Classifications

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  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
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  • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
  • A61N5/0613—Apparatus adapted for a specific treatment
  • A61N5/0622—Optical stimulation for exciting neural tissue
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61N5/0613—Apparatus adapted for a specific treatment
  • A61N5/0618—Psychological treatment
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B3/00—Apparatus for testing the eyes; Instruments for examining the eyes
  • A61B3/10—Objective types, i.e. instruments for examining the eyes independent of the patients' perceptions or reactions
  • A61B3/113—Objective types, i.e. instruments for examining the eyes independent of the patients' perceptions or reactions for determining or recording eye movement
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
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  • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the cardiovascular system, e.g. pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow
  • A61B5/0205—Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
  • A61B5/02055—Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular condition and temperature
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61B5/4836—Diagnosis combined with treatment in closed-loop systems or methods
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  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
  • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
  • A61B5/6802—Sensor mounted on worn items
  • A61B5/6803—Head-worn items, e.g. helmets, masks, headphones or goggles
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M21/00—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M21/00—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
  • A61M2021/0005—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus
  • A61M2021/0044—Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis by the use of a particular sense, or stimulus by the sight sense
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
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  • A61N2005/0626—Monitoring, verifying, controlling systems and methods
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
  • A61N2005/0632—Constructional aspects of the apparatus
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
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  • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
  • A61N2005/0635—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the body area to be irradiated
  • A61N2005/0643—Applicators, probes irradiating specific body areas in close proximity
  • A61N2005/0645—Applicators worn by the patient
  • A61N2005/0647—Applicators worn by the patient the applicator adapted to be worn on the head
  • A61N2005/0648—Applicators worn by the patient the applicator adapted to be worn on the head the light being directed to the eyes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
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  • A61N2005/065—Light sources therefor
  • A61N2005/0651—Diodes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
  • A61N2005/065—Light sources therefor
  • A61N2005/0651—Diodes
  • A61N2005/0652—Arrays of diodes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
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  • A61N2005/0658—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the wavelength of light used
  • A61N2005/0662—Visible light
  • A61N2005/0663—Coloured light
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61N2005/0664—Details
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
  • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
  • A61N5/067—Radiation therapy using light using laser light

Definitions

• the invention relates to a system and method to stimulate the optic nerve.
• Background of the Invention [0003]
• the 24-hour light-dark (LD) cycle is a fundamental characteristic of the Earth's environment and so the influence of this LD cycle on behavior and physiology of animals and humans is not surprising. Most biochemical, physiological and behavioral variables in humans fluctuate on such a rhythmic basis, and this is termed the "circadian rhythm".
• This circadian timing system enables a body to predict the onset of dawn and dusk and adjust physiological and behavioral systems of the body accordingly. It is now established that these daily rhythms are temporally organized by a circadian clock which maintains temporal synchronization between the body and the external environment, as well as the internal coordination of diverse physiological processes over time.
• the LD cycle is the primary environmental agent that synchronizes the circadian clock of the body. The ability of the natural LD cycle to entrain the circadian rhythm is based on the response of the circadian clock to light.
• the SCN are a cluster of cells in the hypothalamus which receives the transduced light-dark time cue signals, indicating the transition from light to dark, via the RHT from the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and distributes the light-dark time cue signals via endocrine and neural pathways to various systems of the body to ensure the various systems are kept synchronous with day and night. When these pathways are disrupted, the rest-activity cycle of the body fails to be synchronized to the LD cycle.
• off-phase light cues may interrupt the normal circadian rhythm. For example, exposure to light late in the biological day, around dusk, will delay the onset of activity in a nocturnal animal, and delay the onset of inactivity in a diurnal animal. Light exposure early in the biological day (dawn) will advance the onset of activity in a diurnal species, and advance the onset of sleep in a nocturnal species.
• phase-shifting effect of light is clearly a non- image forming effect of light, which depends on circadian phase and plays an important role in the temporal organization of behavior in animals, including humans (Dijk & Archer, "Light, Sleep, and Circadian Rhythms: Together Again", PLOS Biology, vol. 7, issue 6, el000145, June 2009)
• Light therapy also called phototherapy
• the photopigment melanopsin is expressed in the inner retina of humans and other animals, and in particular in a subclass of ganglion cells, called intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs).
• ipRGCs intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells
• Melanopsin is most sensitive to blue light, but is also sensitive to other wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum.
• This non- visual photo- response is essential for circadian entrainment in many non-visual functions. These non- visual functions include sleep/wake state (melatonin synthesis), pupil light reflex, cognitive performance, mood, locomotor activity, memory, body temperature, etc.
• ipRGCs indirect input via the SCN regulates the light-sensitive suppression of melatonin production in the pineal. In mice lacking the gene Opn4, which codes for melanopsin, phase shifts, pupillary constriction, and acute suppression of activity in response to light are all attenuated.
• the human eye can see wavelengths within a range of about 380 nm to about 780 nm. Within this visible light spectrum, some wavelengths can induce acute or cumulative photo- damage to the eye, while other wavelengths are necessary to synchronize human biological rhythms. Historically light treatments have been applied through the eye via ambient light and/or dedicated task light. Providing therapy through conventional lighting systems would not separate or distinguish between the visual effect of the provided light (e.g. the image forming function of light) and the non- visual effect of the provided light (e.g. non- image forming functions controlling circadian rhythms), as all the light produced would be perceived by the eyes.
• the visual effect of the provided light e.g. the image forming function of light
• the non- visual effect of the provided light e.g. non- image forming functions controlling circadian rhythms
• the disclosed embodiment takes a form of sleep mask.
• US Patent US 5923398 A has disclosed a more practical approach by introducing peripheral light therapy by interactive light field for non- visual stimulation, taking advantage of the fact that the peripheral retina is less engaged in conscious vision, thus less deteriorating the normal vision.
• the device taught in this patent document does not exclude completely the stimulation of vision- forming receptors in the eye (rods and cons are still hit in off-axis photon stimulation).
• a device and method for treating the visual system of a human being is known from US 2007/0182928 (Sabel, assigned to Novavision Inc.). The method includes the steps of locating and defining a blind zone of deteriorated vision with the human's visual system, defining a treatment area which is located predominantly within the blind zone and then treating the human's visual system by presenting visual stimuli to the human's visual system.
• blind zone used in this patent application is not to be equated with the term “blind spot” or “optical disk” and the method does not include the selective application of light to a blind spot.
• This disclosure teaches an apparatus, a system and a method to stimulate the optic nerve.
• the apparatus comprises of one or more light emitting sources, an optical system to deliver and/or refract the light from the one or more light-emitting sources to an optic disc.
• the system with the apparatus further comprises a processor for controlling a temporal and spatial pattern of the stimulation as well as the wavelength and intensity of the light based on a predefined or personalized algorithm and input from sensors which collect data from external parameters and/or physiological parameters, and an adjustable wearable frame for housing the system and calibration of the light rays to hit the retinal target area.
• the method enables stimulation of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) by directly shining light on the optic disk where the melanopsin-containing axons of ipRGCs converge.
• ipRGCs intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells
• the apparatus and method enable treatment with no pharmacological
• a method for application of light to one or more eyes of a user comprises the identification of location of an optic disk on a retina in the one or more eyes, and selectively applying the light onto the optic disc to stimulate the optic disk.
• the selective application of the light onto the optic disk enables strong light to stimulate the optic disk without damaging other parts of the retina.
• the light is selected to have wavelengths in the range of 360 to 540 nm. In another aspect of the invention, the light is selected to have a wavelength in the range of 480 +/- 40 nm.
• the identification comprises at least one of exposing the user to a stimulating light applied to the retina of the one or more eyes and monitoring perception of the stimulating light, or mapping of the retina.
• the method can also comprise limiting a field of vision of at least one of the eyes. This is designed to ensure that the user is not distracted and moves her eyes, thus causing the light to impact on other parts of the retina.
• the method may additional comprise monitoring at least one of a position of a pupil in the one or more eyes (300) or a direction of sight of the one or more eyes. This enables the light to be switched off if it is determined that the light is no longer directed towards the optic disk.
• the method may also further comprise adapting composition of the light. This adaption is useful to adapt the light to the user.
• the method has many applications, such as the treatment of myopia
• the disclosure also teaches a device for implementing the method.
• the device comprises a light emitting source for emitting the light, an identifier for identifying location of an optic disk on a retina in the one or more eyes, and an optical system adapted to apply selectively the emitted light onto the optic disk.
• a controller may be provided for controlling the device. For example, the controller would adapt the optical system and/or the light composition.
• the identifier could, for example, be a device for mapping the retina of the one or more eyes.
• the device further comprises an eye tracking system, an electrooculography system or an electroretinography system for monitoring at least one of a position of a pupil in the one or more eyes, or a direction of sight of the one or more eyes.
• the device may also comprise one or more mechanical or electro-optical actuators for changing a position of the light emitting source. These work in conjunction with the eye tracking system to ensure that the light is directed towards the optic disk.
• the device may further provide that the optical system is adaptive to at least one of a position of a pupil in the one or more eyes or a direction of sight of one of the one or more eyes.
• the optical system may be additionally adapted to apply selectively the emitted light onto other parts of the eyes.
• This emitted light may have the same combination of light or a different combination of light than the light applied to the optic disk.
• Fig. 1 shows an outline of the method of this disclosure
• FIG. 2 shows an example of an apparatus used in this disclosure
• Fig. 3 shows an example of an eye
• FIG. 1 An outline of a method of light therapy by stimulating an optic nerve of a mammal, such as a human being, without impairing the normal vision is shown in Fig. 1.
• the apparatus and system used for implementing the method is shown in Fig. 2.
• Fig. 3 shows an example of an eye with the biological features of the eye 300 noted.
• the eye 300 has an eyeball 310 with a retina 320 in which a blind spot 330 or optic disc is situated.
• the retina 330 is connected to the optic nerve 340 which transfers signals formed on the retina 320 to the brain.
• the optic disc 330 is the raised disc on the retina 320 at the point of entry of the optic nerve340, lacking visual receptors and so creating a blind spot.
• a light source is chosen and setup.
• the light source setup step 100 is the process of selection of the optimal wavelength, intensity, temporal and spatial pattern of a light stimulus via a controller device based on internal parameters of the body of the user or external parameters of the ambient.
• the light source setup step 100 can be the process of choosing a predefined set of parameters or individualized parameters, or selection of light properties depending on the ambient lighting, time, etc.
• the light source setup step 100 can be based on artificial intelligence algorithms or employ computational models of the eye 300 and/or the body.
• the blind spot of the eye is identified, for example, by shining light at the selected wavelength or another visible light wavelength onto the optic disc 330 in the eye 300.
• the aim of this step is to ensure an invisible delivery of light to the non- image forming parts of the retina 320 in the eye 300, i.e. the optic disc 330.
• Blind-spot localization is based on the geometrical properties of the eye and subjective report of the user.
• a closed-loop control of the invisible light therapy is done by an electrooculography system or pupil monitoring.
• the blind-spot localization can be an automatic, semi-automatic or manual procedure carried out by the device or by the user.
• the optic disc 330 is identified by mapping the retina 320. This mapping can be done automatically or by an ophthalmologist.
• Examples of systems that enable identification of the optic disc 330 by the mapping of the retina 320 include video-based imaging systems, eye-tracking systems, pupilometers, fundus imaging, retinoscope and ophthalmoscopes.
• Light is shone onto the optic disk in step 115 and melanopsin stimulation is carried out in step 120.
• the axons of ipRGCs present at the optic disc are stimulated by light.
• the ipRGCs are subset of retinal ganglion cells which exclusively express melanopsin, a photopigment for non-image forming visual functions such as circadian rhythm entrainment.
• Fig. 2 shows an example of an apparatus 1 used in this disclosure. It will be appreciated that the apparatus 1 shown is merely a non-limiting example.
• the apparatus 1 comprises essentially a pair of spectacles or eyeglasses comprising a spectacle frame 24, a bridge 26 and two lenses 25.
• the apparatus 1 is connected to a computer 42 and a controller 40 by a cable 44 (or through a wireless connection).
• the controller 40 could be mounted onto the spectacle frame 42 or could be a separate unit.
