Retinal Photobiomodulation Optics for Uniform Annular Light Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photobiomodulation devices for treating retinal diseases face challenges in accurately delivering controlled power and uniform light distribution to the retina due to variations in eyelid closure and pupil size, leading to potential underdosing or overdosing, which can cause ineffective treatment or damage.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic treatment device with a beam homogenizing module to produce a uniform beam, a beam shaping module to create an annular light beam profile, and a beam delivery and viewing module to ensure precise delivery of light to the retina, integrated with a slit lamp assembly for controlled treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a LED array is used to deliver light through the eyelid and ocular segments to the retina, then the treatment can be applied with the eye closed or open, but the light transmission to the retina varies greatly and becomes unknown and uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light delivery path from the problematic LED array approach and replaces it with a focused optical system that delivers light through a controlled path (contact lens or slit lamp) directly to the retina, eliminating the variable attenuation caused by eyelid and pupil variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of light delivery by using a focused optical system with controlled wavelength, power, and delivery path, transforming the uncontrolled LED array approach into a precisely controllable treatment system where light power at the retina is known and adjustable
2Ease of operation
If light intensity is set much higher to account for eyelid attenuation, then treatment can proceed with closed eyelid, but the risk of overdosing and thermal damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system (contact lens or slit lamp delivery) between the light source and the retina, which acts as a controlled medium to deliver precise light doses without the need for high-intensity settings that would cause thermal damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical barrier approach (using closed eyelid as natural barrier) with an optical delivery system that uses focused light delivery through contact lens or slit lamp, eliminating the need to overcome eyelid attenuation by increasing power
3Shape
If beam collimating optics are added to the LED device, then light direction is improved, but power loss through eyelid, cornea, and pupil remains highly variable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal light delivery system that works effectively regardless of whether the eye is open or closed, using an optical contact lens or slit lamp interface that bypasses the variable attenuation problems of the eyelid and pupil
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the delivery parameters from distant LED array to contact-based optical delivery, transforming the light path to eliminate variable losses through ocular segments while maintaining beam collimation and focus
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 device enables accurate and controlled delivery of red to near-infrared light to the retina, minimizing the risk of thermal damage and ensuring effective treatment by maintaining consistent power and spot size, thereby protecting sensitive areas like the fovea and optic disc.
Implementation Method 1
Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low level light therapy (LLLT), employs red to near-infrared (NIR) light at power densities a hundred times lower than conventional thermal treatments. LLLT promotes the healing of injured cells, including blood vessels and neurons in the retina.
Implementation Method 2
There is evidence that light at 670 nm activates cytochrome C oxidase, a key constituent of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, which subsequently results in increased electron transfer and improved mitochondrial respiration and ATP synthesis.
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic treatment device for photobiomodulation of a retina comprising: a treatment light source producing a continuous wave or quasi-continuous wave output beam having a wavelength in the range of 600 nm to 1000 nm and a power in the range of 1 mW to 500 mW; a beam homogenizing module that homogenizes the output beam of the treatment light source; a beam shaping module that modifies the output beam profile to produce a treatment light beam with an annular light beam profile; and a beam delivery and viewing module that allows an Operator to observe and operate to deliver the treatment light beam to the treatment location on the retina with an intensity in the range of 1 mW/cm2 to 500 mW/cm2.