U.S. patent application number 16/051941 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-06 for device and method for irradiating the eye.
The applicant listed for this patent is Albert DAXER. Invention is credited to Albert DAXER.
Application Number | 20180344521 16/051941 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49304920 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180344521 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DAXER; Albert |
December 6, 2018 |
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR IRRADIATING THE EYE
Abstract
A device and a method for irradiating the cornea of an eye,
wherein the device includes at least the following elements: a ring
body, which has a bearing surface embodied concentrically about the
longitudinal axis of the device for the purpose of fastening the
device on the eye, an irradiation channel for irradiating the
cornea, which is located inside the ring body, a light source,
which, in the operationally-ready state of the device, is attached
inside the ring body for emitting light in the irradiation channel,
wherein the bearing surface for fastening the device is arranged
outside the irradiation channel, which has the result that the
irradiated area itself is not additionally loaded by bearing
surfaces of the device.
Inventors: |
DAXER; Albert; (Wilhering,
AT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DAXER; Albert |
Wilhering |
|
AT |
|
|
Family ID: |
49304920 |
Appl. No.: |
16/051941 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15680421 |
Aug 18, 2017 |
10064753 |
|
|
16051941 |
|
|
|
|
14436198 |
Apr 16, 2015 |
|
|
|
PCT/EP2013/070345 |
Sep 30, 2013 |
|
|
|
15680421 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 3/0008 20130101;
A61F 9/009 20130101; A61F 9/008 20130101; A61F 2009/00893 20130101;
A61F 9/0079 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 9/007 20060101
A61F009/007; A61F 9/009 20060101 A61F009/009; A61B 3/00 20060101
A61B003/00; A61F 9/008 20060101 A61F009/008 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 17, 2012 |
AT |
A 1122/2012 |
Claims
1. A device for irradiating a cornea of an eye which comprises a
light source which emits UV irradiation light in a wavelight range
between 250 nm and 300 nm or between 180 nm and 230 nm into an
irradiation channel where said light source has an intensity
profile with an opening angle and said irradiation channel is
embodied as an interior cavity of a hollow cylinder and delimited
laterally by a ring body, distally by the light source and
proximally by the end face of the ring body and an irradiation
opening, wherein the cornea can protrude through the irradiation
opening into the irradiation channel, the irradiation allowing
irradiation of a target tissue inside the irradiation channel or
inside the ring body, a housing which encloses the light source,
and a homogenizer installed in the irradiation channel to produce a
homogeneous intensity profile on the cornea, wherein the
homogenizer is arranged in the irradiation channel along a
longitudinal axis as a reflector surface on an inner wall of the
ring body.
2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a power
source comprising a battery having a voltage of 3 V to 12 V,
wherein said battery is permanently installed in the housing.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the housing encloses
the light source, a control electronic system and a power
source.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a base
which is used as a window to be completely transmissive to the
irradiation light or differently transmissive in a spatially
selective manner.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the housing contains a
magnetic sensor having a switch function, and wherein the magnetic
sensor is capable of turning on the light source or triggering
irradiation when a sufficient magnetic field is present.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein an internal timer turns
off irradiation of the cornea when a defined total energy value of
5.4 J/cm.sup.2 is transferred to the cornea.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein emitted power of the
device on the cornea is between 1 and 30 mW/cm.sup.2.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein emitted power of the
device is greater than 30 mW/cm.sup.2 but less than 50
mW/cm.sup.2.
9. The device according to claim 1, wherein an internal timer is
set to turn off irradiation of the cornea after an irradiation time
between 60 seconds and 1800 seconds.
10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the reflector surface
of the homogenizer at the inner wall of the ring body is rough or
uneven to allow diffuse reflection of the UV irradiation light at
the reflector surface.
11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the ring-body defines
a distance between the light source and the eye ranging from 10 mm
to 150 mm measured between the light source and an inner bearing
edge of the ring body.
12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the ring-body is
connected via a stop-delimited exchange receptacle to the
housing.
13. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a
receptacle defining a distance between the light source and the eye
ranging from 10 mm to 150 mm measured between the light source and
an inner bearing edge of the ring body.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and Applicant claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 of U.S. application Ser. No.
15/680,421 filed on Aug. 18, 2017, which is a divisional of and
Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn..sctn. 120 and 121
of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/436,198 filed on Apr. 16, 2015,
which application is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 371 of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2013/070345 filed on Sep.
30, 2013, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 from
Austrian Patent Application No. A 1122/2012 filed on Oct. 17, 2012,
the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by
reference. A certified copy of priority Austrian Patent Application
No. A 1122/2012 is contained in grandparent U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/436,198. The International Application under PCT article
21(2) was not published in English.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a device and a method for
irradiating the--preferably human--eye, in particular the cornea.
The device according to the invention and the method according to
the invention are directed to inducing changes in the structure of
the corneal stroma, which counteract pathological changes. Thus,
for example, keratoconus is a disease of the cornea, which results
in increasing weakening of the mechanical stability of the tissue
due to progressive alteration of the structure of the corneal
stroma. This in turn causes a change of the corneal geometry, which
can result in significant loss of visual acuity up to cornea-based
blindness. This applies similarly for keratoglobus, pellucid
marginal degeneration (PMD), post-LASIK corneal ectasia,
progressive myopia, and other eye diseases.
2. The Prior Art
[0003] The corneal cross-linking of the collagen fibrils of the
cornea by the introduction of riboflavin into the corneal stroma
combined with UV-A irradiation is considered to be prior art. The
stability of the cornea is thus to be increased and progression of
the illness is to be prevented. The geometry of the cornea can also
be altered by the cross-linking and a refractive correction can
thus be performed on the eye.
[0004] Thus, WO 2012/047307 A1 describes a device for irradiating
the cornea for the cross-linking of the collagen fibrils of the
tissue, after riboflavin has been introduced as an agent
(photosensitizer) into the cornea. The disadvantage of such a
system is that the system can perform incorrect irradiation of the
eye in the event of eye movements.
[0005] EP 1561440 A1 and WO 2012/127330 A1 each describe a device
for forming and solidifying the cornea by placing a molded body on
the cornea, through which the irradiation of the cornea and also
the fixation of the molded body or the irradiation unit on the
cornea is performed. The background of this invention is the fact
that the refractive power (diopter) of the eye is very strongly
dependent on the radius of curvature of the front face (surface) of
the cornea. By way of a new shaping of the corneal surface using a
suitable molded body, it is to be possible, according to the
hypothesis of the two documents, to alter the refractive power of
the eye by this device in a defined manner. It will not be
discussed here whether this hypothesis is correct. In any case, an
essential disadvantage of these two systems is that the suctioning
onto the cornea is performed just where the irradiation is also
performed, namely flatly on the corneal surface by said molded
body. Suctioning on the corneal surface, as described in the two
documents of the prior art, can easily result in injury of the
corneal surface in the sense of corneal erosion, which can cause
substantial pain lasting days for the patients. The classical
method for irradiating the cornea, as described, for example, in WO
2012/047307 A1 is itself linked to corneal erosion and substantial
pain, however, there are also newer approaches for treating
keratoconus, where corneal erosion is no longer necessary and where
the treatment can therefore take place without pain (A. Daxer et
al. Corneal Crosslinking and Visual Rehabilitation in Keratoconus
in One Session Without Epithelial Debridement: New Technique.
CORNEA 2010; 29: 1176-1179}. Especially for those applications in
which the epithelium can fundamentally be maintained during the
treatment, these two devices from EP 1561440 A1 and WO 2012/127330
A1 have a substantial disadvantage because of the suctioning onto
the corneal surface to be irradiated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a device and a method for irradiating the cornea of the
eye, which enable cross-linking of the collagen fibrils while
overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art. Various embodiments
of the device and various associated methods for treatment are
presented. Each embodiment and the associated method are also to be
understood as a starting point for further embodiments, in that one
or more parts or elements of the presented embodiments can in turn
be combined with one or more parts and elements of other
embodiments, so that new embodiments result.
[0007] The object is achieved by a device, which comprises at least
the following elements: [0008] a ring body, which has a bearing
surface embodied concentrically about a longitudinal axis of the
device for the purpose of fastening the device on the eye, [0009]
an irradiation channel for irradiating the cornea, which is located
within the ring body, [0010] a light source, which, in the
operationally-ready state of the device for emitting light into the
irradiation channel, is attached inside the ring body, [0011]
wherein the bearing surface for fastening the device is arranged
outside the irradiation channel.
[0012] Because the bearing surface is provided outside the
irradiation channel (specifically outside viewed in the normal
direction to the longitudinal axis of the device or the ring body),
the device is only applied to the eye outside the irradiated area
in the operating state, the irradiated area itself is not
additionally loaded by bearing surfaces of the device. The device
according to the invention thus does not have any fittings for
fastening on the eye inside the irradiation channel, which, in the
operationally-ready state of the device, when it is fastened on the
eye, touch the eye.
[0013] In particular, the irradiation channel can be open on the
side facing toward the eye--in the operating state of the
device--(= on the side facing away from the light source).
[0014] The bearing surface or a diameter of the bearing surface or
a diameter of the ring body or a diameter of the suction ring is
dimensioned in this case so that the fastening on the eye
preferably takes place outside the cornea, or outside the limbus or
in the region of the conjunctiva.
[0015] The form of the irradiation channel can fundamentally be
arbitrary, however, it is embodied at least sectionally along the
longitudinal axis, preferably as an interior (cavity) of a hollow
cylinder, and is delimited by the inner wall of the ring body. The
diameter of the exit opening, measured perpendicularly to the
longitudinal axis, cannot exceed in this case the internal diameter
(smallest diameter) of the suctioning surface, which is preferably
arranged concentrically about the longitudinal axis. In a preferred
embodiment variant, the smallest distance of the delimitation of
the exit opening (exit surface) from the longitudinal axis is not
to exceed the smallest distance of the inner bearing edge or the
smallest distance of the suctioning surface from the longitudinal
axis. The diameter of the irradiation channel, measured
perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, is preferably to be at
least sectionally between 0.5 mm and 20 mm and, in a particularly
preferred embodiment, is to be between 8 mm and 18 mm, for example,
approximately 15 mm. The diameter of the exit surface (exit
surface, irradiation surface) from the irradiation channel,
measured at the height of the end face of the ring body or the
inner bearing edge along the longitudinal axis, is not to exceed 12
mm if possible and the diameter of the profile of the inner bearing
edge or the internal diameter of the suctioning surface is not to
exceed greater than 10 mm if possible, so that the device part for
fastening on the eye lies outside the irradiated area in any case
or delimits it to the outside, measured perpendicularly to the
longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, fittings in the
irradiation channel can touch the eye or the cornea, but without
participating in the fastening of the device on the eye (for
example, suctioning).
[0016] A light source in the meaning of the present invention is to
be considered any radiation source which can emit electromagnetic
radiation in the range of ultraviolet radiation to infrared
radiation, but in particular ultraviolet radiation. In the
operationally-ready state, the light source will generally not
protrude beyond the ring body in the longitudinal direction.
[0017] The irradiation channel, which is located inside the ring
body, could be formed in a particularly simple manner by the inner
wall of the ring body.
[0018] The device according to the invention is essentially
embodied as a ring body, which is arranged essentially (more or
less) concentrically about the longitudinal axis. In a particularly
simple case, the ring body is implemented as a hollow cylinder
without cover faces, i.e., as a cylindrical jacket. The
longitudinal axis of the device then corresponds to the cylinder
axis. A ring body in the meaning of the present invention is any
body which has a closed jacket, however, wherein the jacket
encloses a longitudinal axis. At least one cavity is inside the
jacket, which is open in the longitudinal direction on one side, in
particular on both sides.
[0019] The ring body can have a concentric suction ring, which is
arranged at one end of the hollow cylinder, for example, and an
attachment, which is connected (in particular mechanically rigidly)
to the suction ring, and a receptacle for the functional
components, for example, light source, power source or power
supply, electronics (control electronics). The attachment can be
embodied in one piece with the ring body, in particular by way of
the other end region of the ring body, facing away from the suction
ring. The suction ring can be arranged on the end face of the ring
body which forms the bearing surface.
[0020] One embodiment of the invention provides that the light
source has a fixed, in particular nondetachable mechanical
connection to a control electronics system for controlling the
light source and the control electronics system, in the
operationally-ready state of the device, are also attached inside
the interior of the device defined by the ring body. The advantage
of this embodiment is that a compact embodiment of the device and
also a desired profile of the irradiation can be achieved
simultaneously.
[0021] In a further embodiment, the functional components light
source, power source or power supply for operating the radiation
source, and electronics system (control electronics system) have a
fixed--in particular nondetachable--mechanical connection among one
another, which also contributes to the compact embodiment of the
device, in particular if the power source is also arranged inside
the ring body.
