Visual prosthesis for improved circadian rhythms and method of improving the circadian rhythms
First Claim
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1. A prosthesis comprising:
- at least one electrode suitable for electrically stimulating visual neurons;
an electrical driver for applying a controlled electrical potential on said electrode; and
a control circuit including a timer for controlling activation of said electrical driver, wherein the timer is configured to control activation of the electrical driver at fixed time periods or predetermined intervals, said control circuit being configured to control said electrical driver in accordance with a time of day to apply said controlled electrical potential, in order to artificially stimulate circadian rhythms.
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Abstract
Present invention is a method of improving circadian rhythms in blind people by stimulation the visual neural system. Ideally a retinal prosthesis of the type used to restore vision can be used to restore normal circadian rhythms. Additionally, brightness on the prosthesis can be increased in the morning and decreased in the evening to stimulate normal Circadian rhythms. Alternatively, if a retinal prosthesis is not preferable, the retina can be stimulated externally, during the day and not at night. While such eternal stimulation can not produced artificial vision, it can stimulate normal circadian rhythms.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A prosthesis comprising:
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at least one electrode suitable for electrically stimulating visual neurons; an electrical driver for applying a controlled electrical potential on said electrode; and a control circuit including a timer for controlling activation of said electrical driver, wherein the timer is configured to control activation of the electrical driver at fixed time periods or predetermined intervals, said control circuit being configured to control said electrical driver in accordance with a time of day to apply said controlled electrical potential, in order to artificially stimulate circadian rhythms. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification