Ophthalmic photostimulator

Abstract

In one aspect, apparatus for ophthalmic photostimulation is presented. An apparatus may include a light emitter, A light emitter may emit at least a first wavelength of light substantially within a wavelength range of about 420 nm to about 580 nm of a light spectrum. An apparatus may include a power connector that connects a light emitter to a power source. An apparatus may include a switch in electrical communication with the light emitter and the power connector, the switch operable to activate or deactivate the light emitter, wherein the light when shone in at least one eye of a user is effective in inducing tear production.

Description

PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 Ophthalmic Photostimulator CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Prov. No. App. 63 / 575,435 filed April 5, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The following disclosure is directed to devices and methods for treating eye disorders. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for ocular photostimulation to induce tear production and / or improve ocular surface health. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] In one aspect, apparatus for ophthalmic photostimulation is presented. An apparatus may include a light emitter. A light emitter may emit at least a first wavelength of light substantially within a wavelength range of about 420 nm to about 580 nm of a light spectrum. An apparatus may include a power connector that connects a light emitter to a power source. An apparatus may include a switch in electrical communication with the light emitter and the power connector, the switch operable to activate or deactivate the light emitter, wherein the light when shone in at least one eye of a user is effective in inducing tear production.

[0004] In some embodiments, at least the first wavelength is substantially within a human melanopsin sensitivity range. In some embodiments, one or more cells within the at least one eye of the user containing human melanopsin are responsive to the at least first wavelength. In some embodiments, the light emitter is a light emitting diode (LED), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), a laser, active-matrix organic light emitting diodes (AMOLEDs), xenon lamps, halogen lamps, tungsten lamps, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the light emitter or a second light emitter emits a second wavelength of light in a range of about 600 nm to about 700 nm. In some embodiments, the light emitted from the light emitter is shone to only one eye of the at least one eye of the user and is effective in inducing bilateral increase in tear production. In some embodiments, the light emitted from the light emitter passes through the cornea and pupil and reaches the user’s retina. In some embodiments, an apparatus may include a filter disposed on top of the light emitter, wherein the filter filters 1 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 out wavelengths of light emitted from the light emitter below about 420 nm and / or above about 580 nm.

[0005] In some embodiments, the light emitter is configured to deliver a retinal irradiance of about 0.01 mW / cm2to about 0.2 W / cm2to the at least one eye of the user when the at least one eye of the user is within a distance of about 1 cm to about 10 cm to the light emitter. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a lens disposed on top of the light emitter, wherein the lens focuses or defocuses one or more wavelengths of light towards a specific region of a retina of the user’s eye. In some embodiments, the light emitted from the light emitter is continuous or pulsed with intervals of about one millisecond to about 30 seconds. In some embodiments, the light emitted from the light emitter has a duration of about one microsecond to about one minute. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a processor in communication with the light emitter and the power source. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to adjust an intensity, frequency, pulse length, intervals, spectral irradiance, or combination therefore of the light emitted from the light emitter.

[0006] In an aspect, a method of ophthalmic photostimulation using an apparatus is presented. A method may include providing a light emitter of the apparatus to a user, wherein the light emitter is configured to emit at least a first wavelength of light within a wavelength range of about 420 nm to about 580 nm of a light spectrum. A method may include aligning a light emitter with at least one eye of the user and inducing an increase in tear production in the user by providing the first wavelength of light to the at least one eye of the user through the light emitter.

[0007] In some embodiments, inducing tear production further comprises activating photopigments in the at least one eye of the user via the at least a first wavelength of light. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch. In some embodiments, the light is shone to only one eye of the at least one eye of the user and is effective in inducing a bilateral increase in tear production in the user. In some embodiments, the light emitter is configured to deliver a retinal irradiance of about 0.01 mW / cm2to about 0.2 W / cm2to the at least one eye of the user when the at least one eye of the user is within a distance of about 1 cm to about 10 cm to the light emitter. In some embodiments, the method further comprises focusing or defocusing the waveform to a specific region of a user’s retina through a lens disposed on top of the light emitter. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing a waveform comprising at least three peak wavelengths of light through the light emitter. 2 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002

[0008] In some embodiments, the at least three peak wavelengths of light comprise a first peak wavelength of about 460 nm, a second peak wavelength of about 525 nm, and a third peak wavelength of about 620 nm. In some embodiments, the method further comprises suppressing, by the apparatus, at least one of the at least three peak wavelengths. In some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting the second peak wavelength of light to be within a range of about 600 nm to about 700 nm. In some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting, by the apparatus, an intensity, frequency, pulse length, intervals, spectral irradiance, or combination therefore of the waveform.

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure may provide for a method of ophthalmic photostimulation using a light emitter. A method may include positioning a light emitter in a direction towards at least one eye of a user. A method may include activating a light emitter to shine light in a direction towards the at least one eye of the user, wherein the spectrum of the light is substantially within a wavelength range of about 420 nm to about 580 nm. In some embodiments, the light shone in the direction towards the at least one eye of the user effectively induces tear production in the user. In some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting, by a processor in communication with the light emitter, an intensity, frequency, duration, or combination thereof of the light emitted from the light emitter. In some embodiments, the light emitting device is a smartphone or tablet. In some embodiments, the light emitted from the light emitter has a first wavelength peak of about 495 nm. In some embodiments, the light emitted from the light emitter has a second wavelength peak of about 600 to about 700 nm. In some embodiments, the light is shone in a direction of only one eye of the at least on eye of the user and effectively induces bilateral tear production in the user. In some embodiments, the light shone from the light emitter has a retinal irradiance of about 0.01 mW / cm2to about 0.2 W / cm2to the at least one eye of the user when the at least one eye of the user is within a distance of about 1 cm to about 10 cm from the light emitter. In some embodiments, the light shone in the direction towards the at least one eye of the user effectively induces tear production in the user without causing headaches, pain or other undesirable side effects in the user. In some embodiments, the method further comprises focusing or defocusing, by a lens disposed on top of the light emitter, the light emitted from the light emitter to a specific region of a user’s retina. In some embodiments, the method further comprises displaying a point of fixation for the user to focus their gaze at by a display device that the light emitter is a part of. 3 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002

[0010] In some embodiments, the method comprises providing an eyecup designed to reduce an amount of ambient light received at the at least one eye of the user and reducing an amount of ambient light received at the at least one eye of the user via the eye cup.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method further comprises diffusing the light through a light diffuser. In some embodiments, the method further comprises detecting, by an ambient light sensor, ambient light, and adjusting, by a processor in communication with the ambient light sensor and the light emitter, intensity, frequency, pulse length, intervals, retinal irradiance, or combination therefore of the light based on the ambient light. In some embodiments, the method further comprises displaying, through a display device, operational data of the light emitter.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further comprises detecting a presence of the at least one eye through an image sensor and activating the light emitter based on the presence of the at least one eye through a processor in communication with the image sensor and light emitter. In some embodiments, activation of the light emitter occurs automatically via the processor. In some embodiments, activation of the light emitter occurs via user input. In some embodiments, the method further comprises connecting to a network through the light emitter and storing user data in a database of the network. In some embodiments, the method further comprises creating one or more user profiles based on the user data of the database through a computing device in communication with the network. In some embodiments, the method further comprises connecting to one or more of a smartphone, laptop, and desktop through the light emitter. In some embodiments, the light emitter is battery operated. In some embodiments, the light emitter is wireless rechargeable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS.1A-B shows a side view and an interior view of an ophthalmic photostimulator; FIGS.2A-B show top and bottom views of an ophthalmic photostimulator; FIGS.3A-B show perspective views of an ophthalmic photostimulator; FIG.4 illustrates a depiction of a user operating an ophthalmic photostimulator; FIGS.5A-B show side views of another embodiment of an ophthalmic photostimulator; FIGS.6A-B show top and bottom views of the embodiment of an ophthalmic photostimulator illustrated in FIGS.5A-B; FIGS.7A-C illustrate additional perspective views of the ophthalmic photostimulator shown in FIGS.5A-B; 4 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 FIG.8 is a graph showing spectral irradiance of light filtered through a set of filters of an ophthalmic photostimulator from a photographic flash; FIG.9 is a graph showing spectral irradiance of light filtered through another set of filters of an ophthalmic photostimulator from a photographic flash; FIG.10 shows results of a Schirmer test with a peak wavelength of about 490 nm; FIG.11 shows results of Schirmer tests with a peak wavelength of about 460 nm; FIG.12 shows results of control measurements of a Schirmer test; FIGS.13A-F show views of another embodiment of an ophthalmic photostimulator compatible with a smartwatch; FIGs.14A-F show views of another embodiment of an ophthalmic photostimulator with an angled rotatable eye cup compatible with a smartphone or tablet; FIG.15 illustrates a depiction of a user using a light emitting device for ophthalmic photostimulation; FIGS.16 A-B illustrate two graphs showing spectral irradiance from light emitted from a smartphone measured at about 1cm from the display; FIGS.17A-C illustrate graphical user interfaces that may be used with embodiments of the present disclosure are presented; FIGS.18A-C illustrate a representation of a smartphone screen before and during treatment; FIGS.19A-C illustrate a representation of a smartphone screen before and during localized treatment; FIG.20 illustrates a flowchart of a method of ophthalmic photostimulation. FIGs.21 A-B illustrate two graphs showing the spectral distribution of light emitted from some embodiments of the ophthalmic photostimulator; FIGs.22 A-B show results of Schirmer tests with a peak wavelength of about 535 nm using two different treatment settings; FIGs.23 A-B show results of Schirmer tests with a peak wavelength of about 495 nm in two different environments; FIGs.24 A-D shows front, bottom, side and perspective views of another embodiment of an ophthalmic photostimulator; and FIG.25 illustrates spectral distribution of light emitted by a mobile phone flash. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 5 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002

[0013] Poor tear production is one of the main causes of dry eye disease, a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Standard treatment for dry eye may include methods such as the use of artificial tears applied on the surface of the eye and punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage. The frequent use of artificial tears is not free of risks. Preservative free artificial tears dispensed from multiple use containers are at risk of microbial contamination, and artificial tears containing preservatives in their formulation can cause discomfort and induce corneal and conjunctival epithelial cell death when used repeatedly. The effectiveness of artificial tears also depends on patient compliance, which can be a problem as some patients may not remember when it is time to apply the treatment, and many have difficulties to self-administering eye drops correctly. Moreover, artificial tears lack a number of proteins that are normally present in natural tears produced by the lacrimal gland and that may contribute to the health of the ocular surface. The present disclosure provides devices and methods that overcome many of the disadvantages described above.

[0014] In some embodiments, devices and methods described herein provide for bilateral increase in tear production in subjects with symptoms of dry eye and / or low tear production (Schirmer test < 10 mm), without the need for several minutes of dark adaptation time, by shortly exposing at least one eye to one or more pulses of light with one or more wavelengths of light within the 420 nm to 580 nm wavelength range, to which cells containing human melanopsin may respond. Melanopsin is a photopigment found in a subset of retinal cells and plays several important roles in the visual system, particularly in non- image-forming functions, including circadian rhythm regulation and pupil reflex. Melanopsin has a peak absorption at around 480 nm and can lead to cellular responses by absorbing light substantially within the 420 to 580 nm wavelength range. Photostimulation of tear production with light within this range is probably caused in significant part due to activation of the melanopsin photopigment expressed in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs).

[0015] The present disclosure provides a practical method of using a safe, portable compact device to induce tear production in patients with poor tear production and / or symptoms of dry eye, contributing to their treatment plan, facilitating patient compliance, and reducing the need for artificial tears. The user may find the device described herein to be especially advantageous for use indoors and in places with low levels of humidity, such as airplanes. 6 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002

[0016] Another object of the present disclosure is to leverage the use of one or more wavelengths of light emitted by the panels of mobile phones, smart watches, fitness trackers, and tablets to promote a controlled excitation and / or activation of pigments and / or chromophores present in the ocular tissues.

[0017] FIG.1A shows an embodiment of an ophthalmic photostimulator 100. The ophthalmic photostimulator 100 may have housing 104. The housing 104 may be shaped rectangularly, circularly, and / or other shapes. The housing 104 may be made of metal, plastic, or other materials. In some embodiments, the housing 104 is metallic. The housing 104 may have a total height of about, but not limited to, about 1 cm to about 10 cm. For instance, the housing 104 may have a height of about 5.5 cm. The housing 104 may have a total width of about 5 cm to about 10 cm, without limitation. For instance, the housing 104 may have a total width of about 8.5 cm. The housing 104 may have a top portion 108 and a bottom portion 112. The top portion 108 may be made of a material such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, or other materials. The top portion 108 may be circular, ovular, rectangular, or other shapes. In some embodiments, the top portion 108 is circularly shaped with a diameter of about 5 cm. The top portion 108 may have a height of about 1.5 cm. In some embodiments, the top portion 108 has a height greater than or less than about 1.5 cm. The top portion 108 may connect to the bottom portion 112. In some embodiments, the top portion 108 is separable from the bottom portion 112. The top portion 108 may be connected or coupled to the bottom portion 112. In some embodiments, the top portion 108 and the bottom portion 112 are made from a same material and may constitute a single part.

[0018] The top portion 108 may have a top exterior 116 and a top interior 120 (shown in FIG.1B). The top exterior 116 of the top portion 108 may be curved. The top exterior 116 of the top portion 108 may provide shielding of the top interior 120 of the top portion 108 from environmental factors, such as wind, light, dust, humidity, and / or other factors. The top exterior 116 of the top portion 108 may be opposite to the interior portion 120 of the top portion 108. In some embodiments, the top exterior 116 of the top portion 108 has a thickness of about 0.5 cm.

[0019] The bottom portion 112 may have a bottom exterior 124 and a bottom interior 128 (shown in FIG.1B). The bottom portion 112 may be circular, rectangular, or other shapes. The bottom portion 112 may be made of a same material as that of the top portion 108, such as, but not limited to, metal, plastic, or other materials. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 112 is made from a material different than that of the top portion 108. The 7 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 bottom portion 112 may have dimensions differing than that of the top portion 108. For instance, the bottom portion 112 may have a larger height, a larger radius, a larger thickness, and / or other dimensions. In some embodiments the bottom portion 112 has a smaller height, smaller radius, and / or smaller thickness than that of the top portion 108. The bottom portion 112 may have a diameter of about 8.5 cm, greater than about 8.5 cm, or less than about 8.5 cm, a height of about 4 cm, greater than about 4 cm, or less than about 4 cm, and a thickness of about 0.5 cm, greater than about 0.5 cm, or less than about 0.5 cm. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 112 has a diameter greater or less than about 8.5 cm, a height greater or less than about 4 cm, and a thickness greater or less than about 0.5 cm. The bottom exterior 124 of the bottom portion 112 may be circular, rectangular, or other shapes. The bottom exterior 124 of the bottom portion 112 may be curved. The exterior 124 may provide a shielding of the bottom interior 128 of the bottom portion 112 from one or more environmental factors, such as wind, light, dust, humidity, and / or other factors.

[0020] Still referring to FIG.1A, the top portion 108 may protrude or extend from a top surface of the bottom portion 112. For instance, and without limitation, the top portion 108 may protrude or extend about 1.5 cm, less than about 1.5 cm, or greater than about 1.5 cm from a top surface of the bottom portion 112. The top portion 108 may be adapted to securely hold an eye cup 132 in the top interior 120 of the top portion 108. In an embodiment, the top portion 108 includes the eye cup 132. The top interior 120 of the top portion 108 may have a hole with a radius of about 4 cm, greater than about 4 cm, or less than about 4 cm and a depth of about 1.5 cm, greater than about 1.5 cm, or less than about 1.5 cm. The eye cup 132 may be made out of rubber, silicone, plastic, metal or any other similar material, and may be rigid or flexible. The eye cup 132 may be round, oval, or any other shape that fits around the eye(s), the orbit(s) or the face blocking ambient light and / or allowing for dilation of a user’s eyes. The eye cup 132 may be fixed, mobile or articulated. The eye cup 132 may be positioned at a straight angle or inclined in relation to a light source emitting from the bottom portion 112. A distance set by the eye cup 132 relative to the top portion 108 may be based upon a retinal irradiance or spectral irradiance at a user’s ocular surface. A user’s ocular surface refers to the conjunctiva and cornea of a user’s eye. In some embodiments, eye cup 132 is angled which directs light emitted at specific regions of an eye. For instance and without limitation, specific regions of an eye may include a cornea, pupil, lens, optic nerve, retina, fovea, para-fovea, macula, peripheral retina, superior retina, inferior retina, temporal retina, nasal retina, vitreous humor, sclera, choroid, ora serrata, ciliary body, or other parts of 8 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 an eye. An angulation between eye cup 132 and a user’s eye may direct light emitted at one or more specific regions of the user’s eye and / or may avoid illumination of specific regions of the user’s eye. In some embodiments, light emitted at a user’s eye may have a spectral irradiance. A “spectral irradiance” as used in this disclosure refers to an irradiance of a surface per unit wavelength. A spectral irradiance may be about 1 mW.m-2.nm-1to about 10000 mW.m-2.nm-1, about 10 mW.m-2.nm-1to about 5000 mW.m-2.nm-1, about 10 mW.m-2.nm-1to about 1000 mW.m-2.nm-1, about 10 mW.m-2.nm-1to about 500 mW.m-2.nm-1, about 10 mW.m-2.nm-1to about 400 mW.m-2.nm-1, about 10 mW.m-2.nm-1to about 300 mW.m-2.nm-1, about 10 mW.m-2.nm-1to about 200 mW.m-2.nm-1, about 10 mW.m-2.nm-1to about 100 mW.m-2.nm-1, about 10 mW.m-2.nm-1to about 50 mW.m-2.nm-1, about 10 mW.m-2.nm-1to about 20 mW.m-2.nm-1, about 1 mW.m-2.nm-1to about 10 mW.m-2.nm-1, or any range between. In some embodiments, a spectral irradiance is greater than 10000 mW.m-2.nm-1or less than 1 mW.m-2.nm-1. “Substantially” as used in this disclosure means within a range of about 50% to about 100%. “About” as used in this disclosure means within a percentage value of + / - 10%.

[0021] In some embodiments, light emitted by devices described herein may produce a retinal irradiance on a user’s eye. A “retinal irradiance” as used in this disclosure refers to an amount of instantaneous power per area of light delivered to the retina of a human eye. A retinal irradiance produced by light emitters and devices described herein may be about, but is not limited to, about 0.01 mW / cm2to 10 mW / cm2, about 10 mW / cm2to about 20 mW / cm2, about 20 mW / cm2to about 30 mW / cm2, about 30 mW / cm2to about 40 mW / cm2, about 40 mW / cm2to about 50 mW / cm2, about 50 mW / cm2to about 60 mW / cm2, about 60 mW / cm2to about 70 mW / cm2, about 70 mW / cm2to about 80 mW / cm2, about 80 mW / cm2to about 90 mW / cm2, about 90 mW / cm2to about 100 mW / cm2, about 100 mW / cm2to about 120 mW / cm2, about 120 mW / cm2to about 140 mW / cm2, about 140 mW / cm2to about 160 mW / cm2, about 160 mW / cm2to about 180 mW / cm2, about 180 mW / cm2to about 200 mW / cm2, about 200 mW / cm2to about 500 mW / cm2, about 500 mW / cm2to about 700 mW / cm2In some embodiments, a retinal irradiance may be greater than about 700 mW / cm2.

[0022] In some embodiments, light emitters and devices described herein may cause a retinal exposure to be applied to a user’s eye. A “retinal exposure” as used in this disclosure refers to a total amount of energy per area delivered during a treatment session. A retinal exposure may be about, but is not limited to, about 0.01 mJ / cm2to about 10 mJ / cm2, about 9 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 10 mJ / cm2to about 20 mJ / cm2, about 20 mJ / cm2to about 30 mJ / cm2, about 30 mJ / cm2to about 40 mJ / cm2, about 40 mJ / cm2to about 50 mJ / cm2, about 50 mJ / cm2to about 60 mJ / cm2, about 60 mJ / cm2to about 70 mJ / cm2, about 70 mJ / cm2to about 80 mJ / cm2, about 80 mJ / cm2to about 90 mJ / cm2, about 90 mJ / cm2to about 100 mJ / cm2, about 100 mJ / cm2to about 200 mJ / cm2, about 200 mJ / cm2to about 300 mJ / cm2, about 300 mJ / cm2to about 400 mJ / cm2, about 400 mJ / cm2to about 500 mJ / cm2, about 500 mJ / cm2to about 600 mJ / cm2, about 600 mJ / cm2to about 700 mJ / cm2, about 700 mJ / cm2to about 800 mJ / cm2, about 800 mJ / cm2to about 900 mJ / cm2, or about 900 mJ / cm2to about 1 J / cm2. In some embodiments, a retinal exposure may be greater than about 1 J / cm2.

[0023] In some embodiments, retinal exposure and / or retinal irradiance may depend on a distance between a light emitter and a user’s eye. For instance, a shorter distance between a light emitter and a user’s eye may correlate to a greater retinal exposure and / or retinal irradiance. A greater distance between a light emitter and a user’s eye may correlate to a lesser retinal exposure and / or retinal irradiance. Distances between light emitters described herein and a user’s eye may be, but is not limited to, about 0.1 cm to about 1 cm, about 1 cm to about 2 cm, about 2 cm to about 3 cm, about 3 cm to about 4 cm, about 4 cm to about 5 cm, about 5 cm to about 6 cm, about 6 cm to about 7 cm, about 7 cm to about 8 cm, about 8 cm to about 9 cm, or about 9 cm to about 10 cm. In some embodiments, a distance between a light emitter and a user’s eye may be greater than about 10 cm. A distance between a light emitter and a user’s eye may be about 1 cm to about 3 cm. In some embodiments, ophthalmic photostimulator 100 may include one or more image sensors that may be configured to generate image data. Image sensors may be in communication with one or more processors of ophthalmic photostimulator 100. One or more processors of ophthalmic photostimulator 100 may be configured to determine a spectral irradiance, retinal irradiance, and / or retinal exposure based on image data generated by one or more image sensors. One or more processors may communicate calculations to an external computing device. In some embodiments, one or more processors may be configured to display retinal irradiance, retinal exposure, and / or spectral irradiance calculations through a display. One or more processors of ophthalmic photostimulator 100 and / or external computing devices may be configured to calculate an optimal distance between a light emitter and a user’s eye to produce desired retinal exposures, retinal irradiances, and / or spectral irradiances. For instance, a user may respond well to different ranges of retinal irradiances, spectral irradiances, and / or retinal exposures. In some embodiments, responses may be provided by user input. 10 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002

[0024] In some embodiments, ophthalmic photostimulator 100 may include one or more image sensors that may generate image data and communicate image data to one or more processor of ophthalmic photostimulator 100. In some embodiments, ophthalmic photostimulator 100 may include a proximity sensor, which may be configured to detect a distance between a user’s eye and one or more of light emitters 144a,b,c. One or more processors of ophthalmic photostimulator 100 may be configured to determine a positioning of a user’s eye relative to light emitters 144a,b,c based on image data and / or proximity sensor data. For instance, one or more processors of ophthalmic photostimulator 100 may be configured to determine a relative distance to one or more of light emitters 144a,b,c, a retina positioning of a user, an angle between a retina of a user and one or more light emitters 144a,b,c, or other calculations. In some embodiments, one or more processors of ophthalmic photostimulator 100 may be configured to activate one or more of light emitters 144a,b,c, based on a positioning of a user’s eye. For instance, one or more processors of ophthalmic photostimulator 100 may be configured to determine a correct or proper positioning, which may include an angle between a user’s retina and one or more light emitters 144a,b,c, a distance between a user’s eye and / or retina and one or more light emitters 144a,b,c, or other measurements. Once a correct or proper positioning is determined, one or more processors of ophthalmic photostimulator 100 may be configured to activate one or more light emitters 144a,b,c,. In some embodiments, once a correct or proper positioning is determined by one or more processors of ophthalmic photostimulator 100, the one or more processors may await user input to activate one or more light emitters 144a,b,c. In some embodiments once a correct or proper positioning is determined by one or more processors of ophthalmic photostimulator, the one or more processors may cause the first or second circuit boards, 160a,b, to activate a speaker, piezoelectric device, or other sound emitting device that may produce a beeping sound indicating the correct positioning of the eye. In some embodiments once a correct or proper positioning is determined by one or more processors of ophthalmic photostimulator, the one or more processors may cause the first or second circuit boards 160a,b, to display one or more graphical user icons through a display device in communication with the first and / or second circuit boards that may indicate to a user that a correct or proper positioning is determined.