[0022] The light source, power source, and control electronics
system could be fixedly installed in the receptacle, for example,
and permanently connected to the attachment or the ring body. The
receptacle represents in this case a closed--at least laterally
(perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis)--interior of the device.
The functional components are then not replaceable. That is to say,
a receptacle in the actual meaning is not provided, since the
functional components have a fixed, nonvariable spatial
relationship to the ring body.
[0023] The entire device is preferably embodied as sterile as a
medical single-use product. The entire device, including the
installed functional components, is therefore embodied so that it
is sterilizable either by means of ethylene oxide or gamma
radiation. The ring body having suction ring and all of the outer
parts of the device can therefore be embodied as an injection
molded part made of biocompatible material, for example, PMMA or
another suitable plastic. The device can fundamentally be embodied
from any arbitrary suitable material.
[0024] The suction ring has a connector, using which the suction
surface can be connected to a suction pump, so that the ring body
is fastened by the generated partial vacuum on the eye.
[0025] To achieve the most compact possible embodiment of the
device, which is only partially a disposable product, it can be
provided that light source, control electronics system, and power
source are enclosed by a shared housing. The housing can then be
inserted into the ring body and also removed again, so that ring
body and housing can be disconnected because of the detachable
connection and one of the two parts can be reused.
[0026] Accordingly, one variant of the invention is that the ring
body has a receptacle for a housing, in which at least the light
source, but preferably further functional components are
attached--in particular (mechanically) detachably.
[0027] The receptacle can be an integral component of the ring body
and can be embodied in one piece therewith, however, it could also
be manufactured as a separate part and then permanently or
detachably connected to the ring body.
[0028] To ensure a defined distance between light source and eye in
the case of the embodiment with housing in the operationally-ready
state of the device, it can be provided that the receptacle has a
stop limit, so that a housing can be introduced only up to a depth,
which is directly or indirectly defined by the stop limit, into the
ring body. In order that the housing cannot fall out of the ring
body--away from the stop limit--additional holding devices, such as
catches or clamp devices, can be provided.
[0029] To prevent a transfer of bacteria from a possibly nonsterile
housing to the ring body and thereafter to the eye, it can be
provided that the device has a housing envelope, which has a
stop-limited receptacle for the housing, wherein the housing
envelope can itself be introduced into the receptacle for a housing
in the ring body, preferably in a stop-limited manner. In this
case, in the operationally-ready state, the housing envelope is to
enclose the housing on the base and laterally completely and in a
leak-tight manner and should best protrude on its upper side.
[0030] One embodiment of the invention provides that at least the
light source is enclosed by a housing, which has a base, which
faces toward the irradiation channel in the operationally-ready
state and is at least partially transparent to the irradiation
light, which is generated by the light source. The light source is
thus completely shielded from bacteria, and only the housing, but
not the light source, has to be sterilized if necessary.
[0031] In the case of a housing envelope, it can accordingly be
provided that the housing envelope has a base, which is at least
partially transparent to the irradiation light, which is generated
by the light source.
[0032] Different settings for the light source can be performed
using a control electronics system for the light source. In
particular, a control electronics system can be provided for the
light source, using which the irradiation power is settable so that
it decreases during the irradiation of the cornea.
[0033] The device according to the invention can have a cooling
device (for example, fan, cooling body, cooling liquid, etc.) for
dissipating the waste heat generated by the light source. The
remaining components of the device are thus subjected to less heat
and can be produced from materials having lower temperature
resistance.
[0034] The method according to the invention for irradiating the
cornea of an eye using a device according to the invention provides
that the device is fastened on the eye and the irradiation power is
varied during the irradiation of the cornea. To reduce the heating
of the device, which rises with increasing irradiation duration, it
can be provided that the irradiation power decreases during the
irradiation of the cornea.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] For further explanation of the invention, reference is made
to the figures in the following part of the description, from which
further advantageous embodiments, details, and refinements of the
invention can be inferred. In the figures:
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a cross section through an eye with schematic
light source,
[0037] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through a device
according to the invention fastened on the eye,
[0038] FIG. 3 shows the device from FIG. 2 with power source,
[0039] FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the device from
FIG. 2 with housing and housing envelope,
[0040] FIG. 5 shows a cooling body for a device according to the
invention,
[0041] FIG. 6 shows a graph of the power introduced into the eye
using the device according to the invention as a function of
time,
[0042] FIG. 7 shows a further graph of the power introduced into
the eye using the device according to the invention as a function
of time.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] The fundamental structure of the eye and the principle of
the irradiation according to the invention are schematically
illustrated in FIG. 1. The eye 1 is essentially a hollow sphere,
which is delimited at the front by the cornea 2. The terms anterior
and posterior are unambiguously defined in the anatomy of humans.
