Selective Optic Nerve Head Light Targeting for Myopia Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light therapy systems fail to selectively target the optic nerve head, leading to unintended stimulation of image-forming receptors and potential adverse effects, and lack a standardized dosage regimen for treating conditions like myopia.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that delivers blue light stimulus specifically to the optic nerve head using a smartphone or virtual reality headset, with a processor to position the light based on the optic nerve head's location, engaging users with content to fixate their gaze, and providing blue light at a frequency of 6-20 Hz and illuminance of 20 melanopic lux to stimulate melanopsin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light therapy is applied to treat conditions like myopia, then therapeutic effect on melanopsin-containing cells is improved, but unintended stimulation of image-forming receptors occurs causing adverse effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing light stimulus specifically to the optic nerve head region where melanopsin-containing ganglion cells are concentrated, rather than diffuse illumination. The system uses gaze-tracking and eye-position detection to calculate and adjust the light beam direction, ensuring that only the targeted retinal region receives the therapeutic stimulus while image-forming receptors remain unaffected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an intermediary computational system that acts as a mediator between the light source and the retina. The processor receives eye-position data, calculates the precise direction to the optic nerve head, and dynamically adjusts the light beam accordingly. This intermediary computation ensures accurate targeting while preventing unintended stimulation of other retinal regions.
2Measurement precision
If light stimulus is directed to target the optic nerve head, then selective stimulation of melanopsin is improved, but device complexity increases due to positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a smartphone or virtual reality headset as a multi-functional platform. These devices already possess cameras, sensors, and processors that can be repurposed for eye-tracking and light delivery control. By leveraging existing components for multiple functions (display, sensing, computation, and light emission), the system achieves precise targeting without requiring entirely new specialized hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by utilizing the user's own device (smartphone or VR headset) to perform all functions of light delivery, eye-tracking, and positioning control. The device's existing sensors capture eye position, the processor calculates beam direction, and the display emits the therapeutic light, eliminating the need for external specialized equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If blue light is used to stimulate melanopsin, then circadian rhythm synchronization is improved, but retinal exposure increases potentially causing photo-damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by restricting blue light exposure to a very small, specific region (the optic nerve head, approximately 1.5mm diameter) rather than illuminating the entire retina. This localized delivery achieves sufficient melanopsin stimulation for circadian rhythm synchronization while minimizing total retinal energy exposure and potential photo-damage to other retinal structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by delivering blue light stimulus only to the necessary minimum area (optic nerve head) rather than the entire retina. The stimulus is concentrated in space and time (brief pulses) to achieve the therapeutic effect on melanopsin-containing cells while keeping the total energy dose well below thresholds for retinal damage, thus using partial illumination rather than full-field exposure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively stimulates melanopsin while minimizing retinal exposure, potentially reducing myopia progression by regulating retinal dopamine levels and choroidal thickness, improving contrast sensitivity, and synchronizing circadian rhythms.
Implementation Method 1
stimulus light (66) that is configured to stimulate melanopsin and is blue light
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and device for selective application of stimulus light to an optic nerve head of a user is disclosed. The device comprises at least one light emitting source configured to position emitted stimulus light to impinge onto the optic nerve head based on a determined location of the optic nerve head with respect to the user's gaze; at least one screen configured to fixate the user's gaze by engaging the user with content displayed on the at least one screen; a processor for selecting the stimulus light. The method and device can be used, for example, for the treatment of myopia.