[0025] Light applied to an eye of a user may pass through a contact lens of a user. The eye cup 132 may have an insertion end 136 and a contact end 140. The insertion end 136 may be adapted to be inserted into the top interior 120 of the top portion 108. For instance, the 11 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 insertion end 136 may have a slightly smaller radius than the top interior 120 of the top portion 108, allowing the insertion end 136 to slide into the top interior 120 of the top portion 108. For instance and without limitation, the insertion end 136 may have a diameter of about 4 cm. In some embodiments, the insertion end 136 of the eye cup 132 has a length of about 1 cm. The insertion end 136 of the eye cup 132 may extend above the height of the top portion 108. The insertion end 136 may reach a top surface of the bottom portion 112 through a hole of the top interior 120 of the top portion 108. In some embodiments, the contact end 140 of the eye cup 132 may be adapted to contact a region of a user’s face, such as the skin around an eye. The contact end 140 of the eye cup 132 may extend radially outwards from the insertion end 136 of the eye cup 132. For instance, the contact end 140 may extend radially outwards to about 5.4 cm in diameter. The contact end 140 may extend at an angle relative to the insertion end 136 of the eye cup 132. An angle between the insertion end 136 and the contact end 140 of the eye cup 132 may be about 45 degrees, greater than 45 degrees, or less than 45 degrees. The contact end 140 may have a height of about 0.7 cm, greater than 0.7 cm or less than 0.7 cm. The contact end 140 may be adapted to prevent environmental factors from reaching a region of a face of a user. Environmental factors may include, but are not limited to, light, dust, wind, and / or other factors. The eye cup 132 may allow for pupil dilation of a user by preventing ambient light from reaching a user’s eye. The eye cup 132 may allow for establishing the distance between a user’s eye at the eye cup 132 and one or more light emitters, therefore allowing for determination of the best light settings to achieve a desired spectral irradiance at a known distance. The eyecup may mitigate the spreading of light emitted by the device in the surrounding environment, avoiding potential disturbance of other people that may be in the same environment close to the user. The contact end 140 of the eye cup 132 may be hollow, extending a hole of the top interior 120 of the top portion 108 from a top surface of the bottom portion 112 to the height of the contact end 140. A total distance from a top surface of the bottom portion 112 to the height of the contact end 140 may be about 2.7 cm, greater than 2.7cm or less than 2.7 cm. In some embodiments, the eyecup 132 may connect directly to the bottom portion 112 or to a single mold housing (without visible distinction between top and bottom portions).

[0026] Referring now to FIG.1B, an interior of the ophthalmic photostimulator 100 is shown. Top interior 120 of the top portion 108 may be hollow, allowing eye cup 132 to be inserted into a hole of the top interior 120 of the top portion 108. Bottom interior 128 of the bottom portion 112 may store one or more components. For instance and without limitation, 12 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 bottom interior 128 of the bottom portion 112 may store one or more light emitters, filters, lens, circuit boards, batteries, and / or other elements described herein. The ophthalmic photostimulator 100 may include one or more light emitters 144a,b,c. The light emitters 144a,b,c may be configured to produce and / or emit light. For instance, and without limitation, the light emitters 144a,b,c, may be light emitting diodes (LEDs) organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), active-matrix organic light emitting diodes (AMOLEDs), xenon lamps, halogen lamps, tungsten lamps, or other types of light emitting devices. In some embodiments, the light emitter 144a is the same as the light emitters 144b,c. The light emitter 144a may differ from the light emitters 144b,c, such as by a type of light emitter, a size, a lumen output, and the like. The light emitters 144a,b,c may be circular, rectangular, or other shapes. In some embodiments, the light emitter 144a is the same shape as the other light emitters 144b,c. The light emitter 144a may be a different shape as the light emitters 144b,c. The light emitters 144a,b,c may be configured to produce and / or emit light.

[0027] The light emitters 144a,b,c, may emit light having a wavelength of between about 420 nm to about 580 nm. Light emitted by the light emitters 144a,b,c may be substantially within the wavelength range to which cells containing human melanopsin may respond. A wavelength range to which cells containing human melanopsin may respond may be about 400 nm to about 700 nm. In some embodiments, light emitted by light emitters 144a,b,c, may be in a wavelength range substantially within a melanopsin photopigment absorption spectrum. A melanopsin photopigment absorption spectrum may include wavelengths of light between about 420 nm to about 580 nm with a peak of about 480 nm. For instance, light emitted by light emitters 144a,b,c, may be substantially within the wavelength range to which cells containing human melanopsin may respond, which may be about 50% or more within a wavelength range of about 420 nm to about 580 nm. Light emitted from one or more of the light emitters 144a,b,c may have a plurality of wavelengths of light, with about 50% of the plurality of wavelengths of light within the range of about 420 nm to about 580 nm and the remaining 50% of the plurality of wavelengths may be outside of this range. Ranges of wavelengths emitted by light emitters 144a,b,c include, but are not limited to, about 450 nm to about 460 nm, about 450 nm to about 470 nm, about 450 nm to about 480 nm, about 450 nm to about 490 nm, about 470 to about 505 nm, about 450 nm to about 550 nm, about 450 nm to about 510 nm, about 450 nm to about 520 nm, about 450 to about 580, about 420 nm to about 580 nm, about 400 nm to about 700 nm, or any range therebetween. A range of wavelength of light emitted by light emitters 144a,b,c may be in a 13 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 range of about 420 nm to about 580 nm, about 470 nm to about 500 nm, about 450 nm to about 540 nm, about 470 nm to about 490 nm, about 470 to about 550, about 600 nm to 700 nm, or any range therebetween.

[0028] A wavelength of light between about 420 nm to about 580 nm may induce tear production in a human eye. A wavelength of light may be substantially within a human melanopsin sensitivity range. A “human melanopsin sensitivity ranges” as used in this discourse refers to ranges of wavelengths that one or more cells of the human eye are responsive to. Human melanopsin sensitivity range may be about, but not limited to, about 400 nm to about 700 nm, about 400 nm to about 650 nm, or about 420 nm to about 600 nm. For instance, a wavelength of between about 420 nm to about 580 nm may cause activation of one or more cells within the human eye containing melanopsin, such as but not limited to the melanopsin photopigment expressed in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which may in turn cause an increase in tear production in an individual. In some embodiments, light emitted from one or more of the light emitters 144a,b,c, effectively induces tear production in a user. Effectively inducing tear production may include inducing an increase of at least 20% tear production measured in one or both eyes of a user relative to previously measured tear production of a user. The tear production of a user may be determined through a Schirmer test, such as described below with reference to FIGS.10-12 and FIGS.22-23. The increase in tear production may lead to an improvement in dry eye signs and symptoms, which may be evaluated by tests such as ocular surface staining, tear break up time and / or questionnaires, such as the ocular surface disease index.

[0029] Light emitted from one or more of the light emitters 144a,b,c, may substantially be within a melanopsin photopigment absorption spectrum, which may effectively induce tear production in a user without causing headaches, retinal toxicity, or other severe discomfort. In some embodiments an array of 4 to 9 light emitters 144 may be positioned concentrically around one or more central light emitters. A central light emitter may emit light with a peak wavelength substantially within the 600 nm to 700 nm range. The light emitted within the 600 nm to 700 nm range may activate other pigments and / or chromophores and may boost the effect of tear production induction achieved by other light emitters that may emit light substantially within the melanopsin in range. In some embodiments an array of 4 to 9 light emitters 144 may be positioned concentrically without any central light emitters 144a. In some embodiments, light emitted form one or more of the light emitters 144a,b,c may be shone onto an open eye of a user while a second eye of the user is closed. Light emitted from 14 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 one or more of the light emitters 144a,b,c, may have a peak brightness of about 4,900 lumens, and a duration of about 30 milliseconds. In some embodiments, light emitted from one or more of the light emitters 144a,b,c, has a peak brightness greater than or less than about 4,900 lumens, and a duration greater than or less than about 30 milliseconds. One or more of the light emitters 144a,b,c, may emit light in intervals of time. Intervals of time may include, but are not limited to, 1 microsecond, 1 millisecond, 1 second, 3 seconds, 10 seconds, 1 minute, or other periods of time.

[0030] Still referring to FIG.1B, the bottom interior 128 of the bottom portion 112 may store one or more circuit boards 160a,b. First circuit board 160a may include a printed circuit board (PCB). In some embodiments, first circuit board 160a includes one or more processors, transistors, capacitors, resistors, inductors, operational amplifiers, switches, and / or other electronic components. The first circuit board 160a may be in electrical communication with either the light emitter 144a, 144b, 144c, or all the light emitters 144a,b,c, or . The first circuit board 160a may be configured and / or programmed to operate one or more of the light emitters 144a,b,c. In some embodiments, a plurality of light emitters 144a,b,c, may be in an array. An array of light emitters 144a,b,c, may include 2 or more light emitters, 3 or more light emitters, 4 or more light emitters, 5 or more light emitters, 6 or more light emitters, 7 or more light emitters, 8 or more light emitters, 9 or more light emitters, or other quantities of light emitters. An array of light emitters 144a,b,c, may have a pattern, such as, but not limited to, rectangular, circular, hexagonal, triangular, hexagonal, or other patterns. Each light emitter 144a,b,c, in an array of light emitters may emit a same wavelength of light. In some embodiments, at least one light emitter 144a,b,c, of an array of light emitters emits a wavelength of light greater or less than other light emitters in the array of light emitters. The first circuit board 160a may adjust a brightness, power level, exposure, pulse, and the like of light produced by the light emitters 144a,b,c. The first circuit board 160a may be configured to activate and deactivate one or more of the light emitters 144a,b,c through a switch. A switch may be a physical, electrical or other switch. For instance, a switch of the first circuit board 160a may include one or more transistors. A switch of the first circuit board 160a may be in electrical communication with one or more of the light emitters 144a,b,c, and / or a power connector. A power connector may include, but is not limited to, battery springs and / or contacts, electrical ports, and / or other power connectors. The first circuit board 160a may be configured to receive input from one or more interactive buttons that may be placed on the housing 104. For instance, an on / off button, light emitting button, a settings button, and / or 15 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 other buttons may provide input to the first circuit board 160a. The first circuit board 160a may operate the light emitters 144a,b,c, based on input received from one or more buttons. For instance, a user may press a button in communication with the first circuit board 160a or the second circuit board 160b which may cause the first or second circuit boards 160a,b, to activate a speaker, piezoelectric device, or other sound emitting device that may produce a beeping sound indicating a light will start pulsing after a predetermined amount of time. A predetermined amount of time between the beeping sound and the start of the light pulse may be between 1 and 30 seconds, but it is not limited to, and may be lower than 1 second or higher than 30seconds. A predetermined amount of time between a beeping sound and a start of the light pulse may be adjusted and determined before a start of treatment. In some embodiments, the first circuit board 160a may adjust one or more light diffusers 148, lenses / filters 152a,b, or other elements. For instance the first circuit board 160a may adjust a focal point, wavelength filter, color filter, color temperature, and / or other parameters of light emitted from one or more of the light emitters 144a,b,c, through the light diffuser 148 and / or the lenses / filters 152a,b.