The optical or anatomical axis of the eye, about which the eye 1 is
functionally or anatomically arranged coarsely
rotationally-symmetrically, is considered to be the axis of
symmetry 3 of the eye. The anatomical axis and the optical axis are
not necessarily coincident. Reference is made to the relevant
technical literature with respect to the details on the
relationship between optical and anatomical axes. The anterior 4
and the posterior 5 chambers of the eye are separated by the iris
6. The central opening of the iris forms the pupil 7, through which
the light can reach the posterior chamber 5 of the eye and
therefore the retina 8. Adjoining the cornea, the sclera 9 forms
the outer wall of the eye 1. The sclera 9 is externally covered by
the conjunctiva at least in the front part of the eye. The
transition between cornea 2 and sclera 9 is referred to as the
limbus 10. The cornea 2 has a front face (surface), which
represents the external surface of the eye 1 to the front (the
outside) and a rear face, which delimits the anterior chamber
(anterior chamber of the eye) 4 to the front. The axis of symmetry
of the eye 1 is to correspond as much as possible with the axis of
symmetry or longitudinal axis 3 of the device. That is to say, the
device is to be attached or aligned on the eye 1 as much as
possible so that the longitudinal axis 3 of the device is aligned
on the optical axis or anatomical axis of the eye 1 or an axis
derived from these two axes of the eye. An axis of the eye derived
from the optical or anatomical axis is considered, for example, an
axis which extends through a point on the cornea surface, which
extends on the linear or curved connection section between the
passage point of the optical axis through the cornea (for example,
first Purkinje reflex) and that of the anatomical axis (for
example, pupil center point). In the case of the irradiation
according to the invention, light from a light source 23 is
preferably introduced in parallel to the axis of symmetry 3 of the
eye 1 into the cornea 2. In a special embodiment, by way of
collimators, which are introduced into the device (ring body or
housing), an alignment of at least a part of the irradiation light
can be achieved (irradiation direction), which does not necessarily
have to be parallel to the longitudinal axis 3 and can enclose an
angle different from zero (preferably between 0.degree. and
90.degree.) with the direction of the longitudinal axis.
[0044] A preferred embodiment of the device according to the
invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. It has a ring body 20, which is
implemented here essentially as a hollow cylindrical jacket. The
ring body 20 has at one end a suction ring 21 for suctioning the
device onto the eye 1 during the treatment. The suction ring 21 is
implemented as a ring-shaped depression in the end face 25 of the
ring body 20, an inner bearing surface 28 and an outer bearing
surface 30 remain of the end face 25 inside and outside the suction
ring 21. The area between inner and outer bearing surfaces 28, 30,
which results by imaginary extension of inner and outer bearing
surfaces 28, 30, forms the so-called suction surface 29. The end
face 25 of the ring body 20, using which the ring body 20 bears on
the eye 1 in the operating state, is delimited on the inside and
outside by bearing edges 24, on the inside by an inner bearing edge
27 and on the outside by an outer bearing edge 31.
[0045] In this special embodiment, the ring body 20 has a
receptacle 22 for a light source 23 for irradiating the cornea 2 or
sclera 9. In this case, the suction ring 21 or the ring body 20 is
embodied substantially concentrically about a longitudinal axis 3
of the device. Concentric means that the suction ring 21 or an
equivalent structure, such as the bearing edge 24 or end face 25
(or the inner bearing edge 27, the outer bearing edge 31, the inner
and outer bearing surfaces 28, 30), is arranged in a preferably
closed, not necessarily rotationally-symmetrical geometry about the
longitudinal axis 3 or a center point of the structure.
Fundamentally, the suction ring 21 or the bearing edge 24 or end
face 25 can have any arbitrary (closed) profile shape around a
center, preferably the longitudinal axis 3. In this case, in a
special embodiment, the longitudinal axis 3 does not have to extend
linearly, but rather can also be curved or angled, or the like,
along its profile. In a special embodiment, the bearing edge 24 is
not closed along the circumference around the center or the
longitudinal axis 3. In this case, it can be a segmented
profile.
