Systems and methods for projecting an image onto a retina

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are described that project images onto the retina of an eye. The apparatus can include an image memory element for storing an image signal representative of a visual image, a projection element in electrical circuit with the image memory element for generating an optical image signal of the type suitable for detection by a retina and being representative of the visual image, and a focus element that is adapted for implantation into the eye at a position in the eye which is posterior to the cornea and anterior to the retina and that is optically coupled to the projection element for focusing the optical image onto the retina. The projection element can include a display device that is dimensionally adapted for disposition within the eye at a position posterior to the cornea. The display device can be a liquid crystal display element that has an illuminator element optically coupled to the display device or alternatively can include a laser diode element that optically couples to a scanning mirror that projects light through a damaged cornea.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.