Implantable phototherapy device to treat diabetic retinopathy

This paper reports on the first implantable phototherapy device to treat diabetic retinopathy by modulating rod cell metabolism through reduction of dark current. Utilizing a tritium-based radioluminescent light source capable of emitting around 505nm, the device achieves phototherapeutic activity for up to a 12-year service lifetime and <;30mm
³
size. The unique scleral anchoring system facilitates simple, rapid, and robust implantation into the eye. Implantation into a rabbit model demonstrated safety over a 4-week period with no adverse effects observed.