generator is tuned to emit light energy of sufficient power to modulate neural activity in the retina. In another aspect, the invention provides methods for irradiating neurons in the retina of the mammalian eye by directing light energy produced by a light energy generator onto a mammalian retina. The methods of the invention may be used to directly modulate the activity of retinal neurons or to introduce molecules into retinal cells.

1 . A vision prosthesis system, comprising a light energy generator operably connected to a wearable head piece comprising a device for directing light energy produced by the light energy generator onto a mammalian retina, wherein the light energy generator is tuned to emit non-visible light energy of sufficient power to directly modulate neural activity in the retina in neurons other than rods and cones, and wherein the power level of light energy directed onto the mammalian retina is greater than about 1 mW, and further comprising means adapted to direct the non-visible light energy directly onto the mammalian retina. 
     
     
         2 . The vision prosthesis system of  claim 1 , wherein the light energy generator is tuned to emit infrared light energy. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the light energy generator is tuned to emit ultraviolet light energy. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the means for directing the non-visible light energy directly onto the mammalian retina comprises a wearable head piece, a fiber optic cable for transmitting light energy from the light energy generator to the wearable headpiece, and a lens for focusing light from the fiber optic cable onto the mammalian retina. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the light energy generator is selected from the group consisting of a laser, a laser diode, a mercury arc lamp, and a light-emitting diode. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the device for directing light energy onto the mammalian retina is a scanner.