The new study recently published in <Nature Communications> (IF=16.6) presented a battery-free eye modulation patch designed to correct high myopia and prevent relapse. Positioned on the sclera near the optic nerve, corresponding to the macular area, the patch uses piezoelectric transduction to convert external ultrasound into electrical energy, and then controls the device’s components. The micro-actuator creates gas bubbles, causing a membrane to expand and retract the sclera behind the macula, effectively shortening AXL (axial length) for vision correction. The microneedle array delivers riboflavin to the posterior sclera, while μ-LEDs induce scleral collagen cross-linking (SCXL), strengthening the sclera against high myopia-induced relaxation.

In vitro porcine eye experiment showed the patchs ability to adjust the AXL, achieving a change of about 590 μm before and after the micro-actuator operated (fig.1)

AXL modulation study of rabbit eye in vivo also showed that the AXL underwent a reduction, effectively achieving the desired goal of vision correction (fig.2). 3D OCT demonstrated axial deformation of the fundus (fig.3).

Animal study confirmed that this patch combined the benefits of scleral cross-linking and PSR (posterior scleral reinforcement), and could offer both preventative and therapeutic benefits, particularly in managing progressive and pathological myopia by targeting axial elongation and sclera relaxation.

A 400KHz speed full-range swept-source OCTA (BMizar, TowardPi Medical) was used in this research for precise evaluation of structural changes. OCT and OCTA images of animal eyes can be captured without any extra lens by TowardPi, BMizar. Axial length calibration is also available on the device.

This study was authored by Dr. Tianyan Zhong, etc. team of Prof. Jie Zhong from School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and team of Prof. Xinyu Xue from School of Physics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China.

Link to original text:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-46049-6