[0031] The bottom interior 128 of the bottom portion 112 may store a second circuit board 160b. The second circuit board 160b may include one or more processors, resistors, transistors, microprocessors, capacitors, inductors, operational amplifiers, and / or other elements. The second circuit board 160b may include one or more communications modules programmed to operate on networks, such as, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, Zigbee, or other networks. The second circuit board 160b may be configured to communicate with one or more external computing devices, such as, but not limited to, smartphones, laptops, desktops, tablets, smartwatches, fitness trackers, health trackers and the like. The second circuit board 160b may be in electronic communication with the first circuit board 160a. For instance, the second circuit board 160b may receive one or more commands or other inputs through an external computing device and may provide the one or more commands or other inputs to the first circuit board 160a. The first circuit board 160a and / or the second circuit board 160b may include a form of memory, such as, but not limited to, random-access memory (RAM), solid state drives (SSD)s, and / or other forms of memory. Operating histories, user profiles, and / or other parameters may be stored in a memory of the first circuit board 160a and / or the second circuit board 160b.

[0032] In an embodiment, the second circuit board 160b communicates with a mobile device. A mobile device, such as a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, and / or other devices, may 16 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 be used to control one or more settings of the ophthalmic photostimulator 100, and / or to track treatment times and frequency, facilitating user compliance to treatment plans, and / or other uses. A mobile device and / or the second circuit board 160b may be used to limit an overuse of the ophthalmic photostimulator 100 or suspend its use, for example in cases where a user is temporarily taking medications that are photosensitive or due to any other medical recommendations. The first and / or second circuit board 160a,b, may be configured to control a local display, such as the display 203 shown below in FIG.2B. A level of light intensity and / or duration may be adjusted by the first circuit board 160a and / or the second circuit board 160b according to personal user information, such as age, sex, iris color, lens status (phakic, aphakic or pseudophakic) and pupil size. As a non-limiting example, with aging, the crystalline lens tends to absorb more light and filter more of the lower wavelengths in comparison to young adults, therefore older patients with phakic eyes may require higher light intensities. Users with lighter-colored eyes may be more sensitive to light. Pupil size may affect retinal illuminance, and may be accounted for in the operation described above.

[0033] The bottom interior 128 of the bottom portion 112 may store a battery 156. The battery 156 may be configured to power the first circuit board 160a, the second circuit board 160b, and / or the light emitters 144a,b,c. The battery 156 may be a lithium ion, alkaline, zinc- air, nickel-metal, or other battery type. The battery 156 may be rechargeable or disposable. The battery 156 may have a capacity of about 1500 mAh. In some embodiments, the battery 156 is configured to provide a voltage of 3.7V. The battery 156 may be configured to provide an output greater or less than 3.7V The battery 156 may provide direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). In embodiments where the battery 156 provides AC, the battery 156 may provide a frequency of AC of about 60 Hz, greater than 60 Hz, or less than 60 Hz. In some embodiments the device may be powered by an external battery or power source.

[0034] In some embodiments, components stored in the bottom interior 128 of the bottom portion 112 are layered or structured. For instance, the circuit board 160b may be placed on a bottom surface of the bottom interior 128 of the bottom portion 112, the battery 156 may be placed on top of the circuit board 160b, the additional circuit board 160a may be placed on top of the battery 156, the light emitters 144a,b,c, may be placed on top of the circuit board 160a, the light diffuser 148 may be placed above the light emitters 144a,b, and one or more optical lenses / filters 152a,b, may be placed above the light diffuser 148. The first filter 152a may be configured to filter out certain wavelengths of light emitted from one or more of the light emitters 144a,b,c. The first filter 152a may be an absorption, band-pass, 17 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 edge, or other type of filter or a combination thereof. The second filter 152b may be the same filter as that of the first filter 152a or a different filter type. The first filter 152a may be positioned above the second filter 152b. Light filtered from the second filter 152b may be filtered again through the first filter 152a. In some embodiments, the first light filter 152a and / or the second light filter 152b may be polarized. In some embodiments, the first filter 152a and / or the second filter 152b filters out high energy wavelengths (below 420 nanometers) that are potentially harmful to the eye, as well as wavelengths above 580 nm, which includes light that is not very effective to activate human melanopsin. The filters 152a,b, may be optional, such as in a case where the first light emitter 144a and / or the other light emitters 144b,c, emit light with a peak wavelength within the 420 to 580 nm range and / or within the 600 to 700 nm range. In some embodiments one or two of the filters 152a,b may be transparent to wavelengths in the visible range and / or may have focusing or defocusing optical properties. In some embodiments, the one or more lenses / filters 152a,b, may be placed in between the one or more light emitters 144a,b,c, and the light diffuser 148. Still referring to FIG.1B, the bottom interior 128 of the bottom portion 112 may store a light diffuser 148. The light diffuser 148 may be made of a semi-transparent material, such as a plastic. The light diffuser 148 may be a reflector. In some embodiments, the light diffuser 148 is made out of paper, polycarbonate film, polymer, or any other similar material. In some embodiments, the light diffuser 148 may be made of fused silica, sapphire, MgF2, ZnSe, CaF2, glass, opal glass, grounded glass, frosted glass, or any other similar material. The light diffuser 148 may be made of a semi-transparent, translucent or reflective material. In some embodiments, the light diffuser 148 may have the shape of a hollow semi sphere, hollow hemisphere, hollow convex, hollow dome or hollow semi spheroid shape. The hollow semi sphere light diffuser may have a inner radius of about 1.9 cm and an outer radius of about 2 cm. In some embodiments the light diffuser, including ones with a hollow semi spheric shape, may serve as eyecup, fitting around the eye(s) of the user, blocking ambient light and / or facilitating pupil dilation, and mitigating the spreading of light emitted by the device in the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, a diffuser with a textured or frosted surface can reflect light while also diffusing it.

[0035] The light diffuser 148 may be configured to diffuse light emitted from one or more of the light emitters 144a,b,c. The light diffuser 148 may reduce hotspots and produce a more uniform appearance of light emitted from the first light emitter 144a and / or the other light emitters 144b,c. In some embodiments the light diffuser 148 may be positioned between 18 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 the light emitters 144a,b,c, and the lenses / filters 152a,b, on top of the lenses / filters 152a,b, and / or in between the light emitter and the eyecup. In some embodiments, the one or more lenses / filters 152a,b, may be frosted and designed to diffuse light with a desired pattern.

[0036] Referring now to FIG.2A, a top view of an ophthalmic photostimulator 200 is shown. The ophthalmic photostimulator 200 may be the same as that of the ophthalmic photostimulator 100 as described above with reference to FIGS.1A-B. Optionally, a point of fixation 202 may be located on a center or on any other location of the light diffuser 148 or the lens / filter 152a,b, as described above with reference to FIG.1B. The point of fixation 202 may be a marking, such as an “x” symbol or other marking that may indicate where a user should look at. The point of fixation 202 may be luminescent or fluorescent, and may be painted on with ink, or engraved or adhered to a surface of the light diffuser 148 or filter 152. In an embodiment, the point of fixation 202 may be a dim light source, a structure illuminated by it, or a dim or distinct region on a light panel, such as OLED panels in mobile phones. In an embodiment a dim light may be emitted by a central light emitter 144a and serve as point of fixation. The fixation light can also be optically relayed to the retinal location, so a small fixation spot is formed on the users retina if accommodation is to a far distance.

[0037] Referring now to FIG.2B, a bottom view of the ophthalmic photostimulator 200 is shown. A bottom of the ophthalmic photostimulator 200 may be a round, rectangular, circle, or other shape. A bottom of the ophthalmic photostimulator 200 may include one or more control buttons 204a,b. The control buttons 204a,b, may allow a user to adjust settings, control light emitted from the ophthalmic photostimulator 200, and / or other functions. The first control button 204a may correspond to a different function than that of the second control button 204b. For instance and without limitation, the first control button 204a may correspond to a settings function and the second control button 204b may correspond to a select function. A position of the control buttons 204a,b is not limited to the bottom and may be on the side or top of the housing 104.

[0038] A bottom of the ophthalmic photostimulator 200 may include an ambient light sensor 206. The ambient light sensor 206 may include phototransistors, photodiodes, and photonic integrated circuits, The ambient light sensor 206 may be configured to detect levels of ambient light in an environment of the ophthalmic photostimulator 200. The ambient light sensor 206 may be configured to generate light data of a surrounding of the ophthalmic photostimulator 200. The ambient light sensor 206 may communicate information about ambient levels of light to one or both of the circuit boards 160a,b, described above with 19 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 reference to FIG.1B. Based on ambient light data provided by the ambient light sensor 206, the ophthalmic photostimulator 200 may adjust an intensity, brightness, frequency, and / or other parameter of light emitted. Light data provided by the ambient light sensor 206 to one or both of the circuit boards 160a,b, may include, but is not limited to, lumen levels, lux levels, radiometric levels, melanopic lux levels, light color temperature, light frequency, and / or other parameters. In some embodiments, the ophthalmic photostimulator 200 has two or more ambient light sensors 206. A position of the ambient light sensors 206 is not limited to the bottom, and may be positioned on the side, top of the housing, in the top interior part of the housing 120 or bottom interior part of the housing 128 or the surface of the lens / diffuser. In some embodiments a difference between an external ambient illuminance of ophthalmic photostimulator 200 and an interior illuminance within ophthalmic photostimulator 200 may be used to indicate that the user has correctly positioned the eyecup 132 around a user’s eye. For instance, by detecting a drop in illuminance levels detected by interior sensor ambient light sensor of ophthalmic photostimulator 200. In some embodiments, once a drop in illuminance levels is detected by an ambient light interior sensor of ophthalmic photostimulator 200, a processor of ophthalmic photostimulator 200 may activate a speaker, piezoelectric device, or other sound emitting device that may produce a beeping sound indicating a correct positioning of the eye and / or may activate light emitters 144a,b,c.

[0039] In some embodiments, mobile phone sensors may be used to provide information about ambient light illuminance, and the information may be transmitted to ophthalmic photostimulator 200 wirelessly or through a wired connection. In some embodiments, a bottom of the ophthalmic photostimulator 200 includes a display 203. The display 203 may be an LED, OLED, or other display type. The display 203 may be configured to display operating information, settings, adjustable parameters of light emitted, date / times, user profile settings, timers, and / or other information, without limitation. In some embodiments, the display 203 may be configured to display current ambient light levels and / or time and date of last use. A position of the display 203 is not limited to the bottom, and may be positioned on the side or top of the housing 104. The display 203 may update based on user input received from one or more of the control buttons 204a,b. For instance, a user may press on the first control button 204a, which may cause the display 203 to show various operating modes of the ophthalmic photostimulator 200. The display 203 may be positioned at the bottom, side or top of the housing 104. A bottom of the ophthalmic photostimulator 200 may include a charging port 205. The charging port 205 may be 20 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 configured to provide power from an external power supply to the battery 156 as described above with reference to FIG.1B. The charging port 205 may be a micro-USB, USB-type c, or other port. In some embodiments, ophthalmic simulator 200 is wireless rechargeable, such as through, wireless Qi or other wireless technology. The second circuit board 160b, as described above with reference to FIG.1B, may limit or control voltages, currents, and / or frequencies provided by a power supply connected to the charging port 205. In some embodiments, the charging port 205 includes a removable cover that protects the charging port 205 from exterior environmental factors. A removable cover of the charging port 205 may be made of plastic, rubber, or other materials. A removable cover of the charging port 205 may be completely removable. In an embodiment, a removable cover of the charging port 205 is partially removable, such as by a sliding mechanism, hinge, or other device.

