Injectable device for restoring vision in retinal diseases
Official title: Injectable Optoacoustic Retina Prostheses
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-10952925 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, easy-to-inject device that could help people with retinal diseases regain some vision, making it safer and less complicated than traditional surgeries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $588,568 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY036579-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952925 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with retinal degenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, who experience significant vision loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-retinal causes of vision loss or those who are not candidates for injectable devices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new injectable optoacoustic retina prosthesis designed to restore vision for individuals suffering from retinal degenerative diseases. Unlike traditional solid-state implants that require invasive surgery, this innovative device can be injected into the retina, minimizing surgical risks and complications. The prosthesis utilizes soft, biocompatible materials and aims to achieve high precision retinal stimulation with a spatial resolution of 40-50 micrometers. The approach combines advanced materials science with a unique illumination strategy to enhance visual perception in patients with significant vision loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a less invasive and more effective solution for restoring vision in patients with retinal degenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of injectable prostheses is innovative, similar approaches in retinal stimulation have shown promise, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Chen — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Yang, Chen
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.