• the lenses 25 have electrodes for an eiectroocuiogram or electroretinography system. These are shown as vertical electrodes 11 on the left-hand lens 25 and horizontal electrodes 15 on both lenses 25 as well as a reference electrode 14 on the bridge 26. It will be appreciated that only one pair of vertical electrodes 11 are needed since the eyes 300 move in parallel.
• Element 13 represents a variety of sensors which are also mounted on the bridge 26. Theses sensors include, but are not limited to, ambient sensors, light sensors, time-of- flight camera (ToF), distance sensors, temperature sensors, cameras, etc.
• the lenses 25 have an eye tracking system 10 mounted on them to establish the position of pupil and the direction of sight.
• Each of the lenses has a light emitting source 34, which could be for example an LED, a laser light or a projection/generation on a display.
• the light from the LED could be blue or another color or a mixture of colors.
• the mixture could be generated as a sequential RGB series of colors in rapid succession, or the mixture could be combined at the same time.
• the light emitting source 34 is separate from the eye glasses 1.
• Non- limiting examples of other light emitting sources 34 include digital light processing, laser beam steering, liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS), microscanner, virtual retinal display, an EyeTap device, micro or pico projectors, holography, or a light field. These light-emitting sources can be incorporated into a head-up display (HUD), an optical head-mounted display (OHMD) or even as implantable light sources insider the eyeball or on the optic disc.
• An optical system 7 directs the light from the light emitting source 34 onto the optic disk 330 of the eye 300, as will be explained later.
• the optical system 7 comprises, for example, a wave guide and may include other elements.
• the optical system 7 is mounted on rails in this example on which motors run to move the position of the light emitting source 34, if required. It will be appreciated that the optical system 7 and the rails 16 enable the light from the light emitting source 34 to be directed within the eye 300 and adjusted easily for different users. Further examples of the optical system 7 include, but are not limited to diffractive devices, prisms, holographic devices, polarizing devices, beam-splitting devices, clear- vu devices, switchable devices, or mirror devices. Mirror devices include pin mirrors or one-sided mirrors. It would be also possible to use combined devices, such as a birdbath device having a beam splitter with an optical combiner.
• a body sensor 17 is also attached to the spectacle frame 24.
• the role of the body sensor 17 is to measure parameters relating to the temperature, heart rate and other physical parameters of the user. The information is communicated to the controller 40 and processed.
• stimulation parameters should be taken into account when using light therapy on a patient for performing an optimal light treatment.
• These stimulation parameters include, but are not limited to, temporal pattern of the light, spatial pattern of the light, intensity, duration, wavelength of the light etc. It is known that intensity, wavelength, spatial properties and temporal pattern of the light stimulation in previously described methods have to be adjusted in order to reduce the perception of the light treatment by the patient. This is discussed, for example, in international patent application WO 2016162554 Al .
• the method of this disclosure enables any intensity and duration of light to be deliverable to the eyes 300 of the patient, since there is no visual photoreceptors on the optic disc 330 to be harmed.
• the response profile of ipRGCs are different from other types of photoreceptors in the retina 330 (i.e. rods and cons).
• Temporal structure of the stimulating light (frequency of the flicker, on/off pattern etc.) can be optimized for the ipRGCs with regards to the needs of the patient. This change is independent of the response profile of the other photoreceptors, because ipRGCs are the only photoreceptors on the optic disc 330 and no light is shone on the other parts of the retina 320.
• the stimulation parameters described previously can be adjusted independently of each other to keep the total parameter intensity below a certain threshold which prevents light scattering from the optic disc 330 to other regions of the retina 320 in the eye 300. These other regions contain image-forming photopigments and cause visual perception of the stimulating light.
• the method could be applied to a daily routine of a normal life.
• the emitting source 34 which selectively emits light to the optic disc 330 can be housed in the spectacle frame 24, or can be added on the current spectacle frame 24 of the patient.
• No additional complex eye wear like a virtual reality device such as but not limited to Google glass Microsoft HoloLens, Magic Leap, Intel Vaunt or Oculus Rift, is needed to perform this method. Therefore, the normal visual function of the eye 300 is not impaired and the natural foveal eye sight is preserved.
• stimulation can also be applied during night with no sensation of the light for the subject, which makes the method applicable to people who need light therapy during dark times without exposing them to visual light.
