Methods and apparatus for treatment of degenerative retinal disease via indirect electrical stimulation

A device for preventive or therapeutic treatment of degenerative retinal disease comprising:

• a source of an electrical stimulation signal;
• at least one stimulating electrode, coupled to the source, configured for chronic contact with a first surface structure of an eyeball;
• and
• at least one return electrode, coupled to the source, configured for chronic contact with a second surface structure of the eyeball
• wherein the electrical stimulation signal is applied to the eyeball via the at least one stimulating electrode and the at least one return electrode.

A method for preventive or therapeutic treatment of degenerative retinal disease, the method comprising:

• chronically applying at least one stimulating electrode to a first surface structure of an eyeball;
• applying at least one return electrode to conductive biological tissue substantially distant from the eyeball;
• and
• applying an electrical stimulation signal to the eyeball via the at least one stimulating electrode and the at least one return electrode.

A method for preventive or therapeutic treatment of degenerative retinal disease, the method comprising:

• chronically applying at least one stimulating electrode to a first surface structure of an eyeball;
• chronically applying at least one return electrode to a second surface structure of the eyeball;
• and
• applying an electrical stimulation signal to the eyeball via the at least one stimulating electrode and the at least one return electrode.

An implantable device for use in preventive or therapeutic treatment of degenerative retinal disease comprising:

• a body member configured for chronic contact with an internal surface structure of an eyeball;
• at least one stimulating electrode maintained in a substantially fixed position by the body member;
• and
• at least one return electrode maintained in a substantially fixed position by the body member.