[0040] Referring now to FIG.3A, a top perspective view of an ophthalmic photostimulator 300 is shown. The ophthalmic photostimulator 300 may be the same as that of the ophthalmic photostimulator 200 as described above with reference to FIG.2A. The control buttons 204a,b, may be depressible. For instance, the control buttons 204a,b, may be configured to push into a bottom of the ophthalmic photostimulator 300. The control buttons 204a,b, may make a clicking sound when depressed and may provide physical feedback to a user. Physical feedback may include a force opposing a user’s input, such as opposing a user’s clicking of the control buttons 204a,b. In some embodiments, the ophthalmic photostimulator 300 may have three or more control buttons 204a,b. Each control button 204a,b, in an embodiment where the ophthalmic photostimulator 300 has three or more control buttons, may correspond to one or more functions, such as, but not limited to, power, light intensity, a timer, light pulse length, and / or other functions. The control buttons 204a,b, may be positioned below the display 203. In some embodiments, the control buttons 204a,b, are positioned above the display 203. Ophthalmic photostimulator 300 may include a pressure sensor which may be mechanically coupled to activation control button may also be mechanically linked to eye cup 132 and in electrical connection with a processor of ophthalmic photostimulator 300. A processor of ophthalmic photostimulator 300 may be configured to activate one or more light emitters 144 based on pressure data generated from a pressure sensor. For instance, a certain pressure threshold value may trigger activation of one or more light emitters 144 via a processor of ophthalmic photostimulator 300, which may allow a user to activate ophthalmic photostimulator 300 by pressing eye cup 132 against their eye. 21 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002

[0041] Referring now to FIG.3B, a bottom perspective view of the ophthalmic photostimulator 300 as shown in FIG.3A is presented. A bottom of the ophthalmic photostimulator 300 may include the ambient light sensor 206, display 203, control buttons 204a,b, and / or charging port 205 as described above with reference to FIG.2B.

[0042] In some embodiments, ophthalmic photostimulator 300 may include one or more processors in communication with an image sensor. An image sensor may be a camera or proximity sensor. In some embodiments, ophthalmic photostimulator 300 may include an image sensor connected to a processor. A processor of ophthalmic photostimulator 300 may be configured to determine a presence of a user’s eye based on sensor data generated from an image sensor. In some embodiments, a processor of ophthalmic photostimulator 300 may be configured to determine an alignment of a user’s eye with respect to an eye cup and / or light emitter of ophthalmic photostimulator 300. A processor of ophthalmic photostimulator 300 may be configured to activate one or more light emitters 144 based on a presence and / or detected alignment of a user’s eye. In some embodiments, a processor of ophthalmic photostimulator 300 may be configured to communicate operational and / or user data to a network, such as, but not limited to, a cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth network. A network may be in communication with a database. A computing device in communication with a network may be configured to calculate user preferences, device parameters, operational data, statistical data, and / or other data based on data stored in a database. For instance, a computing device may calculate parameters of operational data that may have a greatest effectiveness on a user’s eye. In some embodiments, a computing device may calculate user preference settings over a period of time. A user may be able to view and / or edit settings of user profiles and / or device settings of ophthalmic photostimulator 300 through a computing device in communication with a network. A computing device may be, but is not limited to, a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other device.

[0043] Referring now to FIG.4, a depiction of a user 402 operating an ophthalmic photostimulator 400 is presented. The ophthalmic photostimulator 400 may be the same as that of the ophthalmic photostimulator 200 as described above with reference to FIGs.2A-B. As shown, the ophthalmic photostimulator 400 may be held in a user’s 402 hand 401 and held to the user’s 402 face 408. The user 402 may use the ophthalmic photostimulator 400 as shown for a particular period of time which may improve tear production in one the user 402. In some embodiments, the user 402 may use the ophthalmic photostimulator 400 between about 1 to about 10 times per day. An exposure time to light emitted from the ophthalmic 22 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 photostimulator 400 is preferably between 1 microsecond and 1 minute. A desired exposure may depend on an intensity of the light source. For example, and without limitation, xenon flashlamps emit high intensity light for microseconds, while a LED may require several milliseconds to a few seconds to deliver the same irradiance level at a surface. More than one optical pulse may be applied to the user 402 and an interval before and in between pulses may be between 0.001 and 30 seconds. Longer intervals may allow for pupil dilation before or in between light pulses.

[0044] Referring now to FIG.5A, another embodiment of the ophthalmic photostimulator 500 is shown. The ophthalmic photostimulator 500 may have a top portion 504 and a bottom portion 508. The top portion 504 may be the same as that of the top portion 108 as described above with reference to FIG.1A. The bottom portion 508 may have an interior 512 and an exterior 516. The interior 512 of the bottom portion 508 may be hollow. The exterior 516 of the bottom portion 508 may include one or more openings 520. The opening 520 may be rectangular, circular, or other shapes. The opening 520 may have a height of about 2.7cm and a width of about 2.5 cm. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 508 may have two or more openings 520. For instance, the bottom portion 508 may have a first rectangular opening on a first side of the bottom portion 508 and a second rectangular opening 520 on a second side of the bottom portion 508 opposite the first side. The bottom portion 508 and / or openings 520 may allow for the ophthalmic photostimulator 500 to connect to a commercially available light source, such as but not limited to a standalone photographic flash, a remote-controlled flash or a mobile phone flash. The opening 520 may allow access to one or more control buttons and / or charging ports, such as those described above with reference to FIG.2B.

[0045] Referring now to FIG.5B, a side view of the ophthalmic photostimulator 500 shown in FIG.5A is presented. The bottom portion 508 may have a solid surface 524 that may separate one or more openings 520. The solid surface 524 may enclose a portion of a light emitting device, such as a photographic camera. The solid surface 524 may work in combination with the openings 520 to secure the ophthalmic photostimulator 500 to a light emitting device.

[0046] Referring now to FIG.6A, a top view of the ophthalmic photostimulator 500 shown in FIGS.5A-B is presented.

[0047] Referring now to FIG.6B, a bottom view of the ophthalmic photostimulator 500 shown in FIGS.5A-B is presented. As described above, the bottom portion 508 may be 23 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 hollow which may allow for a connection of the ophthalmic photostimulator 500 to a photographic flash or other device. Light emitted from an external light emitting device, such as a photographic flash, may pass through the light diffuser 148, such as described above with reference to FIG.1B.

[0048] Referring now to FIGs.7A-C, perspective views of the ophthalmic photostimulator 500 as shown in FIGS.5A-B are presented. The ophthalmic photostimulator 500 may include housing 104, eye cup 132, lenses / filters 152a,b, and / or light diffuser 148 as described above with reference to FIGS.1A-B. The ophthalmic photostimulator 500 may include openings 520, as described above with reference to FIGs.5A-B.

[0049] Referring now to FIG.8, a graph showing spectral irradiance of light with a peak around 490 nm filtered through an ophthalmic photostimulator from a photographic flash is shown. The x-axis represents wavelength measured in nanometers (nm) and the y-axis represents spectral irradiance measured in mW.m-2.nm-1. The peak wavelength is about 490 nm and the peak spectral irradiance is about 40 mW.m-2.nm-1. The photographic flash had a maximum output power of 4900 lm, color temperature of 6500K, and flash duration of approximately 30 ms (between 1 / 30 and 1 / 40s). The photographic flash device was connected to an embodiment of the ophthalmic photostimulator, inside the housing as described above with reference to FIGs.5A-B (512), positioned to emit light towards the light diffuser 148 as described above with reference to FIG.1B. A bandpass optical filter centered at 470 nm (BP470) and a long pass 470 nm optical filter (LP470) was used. The flash was activated with the filter set described above and the respective spectral irradiance measured by a detector positioned in the plane of the eyepiece of the ophthalmic photostimulator. The peak wavelength was around 490 nm.

[0050] Referring now to FIG.9, a graph showing spectral irradiance of light with a peak around 460 nm filtered through an ophthalmic photostimulator from a photographic flash is shown. The x-axis represents wavelength measured in nanometers (nm) and the y-axis represents spectral irradiance measured in W.m-2.nm-1. The peak wavelength is about 460 nm and the peak spectral irradiance is about 0.2 W.m-2.nm-1. The photographic flash was positioned as described above (FIGs.5A-B) and had a maximum output power of 4900 lm, color temperature of 6500K, and flash duration of approximately 30 ms (between 1 / 30 and 1 / 40s). A filter set of a BP470 and a long pass 450 nm optical filter (LP450). The peak wavelength was around 460 nm. 24 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002

[0051] Referring now to FIG.10, a graph of a Schirmer Test of an individual is presented. An individual with symptoms of dry eye and poor tear production (Schirmer test < 10 mm) had his tear measured on both eyes using a 5 x 35 mm Schirmer strip test without anesthesia for 5 minutes, to establish a baseline. The test was performed indoors in a room with artificial lights on (approximately 60 lux). The individual returned to his activities and 30 minutes later he positioned a Schirmer strip in one of his eyes (left eye), closed it and placed his contralateral eye (right eye)on the device’s eyepiece 132 with his lids opened, then he waited for 5 seconds, and received the treatment with two flashes of light, with an interval of about 1 second in between flashes. Immediately after the treatment, a Schirmer strip was positioned in the treated eye to measure the tear production over 5 minutes. Only one treatment was performed per day. The treatment included a peak wavelength of about 490 nm, with an spectral irradiance at the level of the ocular surface about as shown in FIG 8, and was delivered to the individual’s right eye only. Three repetitions were performed on different days.

[0052] Referring now to FIG.11, another graph showing results of another set of Schirmer tests of an individual is presented. The same testing procedures described above with reference to FIG.10 were used with a difference of treating only the left eye instead of the right eye and using a peak wavelength of about 460 nm with a spectral irradiance at the level of the ocular surface about as shown in FIG 9. In both tests, no pain, headache or other side effects were reported. A bilateral increase in tear production was observed when one of the eyes was exposed to light with either 490 nm as tested above with reference to FIG.10 or a 460 nm peak, indicating that the light in that spectral range induces tear production, which is compatible with melanopsin absorption, a pigment present in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). Melanopsin has a peak absorption at around 480 nm and cells containing human melanopsin may respond to light within the 420 nm to 580 nm range.

[0053] Referring now to FIG.12. Results of control measurements are shown. The control measurements consisted of 2 consecutive Schirmer tests measured 30 minutes apart on the same individual. The test was repeated 3 times on different dates and the results show no increase in tear production on the second measurement without ophthalmic photostimulation.

[0054] Referring now to FIGs.13A-E, an embodiment of an ophthalmic photostimulator 1300 compatible with a smartwatch is presented. The ophthalmic photostimulator may include eye cup 1304, which may be the same as that of eye cup 132 as described above with 25 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 reference to FIGs.1A-B. In some embodiments, the eye cup 1304 may be smaller than that of the eye cup 132 as described above with reference to FIGs.1A-B. For instance, the eye cup 1304 may have a radius of about 3 cm, greater than 3 cm, or less than 3 cm. The eye cup 1304 may be made of a plastic material, rubber material, or other material. The ophthalmic photostimulator 1300 may include a bottom portion 1308. The bottom portion 1308 may be connected to the eye cup 1304. In some embodiments, the eye cup 1304 is positioned on top of a top surface of the bottom portion 1308. The bottom portion 1308 may have a hole 1316 that may allow light from a light emitting device to pass through the bottom portion 1308 and the eye cup 1304.

[0055] Still referring to FIGs 13A-E, the bottom portion 1308 may have one or more protrusions 1312. The protrusions 1312 may extend downwards, away from the eye cup 1308. The bottom portion 1308 may have four or more protrusions 1308. For instance, where the bottom portion 1308 is rectangularly shaped, each side of the bottom portion 1308 may have a protrusions 1312. The protrusions 1312 may have a width of about 4.1 cm and a length of about 4.5 cm. Each protrusion 1312 of the bottom portion 1308 may allow the ophthalmic photostimulator 1300 to coupled to a smartwatch, such as the Apple Smartwatch. The protrusions 1312 may be made of a rigid or flexible material. The protrusions 1312 may be adapted to snap onto a rectangularly shaped smartwatch, securing the bottom portion 1308 and the eye cup 1304 to the rectangularly shaped smartwatch. The protrusions 1312 may separate one or more openings 1313. The opening 1313 space may allow access to one or more control buttons, knob or crown of a watch. The opening 1313 may have a height of about 1.1 cm and a width of about 2 cm.