• the method requires no optical or chromatic filter (as proposed in the international patent application WO 2016162554 Al) to filter the visible spectrum, because there is no image-forming photoreceptor on the optic disc 330. Moreover, there is no spatial filter (as proposed in the international patent application WO 2016162554 Al) to filter the visible spectrum, because there is no image-forming photoreceptor on the optic disc 330. Moreover, there is no spatial filter (as proposed in the international patent application WO 2016162554 Al) to filter the visible spectrum, because there is no image-forming photoreceptor on the optic disc 330. Moreover, there is no spatial filters (as proposed in the international patent application WO 2016162554 Al) to filter the visible spectrum, because there is no image-forming photoreceptor on the optic disc 330. Moreover, there is no spatial filter (as proposed in the international patent application WO 2016162554 Al) to filter the visible spectrum, because there is no image-forming photoreceptor on the optic disc 330. Moreover, there is no spatial
• ipRGCs only 1 to 3 % of retinal ganglion cells
• the probability of absorbing a photon by the ipRGCs is more than 1 million times lower for a given retinal area of photostimulation.
• some prior art methods with a whole retinal stimulation approach assume that the ipRGCs receive additional input from a complementary photoreception process involving rods.
• Other known methods involve both the direct stimulation of ipRGCs by extending the transmitted spectral range to 460 - 520 nm and the indirect stimulation by the incoming rod driven signals peaking near 500 nm.
• rhodopsin are not necessary for the circadian system (as is evidenced in blind people). Stimulating non-melanopsin expressing RGCs may provide indirect input to the circadian master clock.
• the stimulation of the optic disc 330 provides the highest specificity in targeting the melanopsin which gives the highest degree of freedom to the system to adjust least number of the stimulation parameters described previously for an optimal non- visual forming stimulation.
• the stimulated optic nerve 340 directly sends the light signal to the SCN via the RHT, the highway to the circadian master clock center in the brain.
• the system provides ocular (but not visual) stimulation instead of less specific channels like ear canal stimulation or through other extracranial positions (as disclosed, for example in WO
• the optic disk 330 stimulation is via one or an arrangement of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or similar in the emitting source 34, which is housed in the spectacle frame 24.
• LEDs light emitting diodes
• This enables a precise control of the direction of the light to the eye 300 by the optical system, such as an optical guide tube.
• the optical guide tube ensures an exclusive delivery of light to the optic disc 330 on the retina 320.
• the stimulation pattern is provided in a gaze-contingent manner to the eye by a change in the wavelength, luminance, and other parameters of the display (e.g. TV, monitor, screens, virtual reality (VR) goggles (including light-field technology in which enables light from a display to hit multiple focal planes in the eye), augmented reality (AR) goggles, mixed reality (MR) goggles, beamer, internet of things (IoT) devices, smart home appliances, smart lighting systems, interior design arrangements, car internal displays or windshield etc.) on the regions of the display which correspond to the blind spot.
• the gaze direction is measured online with an eye tracking system (remote or mobile) and the spatial location of the stimulation pattern changes according to the position of the eye 300.
• the stimulation pattern may be optimized to deliver particular wavelengths with specific temporal and spatial pattern.
• the pattern does not impinge on the holistic perception of the visual input from the display, since the perceptual filling-in process of the visual system interpolates the absence of visual input falling on the optic disk 330.
• Such an embodiment is ideal for applications where the patient spends working hours in front of a computer monitor or is watching TV, etc.
• the light emitting source 34 is combined with a strong myopia control lens as the lens 25 on the spectacle frame 24.
• a myopia control lens is a powerful tool to control myopia.
• the myopia control lens provides large positive correction in the periphery while keeping the central vision clear.
• the strong blur in peripheral vision helps the patient to keep the eyes 300 in the center (like pinhole) which consequently limits the gaze dynamics and helps the light stimulation remained within the optic disk 330.
• the optica! guide tube is a pinhole which guides the light from the LED in the light emitting source 34 on the spectacle frame 24 to hit the optic disc 330.
• the optic disc 330 in human eye 300 corresponds to the blind-spot with a relatively large size of 5-7 visual degrees at an angle about 15 v isual degrees lateral to the fov ea 15.
