MagnoVision™ — Technology & Working Principle
01 Technology
Understanding the technology behind MagnoVision™ MG10
MagnoVision™ is a non-invasive medical device developed by BioRetina to deliver controlled electromagnetic stimulation as an adjunctive therapeutic approach in ophthalmology.
The system has been designed around an important principle: vision is not limited to the eye itself. Visual information begins at the retina, is transmitted through the optic nerve and associated visual pathways, and is ultimately processed within the visual cortex.
For this reason, MagnoVision™ incorporates a multi-coil stimulation architecture designed to address different anatomical regions associated with the visual system within a single integrated platform.
The system consists of two primary components: the MagnoVision™ stimulation helmet, which contains nine strategically positioned electromagnetic coils, and a control unit, which manages the stimulation parameters and treatment session.
The MagnoVision™ System
The physical architecture of MagnoVision™ was developed to provide a standardized and reproducible method of electromagnetic stimulation while maintaining a non-invasive treatment environment.
The stimulation helmet contains nine electromagnetic coils distributed across its anterior and posterior regions.
These coils are divided into two groups according to their anatomical positioning:
• 4 anterior electromagnetic coils are positioned toward the frontal and periocular regions, corresponding to the retina and optic nerve pathways.
• 5 posterior electromagnetic coils are positioned toward the posterior region of the head, corresponding to the occipital region and visual cortex.
Why Does MagnoVision™ Use Multiple Coils?
The visual system is a complex neural network extending from the eye to the brain.
Light entering the eye is converted into neural signals within the retina. These signals are transmitted through retinal ganglion cells and their axons, which collectively form the optic nerve. From there, visual information continues through the central visual pathways before reaching the visual cortex located primarily within the occipital lobe.
MagnoVision™ therefore uses a multi-coil architecture rather than relying on a single stimulation point.
The anterior and posterior coil groups allow electromagnetic fields to be delivered from different anatomical positions within the same treatment system.
This design reflects the concept of approaching vision as an integrated neural pathway involving the:
Retina → Optic Nerve → Central Visual Pathways → Visual Cortex
The precise biological principles associated with electromagnetic neuromodulation will be discussed separately in our Electromagnetic Neuromodulation section.
42 Hz Repetitive Electromagnetic Stimulation
During operation, MagnoVision™ generates repetitive sinusoidal electromagnetic stimulation at a frequency of 42 Hz.
In simple terms, 42 Hz means that the electromagnetic field generated by the system changes periodically 42 times per second.
The use of a controlled repetitive waveform enables stimulation parameters to remain consistent throughout the treatment session.
Unlike static magnetic fields, a time-varying electromagnetic field can interact with electrically responsive biological tissue through the principles of electromagnetic induction.
This relationship between changing electromagnetic fields and neural tissue forms the fundamental physical basis of electromagnetic neuromodulation.
The detailed electrophysiological mechanisms—including induced electrical effects, neuronal membrane activity and neuromodulatory responses will be addressed in our article on neuromodulation.
Controlled Electromagnetic Field Generation
Each electromagnetic coil functions by generating a magnetic field when electrical current passes through its conductive winding.
When the supplied current varies over time, the magnetic field generated by the coil also varies.
MagnoVision™ controls this process electronically to produce the intended repetitive stimulation pattern.
The system therefore follows a fundamental sequence:
Electrical Energy → Electromagnetic Coil → Time-Varying Magnetic Field → Interaction with Biological Tissue
The stimulation itself does not require surgical implantation or direct electrical connection to neural tissue.
This allows electromagnetic energy to be delivered non-invasively through the helmet-based system.
Control Unit
The electromagnetic coils are operated through the MagnoVision™ control unit.
At the center of the system is a microprocessor-controlled architecture responsible for managing the treatment cycle and stimulation parameters.
The control system enables the device to maintain predefined operating conditions throughout the treatment session.
Rather than requiring the operator to manually generate or continuously adjust the electromagnetic stimulation, the device manages the stimulation sequence electronically.
This contributes to a standardized treatment workflow and allows stimulation to be delivered consistently according to the predefined system parameters.
A Standard 30-Minute Treatment Session
A standard MagnoVision™ treatment session lasts approximately 30 minutes.
The patient wears the MagnoVision™ helmet while the control unit manages the stimulation cycle.
During the session, the anterior and posterior coil configuration provides electromagnetic stimulation toward anatomical regions associated with the visual pathway.
The helmet-based design allows the procedure to remain non-invasive and does not require surgical intervention.
The overall treatment workflow has been designed to provide a straightforward clinical application while maintaining controlled stimulation conditions throughout the session.
A Platform Combining Engineering and Neuroscience
MagnoVision™ brings together electromagnetic engineering, biomedical technology and visual neuroscience within a single medical device platform.
Its architecture combines:
• A dedicated stimulation helmet
• Nine strategically positioned electromagnetic coils
• Anterior and posterior stimulation regions
• 42 Hz repetitive sinusoidal stimulation
• Microprocessor-controlled operation
• A standardized 30-minute treatment session
• A completely non-invasive application method
Together, these components form the technological foundation of the MagnoVision™ system.
Understanding the hardware, however, is only the first part of understanding how MagnoVision™ works.
The next question is what happens when a controlled time-varying electromagnetic field interacts with neural tissue.
Next: Electromagnetic Neuromodulation