[0056] Referring to FIG.13F, in some embodiments, the hole 1316 may include one or more filters, lenses, microlens array and the like 1352, such as those described above with reference to FIGs.1A-B. In some embodiments, the hole 1316 is made of a clear plastic material. The bottom portion 1308 may be rectangularly shaped and hollow.

[0057] Referring now to FIGs.14A-D, another embodiment of an ophthalmic photostimulator 1400 is shown. The ophthalmic photostimulator 1400 may include an eye cup 1404, which may be the same as that of the eye cup 132 as described above with reference to FIGs.1A-B. The eye cup 1404 may be made of plastic, metal, rubber, silicone, or any other material. In some embodiments, the eye cup 1404 is made of a soft, flexible material, such as a polymer. The eye cup 1404 may be connected to the bottom portion 1408. The bottom portion 1408 may be made of a plastic or other material. The bottom portion 26 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 1408 may have a thin circular structure. The eye cup 1404 may be positioned within the bottom portion 1408. For instance, a bottom of the eye cup 1404 may be slightly wider than a width or radius of the bottom portion 1408, preventing the eye cup 1404 from falling out of the bottom portion 1408. In some embodiments, the eye cup 1404 is adhered to the bottom portion 1408, such as through an adhesive. In some embodiments the eyecup 1404 and the bottom portion 1408 may be made of from a same mold and constitute a single part. The eye cup 1404 may extend outwards and / or radially from the bottom portion 1408. The bottom portion 1408 may have protrusions 1412. The protrusions 1412 may extend downward with respect to the eye cup 1404. The protrusions 1412 may be rectangular shaped or other shapes. The bottom portion 1408 may have two protrusion 1412, one on each side of the bottom portion 1408 and positioned opposite each other. The protrusions 1412 may be configured to couple the ophthalmic photostimulator 1400 to a light emitting device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or other device.

[0058] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG.14D, the eye cup 1408 may be configured to rotate around an axis 1416. For instance, the eye cup 1408 may be configured to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction with respect to the axis 1416. The eye cup 1408 may have a fixed angle of about 14 degrees in relation to a mobile phone surface. In some embodiments, the eye cup 1408 may be straight, or have an articulated design to allow for adjustment of an angle between the eye cup 1408 and a surface of a mobile phone. Setting an angle between a light source and the eye cup 1408 where a user’s eye will be positioned may allow for application of the light directed at specific regions of the eye, such as, but not limited to, cornea, pupil, lens, optic nerve, retina, fovea, para-fovea, macula, peripheral retina, superior retina, inferior retina, temporal retina, nasal retina, vitreous humor, sclera, choroid, ora serrata, ciliary body, or other parts of an eye.,

[0059] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGs.14E-F, the eye cup 1408 may have an optical filter, lens or microlens array 1452 positioned at a bottom part of the eyecup. The filter 1452 may be adhered to the bottom of the eyecup 1408, such as through an adhesive.

[0060] Referring now to FIG.15, a depiction of a user 1505 using a light emitting device 1508 for ophthalmic photostimulation is illustrated. The user 1505 may place an ophthalmic photostimulator on the light emitting device 1508. The light emitting device 1508 may be any device with a display screen, such as, but not limited to, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, televisions, and / or other devices. Display screens may include, but are not limited to, LED, OLED, AMOLED, and / or other screen types. Display screens may have a refresh rate, 27 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 such as, but not limited to, 60 hz, 120 hz, 244 hz, 300hz, 500hz, and / or other refresh rates. In FIG.15, the light emitting device 1508 is illustrated as a smartphone. The light emitting device 1508 may emit three or more peak wavelengths of light, such as, but not limited to, about 460 nm, about 525 nm, and / or about 620 nm, as shown below in FIG.16. At least one of three peak wavelengths of light emitted from the light emitting device 1508 may activate one or more pigments or chromophores in one or both of a user’s eyes. The user 1505 may adjust one or more parameters of light emitted through the light emitting device 1508 using a graphical user interface (GUI) of the light emitting device 1508 or a computing device in communication with the light emitting device 1508. Parameters may include, but are not limited to, duration, frequency, intensity, color, and / or other parameters.

[0061] Referring now to FIGs.16 A-B, spectral irradiance measured from light emitted from a mobile phone is presented in graph A and graph B. In both graph A and B, the x-axis represents wavelengths and the y-axis represent spectral irradiance. A detector was placed at around 1 cm from a screen of a mobile phone in both graphs A and B. In graph A there are three peaks of wavelengths at about 460 nm, 525 nm, and 620 nm. At 460 nm, the spectral irradiance is about 0.055 W.m-2.nm-1. At 525 nm, the spectral irradiance is about 0.04 W.m-2.nm-1. At about 620 nm, the spectral irradiance is about 0.038 W.m-2.nm-1. The three peaks of light emitted by the panels can be combined to be perceived as colors. As shown in graph A – the three peaks are reasonably balanced, a user would see a white color.

[0062] In FIG.16 graph B, one peak wavelength of light at about 525 nm is suppressed, with spectral irradiance of about 3 mW.m-2.nm-. The other two peak wavelengths of light at about 460 nm and 620 nm, have spectral irradiances of about 48 mW.m-2.nm-1and 28 mW.m-2.nm-1,respectively. As shown in graph B – The green peak is suppressed, a user would see a purple or pinkish color.

[0063] Referring now to FIGS.17A-C, graphical user interfaces that may be used with embodiments of the present disclosure are presented. Referring to FIG.17A, graphical user interface 1700a is presented. The graphical user interface (GUI) may be displayed on a smartphone, laptop, monitor, tablet, smartwatch, and / or other display device. The GUI 1700a may display one or more settings for a treatment type using an ophthalmic photostimulator. For instance, the GUI 1700A may display treatment and / or patient information, such as, but not limited to, treatment type, device model, age, sex, pupil size, lens status, and / or other information. Treatment types may include, but are not limited to, long light exposure, rapid light exposure, standard, boosted, sensitive eyes, and / or other types of treatments. Device 28 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 models may include types of light emitting devices, such as, but not limited to, dedicated embodiments of the photostimulators as shown in FIGs 1-3, smartphone models, tablet models, photographic camera models, smartwatch models, and / or other light emitting device models. Ages may include any age of a user. Pupil size may include a size of a pupil of a user. Lens statuses may include a user crystalline lens status, including but not limited to, phakic, aphakic, pseudophakic, cataract 1, cataract 2, cataract 3, cataract 4. In some embodiments, GUI 1700A automatically populates one or more text fields based on a user’s identity. GUI 1700A may automatically populate one or more text fields based on a treatment type, device model, and / or other parameters. A computing device in communication with GUI 1700A may correlate device models with treatment types and may automatically display through GUI 1700A treatment types based on a user input of a device model.

[0064] Referring now to FIG.17B, another GUI 1700B is shown. GUI 1700B may display one or more manual settings to a user. Manual settings may include, but are not limited to, treatment duration, pulse duration, frequency, power, red green blue (RGB) values, and / or other information. A user may adjust a treatment duration, pulse duration, and any other settings of operation of an ophthalmic photostimulator. Treatment durations may include about 1 microsecond to about 10 minutes. Pulse duration may include about 1μs to about 1 minute. Frequency of pulses may include about 0.1 hz to about 120 hz. RGB values may include values out of 255, 100, percentage values, and / or other numerical values. A user may be able to manually select amounts of red, green, and / or blue light that may be emitted from a light emitting device through GUI 1700B.

[0065] Referring now to FIG.17C, another GUI 1700C is presented. GUI 1700C may display prescription data. Prescription data may include, but is not limited to, prescriber names, prescription type, treatment type, and / or other information. GUI 1700C may present one or more response icons 1704c. Response icons 1704c may include graphical elements of the GUI 1700C that may correspond to confirmation of one or more queries presented by GUI 1700C. For instance, response icons 1704c may include a “yes” button and a “no” button. A user may tap, click, or otherwise interact with the response icons 1704c, which may provide a confirmation or dismissal of a query presented to the user. As a non-limiting example, a query of “Dr. Jon Doe sent you a prescription detailing the settings for the treatment. Would you like to accept it?” may be displayed through GUI 1700C along with response icons 1704c of “yes” or “no”. Treatment subscription renewal, activation information, or other data may be displayed. In some embodiments, user data and / or device 29 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 data may be communicated from one or more computing devices to a network of two or more computing devices. A network may include a database, which may store user and / or device data. A computing device in communication with a database may generate one or more user profiles, which may include, but are not limited to, device settings, user preference settings, user statistics, or other data. A computing device may communicate user profile data to devices described herein.

[0066] Referring now to FIG.18A-C, a representation of a phone screen 1800 before and during treatment is presented. Referring to FIG.18A, the phone screen 1800 may be any type of phone screen 1800, such as, but not limited to, LED screens, OLED screens, AMOLED screens, and / or other screen types. The phone screen 1800 may have a refresh rate of anywhere between 60hz to 500hz. The phone screen 1800 may display various elements based on treatment type and / or user input that may be received through a mobile application in communication with a phone of the phone screen 1800. The phone screen 1800 may display light settings to a select region, such as region 1804. The region 1804 may be circular, rectangular, hexagonal, and / or other shapes. The region 1804 may be a top, bottom, side, or other portion of the phone screen 1800. In an embodiment, the region 1804 is a center bottom portion of the phone screen 1800. The region 1804 may include a white circle with a cross in the middle or other graphical element indicating where a user should position an ophthalmic photostimulator correctly, such as, but not limited to, the embodiment shown in FIGs 14 A-F.

[0067] Referring now to FIG.18B, phone screen 1800 is shown displaying active zone 1808. The active zone 1808 may be a portion of the phone screen 1800 that emits light for treatment of a user’s eye or eyes. The active zone 1808 may be positioned within the region 1804 or may replace the region 1804 displayed on the phone screen 1800. The active zone 1808 may include a bull’s eye or other point of fixation 1812 that may help a user orient their gaze before or during treatment. For instance, after a user places his eye in contact with an eyepiece of the ophthalmic photostimulator, a dim point of fixation 1812 may be projected on a dark phone screen 1800.

[0068] Referring now to FIG.18C, phone screen 1800 in use for treatment is shown. Phone screen 1800 may emit one or more wavelengths of light through the region 1808, such as various colors. The region 1808 may pulse rapidly between on and off states. The region 1808 may emit various intensities of light, such as various lumen levels. In some embodiments, the region 1808 may emit light for various durations. For instance, each pulse 30 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 of light may be set to last for several seconds as if it were a continuous mode, or for a very short time as a flash of light.

[0069] Referring now to FIG.19A-C, representation of a phone screen 1900 for use in a localized treatment is presented. The phone screen 1900 may be the same as that of the phone screen 1800 as described above with reference to FIGs.18A-C. The phone screen 1900 may display region 1804, active zone 1808, and / or point of fixation 1812, all of which may be as described above with reference to FIGs.18A-C.

[0070] The active zone 1808 may be positioned the same as described above with reference to FIG.18B, but the point of fixation 1812 may differ. For instance, the point of fixation 1812 may be higher up on the phone screen 1900 than that of the point of fixation 1812 shown in FIG.18B. The point of fixation 1812 may be decentered, which may facilitate an exposure of a region of an eye, such as, but not limited to, cornea, pupil, lens, optic nerve, retina, fovea, para-fovea, macula, peripheral retina, superior retina, inferior retina, temporal retina, nasal retina, vitreous humor, sclera, choroid, ora serrata, ciliary body, or other parts of an eye. The regions of the phone screen 1900 delivering more intense light can also be predetermined. For example, in a specific setting only the half bottom of the active zone 1808 may be emitting blue light. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic photostimulator may have a lens or an array of microlenses 1452 to focus or defocus light delivered by the phone screen 1900 on a specific region of the eye.