• the gaze dynamics is l imited and a pinhole ensures that the light therapy remains invisible inside the blind spot.
• the user must use the spectacle frame in routine static scenarios, like working in front of a monitor or watching TV. Excessive eye movements are restricted natural ly, since the pinhole does not allow for peripheral view, so the gaze movements translate to a head movement, when necessary.
• the posit ion of the optic disk 330 remains constant relative to the l ight emitting source 34 while a head of the user mov es instead of the eyes 300.
• the l ight can be polarized and emitted through a polarized filter on the spectacle lens 25. This ensures that the light always reaches the eye 300 perpendicularly. The l ight does not reach the retinal photoreceptors beyond the optic disk 330 if the light emitt ing source 4 is positioned and calibrated according to the posit ion of the eye's 300 in the patient and the posit ion of the spectacle frame 24 relative to the posit ion of the optic disk 330.
• the electrooculogram (EOG) or the electroretinograph electrodes are housed in the spectacle frame 24 and temples, as discussed above.
• the EOG signals the gaze direct ion and enables automat ic on off sw itch ing of the light emitting source 34 according to the position of the eye 300.
• the stimulat ion pattern fal ls on the optic disk 330.
• the pattern switches off, in order to not fall on the other light sensitive parts of retina 320 (see also US 20040070729 Al).
• the control system of the light switch and the EOG system takes into consideration the necessary temporal characteristics of the stimulation as well as frequency limits of the EOG system to ensure a precise switching time of the light emitting source 34 such, that the subject does not see the light at any time.
• the light emitting source 34 is advantageously housed in the form of the spectacles 20.
• a one-time calibration procedure allows the correct positioning of the light emitting source 34 in order to stimulate the optic disk 330.
• the calibration comprises a subjective guide of the patient to make a test light invisible to the patient by spatially aligning its position and size on the optic disk 330.
• an eye tracking system together with a 3D model of the eye 300, guides the first installation of the light emitting source 34 on the spectacle frame 24 for the wearer by measuring the gaze direction and the relative position of the optical disk 330 to the foveal fixation.
• the relative position of the light emitting sources 34 to the center of each eye 300 is adjustable on a freely moving rail system installed on the spectacle frame 24.
• the light emitting source 34 can adaptively change position and/or direction according to the eye position and gaze direction.
• the light can be continuously shone to the eye 300 and always remain inside the optic disk 330. This is useful for continuous emission mode for longer exposure times.
• a controller is configured so as to provide a personalized light therapy for the patient with, for example, a specific emitted wavelength in front of the eye 300.
• the pattern of the stimulation light can be changed for example for epileptic patients.
• the controller can paramctrically change the temporal pattern, intensity, wavelength, spatial pattern, duration of the light etc.
• the controller can control the stimulation pattern according to external parameters such as environmental light level, time, etc.
• the controller can control the stimulation pattern according to internal parameters such as physiological factors, heart rate, temperature, pupil size, eye lid position, etc. It can control the stimulation pattern according to personalized information such as age, size, gender, etc.
• the controller is housed in the body and temple of the spectacle frame 24.
• melanopsin signaling in the iris as well as in the retina (Xuc et al, Melanopsin signaling in mammalian iris and retina", Nature, vol. 479, 67-73, 3 November 2011, DOI : 10. 1038 nature 10567 ).
• the method and device of this document enables identifying the position of the pupil, and subsequently also the iris. It is therefore possible to stimulate the iris with the similar or different composition of light as well as stimulating the optic disc .
• the stimulation of the iris will also remain invisible as there is no image- forming photoreceptor on the iris.
• Myopia The method and system may be used in myopia prevention and/or reduction. It is known that myopia occurs when the eyeball 310 is too long, relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens of the eye 300. This additional length of the eyeball 310 causes light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina 320, rather than directly on the surface of the retina 320. An adapted light therapy reduces the risk of myopia onset by acting positively on the production cycle of dopamine. Dopamine is a retinal neurotransmitter associated with light adaptation. Dopamine has an impact on the eye length and thus on myopia.
• dopaminergic cells are linked to intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells and that they are regulated by the chronobio logic blue light at around 480 nm. This specific light is thought activate endogenous dopamine production, while a lack of this light
• PCT/JP2015/065997 for a myopia prevention device. This part of the light spectrum is usually excluded from our industrialized world due to the use of UV protection. Short wavelength light exposure, however, has been a topic of research for decades and has been shown to induce photo -oxidation and retinal degeneration (Schaeffel and Smith, "Inhibiting Myopia by (nearly) invisible light”, EBioMedecine, 16 (2017) 27-28, DOI:
• L-Dopa is a drug which increases dopamine concentrations, and this drug has been shown to inhibit myopic shifts occurring when the patient is deprived of light. This indicates that an increase in dopamine levels can inhibit the progression of myopia regardless of whether the dopamine is produced via light stimulation through the eye 300.
• light stimulation of the optic disc 330 to produce the dopamine can have a similarly positive effect on myopia as L-Dopa, but without pharmacological interventions side effects.
• Preventing circadian disruption and melatonin suppression may require substantial alterations of the CCT of the light night shift workers are exposed to. Although effective for protecting melatonin and other circadian rhythms, the practical utility of these methods may be limited as the complete absence of short wavelength light may lead to reduced contrast and acuity which presents safety concerns for some night workers or surgeons, among other deficiencies.
• the method and apparatus can be used as an alternative to such changes to entrain the circadian rhythm to its natural cycle. Potential applications include use by the shift workers, the travelers, individuals exposed to light from, artificial light sources during a time o circadian night relative to their circadian rhythms, individuals seeking to normalize their circadian rhythm, etc.
• the method and apparatus of this document may be used in therapy for treatment of patients suffering from chronobio logic disorders such as circadian rhythm sleep disorders, sleep disorders, pupil dilation, delayed and advanced sleep phase syndromes, mood disorders, seasonal affective disorder such as depression or fatigue, postpartum depression, cancer risks, hormonal disorders, alertness disorders and cognitive performances, appetite and obesity, memory disorders, psychomotor disorders, body temperature deregulation, premenstrual disorders, epilepsy crisis.
• chronobio logic disorders such as circadian rhythm sleep disorders, sleep disorders, pupil dilation, delayed and advanced sleep phase syndromes, mood disorders, seasonal affective disorder such as depression or fatigue, postpartum depression, cancer risks, hormonal disorders, alertness disorders and cognitive performances, appetite and obesity, memory disorders, psychomotor disorders, body temperature deregulation, premenstrual disorders, epilepsy crisis.
• the apparatus and the method can be employed to achieve increased levels of human alertness and performance e.g. in working environments.
• the system and the method can be used to treat various other disorders such as migraines, anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD),
• the method and system according to the invention can compensate inadequate lighting conditions (lack of beneficial blue at specific moments) to help the biological clock to remain synchronized through the good blue / melatonin secretion relationship.
• Circadian rhythms may be observed in various physiological functions including, but not limited to, sleep/wake cycle, feeding times, mood, alertness, cognitive function, cell proliferation and gene expression in various tissue types.
• tissue and eel! types contain independently oscillating cellular clocks, such as the liver, kidney and pancreas, among others, and can function autonomously through circadian expression of their "clock genes", although they are normally modulated and synchronized by the central SCN clock.
• Light therapy essentially adjusts the amount of the melatonin in the body.
• Low levels of nocturnal melatonin release may be associated with breast cancer, prostate cancer, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, depression, anxiety, migraines and other life threatening or debilitating conditions.
• melatonin may confer protection from, disease, and lower levels of melatonin have been associated with a wide variety of diseases and chronic conditions.
• the scope of this relationship may be potentially far-reaching, and may include cancers, cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension and coronary artery disease, metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and type II diabetes, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, migraine headaches, and psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, etc.
• cancer there appears to be an inverse linear relationship between melatonin levels and disease risk, such that lower melatonin levels are associated with a significant increase in disease risk.
• a device according to the method disclosed by the invention may be also used in therapy for treatment of subjects suffering from epilepsy. Recent research suggests that some forms of epilepsy and depression are bidirectional conditions, which suggests that light therapy could be an effective treatment for some people with epilepsy. Endogenous melatonin production seems to have an influence on seizure thresholds for patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

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• 2018
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