Polarization-sensitive visual prosthesis

Abstract

A vision prosthesis includes a first detector disposed to detect a polarization state of light reflected from a retina, and a controller in communication with the first detector. The controller is configured to receive, from the detector, a measurement signal indicative of the polarization state. In response thereto, the controller generates a control signal for causing a change to an optical property of an optical system in optical communication with the retina.

1 . A manufacture comprising a computer-readable medium having encoded thereon software for controlling an optical property of an optical system, the software including instructions for causing a processor to change an optical property of the optical system in response to a detection of a polarization state of light reflected from a retina in an eye. 
     
     
         2 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein the software comprises instructions for generating a control signal at least in part on the basis of a comparison between polarized light reflected from a foveal region of the retina and polarized light reflected from a non-foveal region on the retina. 
     
     
         3 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein the software comprises instructions for generating a control signal on the basis of a comparison between the polarization state as detected by a first detector and a polarization state associated with light reflected from a fovea of the retina. 
     
     
         4 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein the software comprises instructions for causing a change to a focal length of the optical system. 
     
     
         5 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein the software comprises instructions for causing a change to an optical property of a lens of an eye. 
     
     
         6 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein the software comprises instructions for causing a change to an optical property of an intra-ocular lens. 
     
     
         7 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein the software comprises instructions for causing a change to an optical property of a contact lens. 
     
     
         8 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein the software comprises instructions for causing a change to an optical property of an eyeglass lens. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for controlling an optical property of an optical system, the apparatus comprising
 a controller configured to execute instructions for causing an optical property of an optical system to change in response to detecting a polarization state of light reflected from a retina; and   a storage device in data communication with the controller, the storage device having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to output, at least in part on the basis of the detected polarization state of light reflected from the retina, a control signal that, when provided to an optical system, causes a change to an optical property of the optical system.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the controller is configured to generate a control signal at least in part on the basis of a comparison between polarized light reflected from a foveal region of the retina and polarized light reflected from a non-foveal region on the retina. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the controller is configured to generate a control signal on the basis of a comparison between the polarization state as detected by a first detector and a polarization state associated with light reflected from a fovea of the retina. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the controller is configured to generate a control signal to cause a change to a focal length of the optical system. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the controller is configured to cause a change to an optical property of a lens of an eye. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the controller is configured to be in electrical communication with an intra-ocular lens for causing a change to an optical property thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the controller is configured to be in electrical communication with a contact lens for causing a change to an optical property thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the controller is configured to be in electrical communication with an eyeglass lens for causing a change to an optical property thereof.