[0071] Referring now to FIG.20, a method 2000 for ophthalmic photostimulation is presented. At step 2005, the method 2000 includes positioning a light emitter in a direction towards an eye of a user. A light emitter may be an LED, lamp, or other light emitter. In some embodiments, the light emitter is a display screen of a light emitting device, such as a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, laptop, and / or other devices with display screens. Positioning the light emitter may include angling the light emitter to direct the light towards a desired region of the eye, or to achieve a specific spectral irradiance, such as in a range of about 1 mW.m-2.nm-1to about 10000 mW.m-2.nm-1. Positioning the light emitter may include displaying an active zone on a display screen of a light emitting device, which may indicate where a user should align their gaze and / or the light emitting device, such as described above with reference to FIGS.18-19. In some embodiments, positioning the light emitter includes a user holding a light emitting device at a certain angle towards their eye, such as a smartphone, smartwatch, and the like. An eye cup may be placed over a light emitter and may come into contact with a region of a user’s face surrounding an eye. An eye cup may be made 31 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 of a flexible material, such as rubber. In some embodiments, an eye cup establishes the distance between the light emitter and the eye of a user, which may allow for proper calculation of the spectral irradiance on a user’s eye. In some embodiments, an eye cup blocks external light from reaching an eye of a user, which may allow for pupil dilation of the eye of the user. This step may be implemented without limitation as described above with reference to FIGs.1-19C.

[0072] At step 2010, method 2000 includes activating a light emitter. A light emitter may be activated to produce a certain wavelength of light, such as in a range of about 420nm to about 580 nm, and / or 600 nm to 700nm. A light emitter may be activated to produce an intensity or brightness of light enough to achieve a desired spectral irradiance from about 1 mW.m-2.nm-1to about 10000 mW.m-2.nm-1at a user’s eye positioned at a determined distance, such as the plane of an eyecup. Light applied to an eye of a user may pass through the cornea and pupil before reaching the retina of a user. A light emitter may be activated to periodically pulse flashes of light, such as in time intervals of, but not limited to, 0.1 seconds, 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or 30 seconds. A light emitter may be activated to produce light for a duration, such as, but not limited to, 1 microsecond, 1 millisecond, 1 second, 2 seconds, 10 seconds, or 1 minute. A light emitter may emit light with a stepped intensity increase or decrease. A light emitter may emit light after an initial interval or delay, such as but not limited to 0.1 seconds, 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds or 30 seconds. A light emitter may be activated by user input, such as through a GUI or one or more control buttons. In some embodiments, a light emitter is activated automatically by a computing device, such as by a remote or connection. A user may provide one or more parameters of light emitted from the light emitter to a processor in communication with the light emitter, such as through a GUI, one or more control buttons, or other input devices. Parameters may include, but are not limited to, brightness, duration, time intervals, wavelengths, frequencies, and the like. This step may be implemented without limitation as described above with reference to FIGs.1-19C.

[0073] At step 2015, tear production is induced in the user. Inducing tear production may include the eye of the user receiving light emitted from a light emitter. Tear production may occur in levels or strengths, such as, but not limited to, about 10% increase in tear production to about 1000% tear production increase. The increase in tear production may occur primarily through stimulation of ipRGCs in a user’s eye, which may induce tear production without headaches, pain or other severe side effects. To boost the increase in tear 32 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 production effect, additional pigments and chromophores may be activated by the light applied to the user’s eye. Tear production may be measured by a Schirmer test, such as described above with reference to FIGs.10-12 and FIG.s 22-23. This step may be implemented without limitation as described above with reference to FIGs.1-19C.

[0074] Referring now to FIG.21 A-B, in some embodiments, the ophthalmic photostimulator may emit visible light with a spectral distribution as illustrated by graphs 21A and / or 21B. The relative value used for the y-axis means that regardless of the intensity value, the highest peak output is set to 1.0. In FIG.21A the peak wavelength is about 535nm and in FIG.21B the peak wavelength is about 495nm.

[0075] An individual with symptoms of dry eye and poor tear production (Schirmer test < 10 mm) had his tear measured on both eyes using a 5 x 35 mm Schirmer strip test for 5 minutes, to establish a baseline. The test was performed indoors in a room with artificial lights with ambient illuminance at approximately 315 lux. The individual returned to his activities and 30 minutes later he positioned a new Schirmer strip in one of his eyes (left eye), closed it and placed his contralateral eye (right eye) on the device’s eyepiece 132 with his lids opened, then he activated the device which was configured to automatically start emitting light after a 6 second delay, and received the treatment with 10 flashes of light, each with a duration of about 400 milliseconds and an interval of about 100 milliseconds in between flashes. The treatment included a peak wavelength of about 535 nm, with a spectral distribution as shown in FIG 21A. The light emitter was configured to deliver a retinal irradiance (instantaneous power per area) of about 0.0009 W / cm2. Immediately after the treatment, a Schirmer strip was positioned in the treated eye (right eye) to measure the tear production over 5 minutes. A bilateral increase in tear production was observed as shown in FIG 22A, indicating that the light in that spectral range induces tear production. This is compatible with the spectral sensitivity of cells containing human melanopsin, which may drive physiological responses with a peak sensitivity at around 480nm, and also responds to longer wavelengths, including those below 580nm. The individual did not report pain, headache or other side effects, and reported improvement on his symptoms of dry eye, such as feeling the eyes less gritty.

[0076] On a different date, the same individual was treated following a similar protocol as described above but with the light emitted having a different spectral distribution, with a peak at about 635nm. The baseline tear production measured in each eye was about 7mm. After the treatment, the tear production measured on the right eye was about 7 mm and the 33 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 left eye was about 9 mm, indicating no effect on the right eye and a small effect observed on the left eye, suggesting that light with this spectral distribution peaking at 635nm, with about the same level of retinal irradiance, and about the same level of ambient illuminance (307 lux), is less effective in inducing tear production than at wavelengths with spectral distribution substantially below 580 nm, as described above.

[0077] Now referring to FIG 22B, a bilateral increase in tear production was observed in an individual treated indoors under ambient illumination at about 628 lux, and receiving a retinal irradiance of about 0.0012 W / cm2with a peak wavelength of about 535 nm, and a spectral distribution as shown in FIG 21A. The individual initially had his tear measured on both eyes using a 5 x 35 mm Schirmer strip test, the ophthalmic photostimulator was held in front of the right eye for about 25 seconds but no light was emitted, and the Schirmer strips were removed after 5 minutes to establish a baseline. He returned to his activities and after 30 minutes new Schirmer strips were placed in both eyes and the right eye was treated with the ophthalmic photostimulator. The device was set to have a 15 second delay followed by 4 pulses of light with 2 seconds duration each, 0.5 seconds interval between pulses and a retinal irradiance of about 0.0012 W / cm2. After 5 minutes the Schirmer strips were removed, and the results are presented in Figure 22B. This shows the efficacy of that treatment setting, irradiating light with a spectrum substantially more than 50% below 580 nm, with a peak at around 535 nm as shown in FIG 21A. The individual did not report pain, headache or other side effects, and reported improvement on his symptoms of dry eye, such as feeling the eyes less gritty.

[0078] On two other dates, a user was treated using a similar protocol, but with a light spectrum as shown in figure 21B, with a peak at about 495nm. The ambient light was about 630 lux (between 623 lux and 648 lux). Schirmer strips were placed in both eyes and the device was held in front of the right eye for about 25 seconds without emitting any light. After 5 minutes the Schirmer strips were removed, and the value was used as baseline. The individual returned to his activities and after about 30 minutes new Schirmer strips were placed in his eye and the device was set to have a 15 second delay followed by 4 pulses of light with 2 seconds duration each, 0.5 seconds interval between pulses and a retinal irradiance of about 0.0012 W / cm^2. The Schirmer strips were removed after 5 minutes. The average of the results of the two days of tests are shown in Figure 23A. As observed, that light treatment setting was very effective, more than doubling the baseline values. The 34 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 individual did not report pain, headache or other side effects, and reported improvement on his symptoms of dry eye, such as feeling the eyes less gritty.

[0079] On a different date, the same individual was treated outdoors with the same light treatment setting (15 second delay followed by 4 pulses of light with 2 seconds duration each, 495nm peak, 0.5 seconds interval between pulses and a retinal irradiance of about 0.0012 W / cm^2). However, the ambient illuminance was about 6,548 lux. The results are shown in FIG 23B. The absolute increase in the Schirmer test values was less pronounced when the treatment was done outdoors (FIG 23B) than indoors (Figure 23A), but it was still very effective, suggesting that a treatment setting may be more effective at lower ambient illuminance levels and / or that to obtain the same effect in tear production, the intensity of the retinal irradiance may need to be adjusted according to ambient illuminance levels. The individual did not report pain, headache or other side effects, and reported improvement on his symptoms of dry eye, such as feeling the eyes less gritty. The values of retinal irradiance reported in the experiments above were calculated considering a pupil’s size of 6 mm, even though the pupil may reduce its size after long pulses of light, which would reduce the retinal irradiance. This was intentionally done to simplify the calculations and prioritize the user safety, making sure that even with a large 6 mm pupil, the retinal irradiance and total dose (energy deposited during a session) would be well within safety limits.

[0080] Now referring to FIGs.24A-D, various views of an embodiment of an apparatus 2400 for ophthalmic photostimulation are presented. Apparatus 2400 may be used in conjunction with a smartphone or other mobile device capable of producing light. For instance, a mobile phone flash may be used as a light emitter and apparatus 2400 may be removably couplable to a mobile phone.

[0081] Referring to FIG.24A, apparatus 2400 may have a top portion 2401a that may be removably couplable to a surface of a mobile device, such as, but not limited to, a front, side, or back of a smartphone. In some embodiments, top portion 2401a has a length of about, but not limited to, 4 cm to about 10 cm, a width of about 0.1 cm to about 2 cm, and / or a thickness of about 0.1 cm to about 0.5 cm. As a non-limiting example, top portion 2401a may have a length of about 7.6 cm length, 0.9 cm width and 0.2 cm thickness, which may be designed to rest on the top part of a cell phone. Top portion 2401a may have one or more protrusions 2401b,c. Protrusions 2401b,c, may extend away from top portion 2401a, such as in a direction downwards with respect to a floor surface. Protrusions 2401b,c, may have a length of about 1 cm to about 3 cm, without limitation. For instance, protrusions 2401b,c, may each 35 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 have a length of about 2.2 cm length. Protrusions 2401b,c, may have a width of about, but not limited to, 0.1 cm to about 2 cm, and a thickness of about, but not limited to, 0.1 cm to about 0.5 cm. In some embodiments, protrusions 2401b may have differing dimensions than that of protrusion 2401c, or vice versa. In other embodiments, protrusions 2401b,c, have the same values of dimensions.

[0082] Referring to FIG.24B, top portion 2401a may have one or more back protrusions 2401d. Back protrusion 2401d may extend downward with respect to a ground surface away from top portion 2401a. Back protrusions 2401d may have a length of about, but not limited to, 0.5 cm to about 2 cm, a width of about but not limited to 1 cm to about 4 cm, and a thickness of about but not limited to 0.1 cm to about 1 cm. In some embodiments, protrusions 2401b,c, may be designed to mate with one or more sides of a smartphone. Back protrusion 2401d may be designed to mate with a back surface of a smartphone.

[0083] Referring to FIG.24C, protrusions 2401b,c,d may allow for a coupling of top portion 2401a to a smartphone or other mobile device while allowing for an alignment of optical lens 106. Apparatus 2400 may have front portion 2401e which may be positioned opposite back portion 2401d. Front portion 2401e may be designed to couple to a front or back surface of a mobile phone. In some embodiments, front portion 2401e may have a length of about, but not limited to, 1 cm to about 4 cm and a width of, but not limited to, about 1 cm to about 2 cm. Front portion 2401e may house optical lens 106. Optical lens 106 may converge or diverge one or more wavelengths of light and may have spectral filter properties to modify the light spectrum. A hollow semi-sphere portion 2402, may have an inner surface 2402a with a radius of between about, but not limited to, 1 cm to about 3 cm. Inner surface 2402a may have reflector and / or diffuser properties, such as, but not limited to, a white textured and / or matte paint, or other surfaces with similar properties. Hollow semi- sphere portion 2402 may have an outer surface 2402b with a radius of about, but not limited to, 1 cm to about 3 cm. Outer surface 2402b may be opaque. In some embodiments, outer surface 2402b may be designed to fit around a user’s eye and protect the user’s eye from the elements, facilitating pupil dilation, and mitigate spreading of light from the ophthalmic photostimulator in the environment around the user. In some embodiments, protrusions 2401b,c may be axially translatable along a longitudinal axis of apparatus 2400. For instance, top portion 2401a may slide in an axial direction with respect to front and / or back portions 2401d,e, which may allow for adjustment of apparatus 2400 to mobile devices. In some 36 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 embodiments, the light emitted from a mobile phone may have a spectral distribution as shown in FIG.25.

[0084] In some embodiments, a mobile device apparatus 2400 may be coupled to may include one or more ambient light sensors. A processor of a mobile device may be in communication with one or more ambient light sensors and / or optical lens 106. In some embodiments, a processor may be configured to adjust wavelengths, frequencies, brightnesses, or other parameters of light emitted from optical lens 106 based on ambient light data. In some embodiments, a processor of a mobile device may automatically activate optical lens 106 based on ambient light data. In some embodiments, a processor of a mobile device may determine a presence of a user’s eye through one or more image sensors, such as, but not limited to, ambient light sensors, cameras, or other sensors. A processor of a mobile phone may determine the positioning of a user’s retina based on image data. For instance, a processor of a mobile phone may determine a distance and / or angle between a user’s eye and / or retina and a light emitter, such as, but not limited to, optical lens 106 or a front screen of a mobile device. In some embodiments, once a processor of a mobile phone determines a user’s eye and / or retina is within a desired positioning, the processor may activate optical lens 106 to provide light to the user’s eye and / or retina. In other embodiments, a user may provide input to a mobile device which may cause a processor of the mobile device to activate optical lens 106. For instance, and without limitation, a user may press one or more buttons of a mobile device, provide touch screen input, operate a remote control device in communication with the mobile device, or provide other forms of user input. A mobile device may communicate with a network of two or more computing devices, such as through, but not limited to, a cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other network. In some embodiments, a network may include a database. A mobile device may communicate user data and / or operational data to a database through a network. A mobile device or other computing device in communication with a database may generate user statistics, device data, user profiles, or other information based on data stored in the database. User statistics may include, but are not limited to, days of treatment, frequencies of treatment, times of treatment, duration of treatment, wavelengths used in treatment, brightnesses used in treatment, pulse duration used in treatment, or other data. Device preferences may include, but are not limited to, battery status, power output, type of light emitter used, wavelengths of light emitted, pulse durations of light emitted, size of optical lens used, or other data. User profiles may include user credentials associated with user data, device data, or other data. In some embodiments, a 37 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 mobile device may store data internally and may calculate user preferences, device settings, and / or user statistics locally. A mobile device and / or external computing device may calculate one or more light parameters based on user statistics. For instance, user statistics may include data showing that a certain wavelength of light is repeatedly being used, a duration of light exposure increased over time, a frequency of light pulses decreased over time, or any other form of data associated with light emission using devices described herein.

[0085] Referring now to FIG.25, a graph illustrating wavelengths within a mobile device flash is presented. The flash had a peak wavelength of about 465 nm, which had a relative value of about 1.0. The flash had a smaller second peak wavelength compare to the about 465 nm peak of about 590 nm to about 610 nm.

[0086] Representative embodiments are described above. It will be understood that reasonable equivalents to the embodiments described above, or to the elements of the embodiments described above, are consistent with practicing the present disclosure and included in the present disclosure. 38 IPTS / 128923922.1

Claims

PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 CLAIMS 1. An apparatus for ophthalmic photostimulation, comprising: a light emitter, wherein the light emitter emits at least a first wavelength of light substantially within a wavelength range of about 420 nm to about 580 nm of a light spectrum; a power connector that connects the light emitter to a power source; and a switch in electrical communication with the light emitter and the power connector, the switch operable to activate or deactivate the light emitter; wherein the light when shone in at least one eye of a user is effective in inducing tear production.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least first wavelength is substantially within a human melanopsin sensitivity range.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein one or more cells within the at least one eye of the user containing human melanopsin are responsive to the at least first wavelength.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light emitter is a light emitting diode (LED), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), a laser, active-matrix organic light emitting diodes (AMOLEDs), xenon lamps, halogen lamps, tungsten lamps, or a combination thereof.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the light emitter or a second light emitter emits a second wavelength of light in a range of about 600 nm to about 700 nm.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the light emitted from the light emitter is shone to only one eye of the at least one eye of the user and is effective in inducing bilateral increase in tear production.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the light emitted from the light emitter passes through the cornea and pupil and reaches the user’s retina.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising a filter disposed on top of the light emitter, wherein the filter filters out wavelengths of light emitted from the light emitter below about 420 nm and / or above about 580 nm.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the light emitter is configured to deliver a retinal irradiance of about 0.01 mW / cm2to about 0.2 W / cm2to the at least 39 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 one eye of the user when the at least one eye of the user is within a distance of about 1 cm to about 10 cm to the light emitter.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-9, comprising a lens disposed on top of the light emitter, wherein the lens focuses or defocuses one or more wavelengths of light towards a specific region of a retina of the user’s eye.

11. The apparatus any one of claims 1-10, wherein the light emitted from the light emitter is continuous or pulsed with intervals of about one millisecond to about 30 seconds.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the light emitted from the light emitter has a duration of about one microsecond to about one minute.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-12, further comprising a processor in communication with the light emitter and the power source.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the processor is configured to adjust an intensity, frequency, pulse length, intervals, spectral irradiance, or combination therefore of the light emitted from the light emitter.

15. A method of ophthalmic photostimulation using an apparatus, comprising: providing a light emitter of the apparatus to a user, wherein the light emitter is configured to emit at least three peak wavelengths of a light spectrum to a user; aligning the light emitter with at least one eye of the user; adjusting, by the apparatus, at least one of the three peaks of the light spectrum to modify the light spectrum to be substantially within a 420 nm to 580 nm wavelength range, to which cells containing human melanopsin may respond; and inducing an increase in tear production in the user via the modified light spectrum.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein inducing tear production further comprises activating photopigments in the at least one eye of the user via at least a first wavelength of light of the at least three peak wavelengths of light.

17. The method of any one of claims 15-16, wherein the apparatus is a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch.

18. The method of any one of claims 15-17, wherein the light is shone to only one eye of the at least one eye of the user and is effective in inducing a bilateral increase in tear production in the user. 40 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 19. The method of any one of claims 15-18, wherein the light emitter is configured to deliver a retinal irradiance of about 0.00001 W / cm2to about 0.2 W / cm2to the at least one eye of the user when the at least one eye of the user is within a distance of about 1 cm to about 10 cm to the light emitter.

20. The method of any one of claims 15-19, further comprising focusing or defocusing the waveform to a specific region of a user’s retina through a lens disposed on top of the light emitter.

21. The method of any one of claims 15-20, wherein the at least three peak wavelengths of light comprise a first peak wavelength of about 460 nm, a second peak wavelength of about 525 nm, and a third peak wavelength of about 620 nm 22. The method of any one of claims 15-21, further comprising suppressing, by the apparatus, at least one of the at least three peak wavelengths.

23. The method of any one of claims 15-22, further comprising adjusting the second peak wavelength of light to be within a range of about 600 nm to about 700 nm.

24. The method of any one of claims 15-23, further comprising adjusting, by the apparatus, an intensity, frequency, pulse length, intervals, spectral irradiance, or combination therefore of the waveform.

25. The method of any one of claims 15-24, further comprising: determining a positioning of the user’s eye; and activating the light emitter based on the determined positioning.

26. The method of any one of claims 15-25, further comprising providing one or more of audible output through a speaker and visual output by a display of the apparatus, to assist a user in positioning their eye.

27. A method of ophthalmic photostimulation using a light emitter, comprising: positioning the light emitter in a direction towards at least one eye of a user; and activating the light emitter to shine light in a direction towards the at least one eye of the user; wherein the spectrum of the light is substantially within a wavelength range of about 420 nm to about 580 nm; wherein the light shone in the direction towards the at least one eye of the user effectively induces tear production in the user. 41 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising adjusting, by a processor in communication with the light emitter, an intensity, frequency, duration, or combination thereof of the light emitted from the light emitter.

29. The method of any one of claims 27-28, wherein the light emitting device is a smartphone or tablet.

30. The method of any one of claims 27-29, wherein the light emitted from the light emitter has at least a first wavelength peak of about 495 nm.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the light emitted from the light emitter has a second wavelength peak of about 600 to about 700 nm.

32. The method of any one of claims 27-31, wherein the light is shone in a direction of only one eye of the at least one eye of the user and effectively induces bilateral tear production in the user.

33. The method of any one of claims 27-32, wherein the light shone from the light emitter has a retinal irradiance of about 0.00001 W / cm2to about 0.2 W / cm2to the at least one eye of the user when the at least one eye of the user is within a distance of about 1 cm to about 10 cm from the light emitter.

34. The method of any one of claims 27-33, wherein the light shone in the direction towards the at least one eye of the user effectively induces tear production in the user without causing headaches, pain or other undesirable side effects in the user.

35. The method of any one of claims 27-34, further comprising focusing or defocusing, by a lens disposed on top of the light emitter, the light emitted from the light emitter to a specific region of a user’s retina.

36. The method of any one of claims 27-35, further comprising displaying a point of fixation for the user to focus their gaze at by a display device that the light emitter is a part of.

37. The method of any one of claims 27-36, further comprising: providing an eyecup designed to reduce an amount of ambient light received at the at least one eye of the user; and reducing an amount of ambient light received at the at least one eye of the user via the eye cup.

38. The method of any one of claims 27-37, further comprising diffusing the light through a light diffuser.

39. The method of any one of claims 27-38, further comprising: 42 IPTS / 128923922.1PCT Patent Application Docket No.: SPTL-002 detecting, by an ambient light sensor, ambient light; and adjusting, by a processor in communication with the ambient light sensor and the light emitter, intensity, frequency, pulse length, intervals, retinal irradiance, or combination therefore of the light based on the ambient light.

40. The method of any one of claims 27-39, further comprising displaying, through a display device, operational data of the light emitter.

41. The method of any one of claims 27-40, further comprising: detecting a presence of the at least one eye through an image sensor; and activating the light emitter based on the presence of the at least one eye through a processor in communication with the image sensor and light emitter.

42. The method of any one of claims 27-41, wherein activation of the light emitter occurs automatically via the processor.

43. The method of any one of claims 27-42, wherein activation of the light emitter occurs via user input.

44. The method of any one of claims 27-43, further comprising connecting to a network through the light emitter and storing user data in a database of the network.

45. The method of claim 44, further comprising creating one or more user profiles based on the user data of the database through a computing device in communication with the network.

46. The method of any one of claims 27-45, further comprising connecting to one or more of a smartphone, laptop, and desktop through the light emitter.

47. The method of any one of claims 27-46, wherein the light emitter is battery operated.

48. The method of any one of claims 27-47, wherein the light emitter is wirelessly rechargeable. 43 IPTS / 128923922.1

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