Method for stimulating retinal response using photoactive devices

Abstract

An improved method for stimulating electrical activity in an eye is provided. Provided is a technique for implanting small, nanometer-sized photoactive devices into an eye to improve electrical activity within an eye or mitigate degradation of electrical response in damaged eyes.

We claim: 
     
         1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A device for treating retinal damage comprising:
 a nano-scale light sensitive device coated with a bio-functional material,   wherein the bio-functional material is configured to target a retinal cell and directly adhere the device to the retinal cell for an extended period of time upon injection of the device within a vitreous portion of an eye having a damaged retina due to one of retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and retinal trauma, wherein the device is configured to emit an electrical current upon ambient light entering the eye, thereby electrically stimulating a rod or a cone in the damaged retina comprising the retinal cell, and   wherein the electrical stimulation preserves the electrical function of the damaged retina.   
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the nano-scale light sensitive device is a quantum dot. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the bio-functional material comprises biotin. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the bio-functional material consists of biotin. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the quantum dot is encapsulated by the bio-functional material. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the electrical stimulation measurably increases the electrical function of the damaged retina. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the quantum dot is formed of a material having a first bandgap and a second bandgap larger than the first bandgap.