Therapeutic glasses for the medical treatment of age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

Red light lamps for the medical treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), characterized by the creation of therapeutic eyewear for AMD treatment coated with a red fluorescent lacquer that converts visible radiation into a broad spectrum of red fluorescent radiation effective for medical AMD treatment, in the spectral range of 620 nm to 680 nm.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the medical treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The macula is the area in the center of the retina responsible for sharp central vision, color vision, and the ability to perceive details. Diseases such as age-related AMD significantly impair these functions. AMD typically affects people over 50 and is a common cause of vision loss. Mitochondria are located in the retina, and their cells die off in AMD, leading to vision loss. The application of red light therapy at a wavelength of 670 nm slows down mitochondrial cell death and thus improves visual acuity.

[0002] A lamp for red light therapy to treat AMD is described at www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de, pp. 1-5, February 7, 2025. Red light therapy flashlights are also widely available online. A flat LED red light lamp is also described for the treatment of AMD (www.mitolight.de / wie-funktioniert-dierotlichttherapie / pp. 6-10). AT 392876 E presents a device for treating AMD. This device uses light sources emitting in the 1.2-1.3 micrometer and 1.26-1.27 micrometer ranges. AT 554763 E and AT 390150 E utilize photodynamic therapy to treat AMD. US 9592404 B2 deals with phototherapy using flat LED emitters emitting in the 577-597 nm and 640-700 nm ranges to treat AMD. US 12390146 B2 uses reagents to stimulate cone activity in the retinal cells. DK 2844250 T3 uses active substances for treatment are suitable for AMD.Under the name Valeda light therapy, LED light at wavelengths of 590 nm, 660 nm and 850 nm is used to treat AMD (httpsllmakula-netzthaut-myopie.center).

[0003] The listed technical solutions have several disadvantages. Large-area red light emitters emit red light over a large area, with only a small portion reaching the eyes and thus the retina. Furthermore, these devices are very expensive to purchase. Red light flashlights are unsuitable for irradiating the eyes because they are difficult to handle and pose a risk of excessively bright light entering the eyes and causing damage. The invention aims to provide red light emitters that allow for the efficient treatment of AMD. The technical solutions according to the invention are designed to efficiently deliver red light of a suitable wavelength to the retina without harming the eyes. The devices are intended to be inexpensive to purchase.

[0004] According to the invention, the problem is solved by applying suitable red fluorescent lacquers to over-glasses. Using a spray device, for example, the red fluorescent lacquer based on RED-300 is applied to the outside of the over-glasses, resulting in a fluorescent layer approximately 30 micrometers thick. This layer converts the visible light incident on the glasses into red radiation, which is then directed into the eyes and onto the retina. The over-glasses seal well, preventing any extraneous light from entering the eyes other than the red light. A red Belton neon fluorescent lacquer is also well-suited for coating the over-glasses. When using the therapy glasses according to the invention, a light shower, for example, is suitable for generating the necessary red light.

[0005] The light therapy device emits uniformly visible light, which the fluorescent layer on the glasses converts into red light. The therapy glasses according to the invention can also be used outdoors under solar radiation. In this case, the solar radiation is converted into the red light required for AMD treatment. The duration of the AMD treatment can be adjusted depending on the daily UV index. With a UV index greater than 8, a shorter treatment, such as a few minutes, is more suitable. With a UV index below 5, the treatment time should be doubled.

[0006] The therapeutic eyewear according to the invention has a number of remarkable advantages. First, it generates red radiation at an intensity necessary for AMD treatment. Second, the eyewear produces red light with a spectral width of 620 nm to 680 nm, which is very favorable for AMD treatment. Third, the therapeutic eyewear according to the invention produces very uniform light and ensures that, even when used under solar radiation, there is no glare or risk to the eyes. The fluorescent layer on the eyewear can be designed to be semi-transparent, allowing the wearer to move freely without tripping. Example of implementation

[0007] Fluorescent red, RED 300, dissolved in ethyl acetate and Paraloid, is used to coat over-glasses made of polycarbonate. The red fluorescent solution is sprayed with a spray gun, creating a uniform and stable red fluorescent layer on the polycarbonate lenses by driving off the solvent through the application of heat. The resulting layer, with a thickness of, for example, 30 micrometers, is located not only on the front lenses of the glasses but also on the entire temple surface. For AMD treatment, the coated glasses convert visible light, generated either by solar radiation or by a suitable light therapy device, into red radiation that is effective for AMD treatment. The glasses according to the invention are worn by the patient undergoing AMD treatment either over their normal glasses or directly on the eyes. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] AT 392876 E

[0002] AT 390150 E

[0002] US 9592404 B2

[0002] US 12390146 B2

[0002] DK 2844250 T3

[0002]

Claims

[1] Red light emitter for the medical treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), characterized in that therapeutic eyewear for AMD treatment is created which is coated with a red fluorescent varnish which converts visible radiation into broad red fluorescent radiation effective for medical AMD treatment in the spectral range of 620 nm to 680 nm. [2] Therapy glasses according to claim 1, wherein the red fluorescent lacquers applied to the therapy glasses are based on RED-300 and / or consist of red Belton neon fluorescent lacquer. [3] Therapy glasses according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the therapy glasses are optically stimulated by a light shower or solar radiation. [4] Therapy glasses for use in the medical treatment of AMD and / or the treatment of other eye diseases that can be treated with red light.