[0046] The suction ring 21 is separated on the inside, in the
direction toward the longitudinal axis 3, by a bearing edge 27 or
inner bearing surface 28, which is preferably formed concentrically
to the longitudinal axis 3, and which is in contact with the eye 1
in the operationally-ready state or which touches the eye 1 or the
conjunctiva or the peripheral cornea or the limbus 10, from an
irradiation volume or an irradiation channel 26 or an irradiation
opening or an irradiation region. The exit of the light from the
device onto the cornea 2 therefore does not occur through the ring
body 20 or the suction ring 21, but rather in the central area
(recess of the device) along and about the longitudinal axis 3 of
the device, which is adjoined on the outside, i.e., away from the
longitudinal axis 3, indirectly or directly by the suction ring 21,
which is not penetrated by the irradiation light. In other words,
the suction ring 21 or the inner bearing edge 27 or the inner
bearing surface 28 or the receptacle of the device encloses a
central region of the device, which is arranged about the
longitudinal axis 3, or delimits it to the outside, wherein the
irradiation of the cornea 2 is performed in or through at least one
longitudinal section of this central region, namely the irradiation
channel 26. The irradiation opening (exit opening 19 for the light
exit, see FIG. 3) or the irradiation area of the irradiation
channel 26, on the one hand, and the suction ring 21 or the suction
surface 29, on the other hand are not congruent and in a special
embodiment are also not overlapping. More precisely, the
irradiation area on the cornea 2, or the projection thereof on the
cornea 2 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 3, and the
suction surface 29 of the device on the eye 1 are not congruent or
not overlapping.
[0047] In the present exemplary embodiment, the irradiation channel
26 is implemented cylindrically and concentrically about the
longitudinal axis 3, the suction ring 21 is in the form of a
circular ring, as are the bearing surfaces 28, 30, the bearing
edges 24, 27, 31 are circular. In a special embodiment, the cornea
2 can protrude into the irradiation channel 26 in the
operationally-ready state and the irradiation of the target tissue
can be performed in the irradiation channel 26 or inside the ring
body 20. In the proximal part of the ring body (for example, on the
end face 25 of the ring body), therefore a molded body having
suction function, through which the radiation light is radiated, is
therefore at least not to be attached in any case. An actual exit
opening thus does not exist during the treatment, but rather only
i'n the technical sense, when the device is not fastened on the
eye.
[0048] The inner bearing edge 27 or inner bearing surface 28 has a
radius of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4 mm and ideally
between 5 mm and 6 mm, and in a specific embodiment 6 mm or more,
about the longitudinal axis 3. The suction surface 29 of the
suction ring is determined by the area (ring surface) between outer
bearing surface 30 and inner bearing surface 28, wherein the radius
of the outer bearing edge 31 (or bearing surface) is to be at least
one-half of a millimeter, preferably greater than 1 mm and ideally
greater than 2 mm or even 3 mm, larger than the radius of the inner
bearing edge 27 measured from the longitudinal axis 3 of the
device. Thus, for example, the inner bearing edge 27 (bearing
surface) can have a diameter of 12.0 mm or 12.5 mm and the outer
bearing edge 31 (bearing surface) can have a diameter of 18.0 mm or
18.5 mm.
[0049] In a special embodiment, there is only one of the two
bearing edges 24 (bearing surfaces 28, 30), so that no special
suction surface 29 is defined. In this case, the suction ring 21 is
not embodied as a suction ring in the actual meaning.
[0050] Independently thereof, the term suction ring also applies
for this embodiment for the entire disclosure. In this case, the
fastening on the eye is performed only by exerting a manual
pressure on the device in the direction of the longitudinal axis
toward the bearing edge.
[0051] In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the inner bearing
edge 27 (inner bearing surface 28) is offset in relation to the
outer bearing edge 31 (outer bearing surface 30) in the direction
of the longitudinal axis 3, to be adapted better to the curvature
of the eye or the cornea 2 or the sclera 9. This offset is, if
possible, to be greater than 1 mm and less than 3 mm, for example,
1.5 mm, 2 mm, or 2.5 mm. In a special embodiment, the offset is at
least 0.5 mm. The bearing surfaces 28, 30 do not have to be aligned
perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 3, but rather can
additionally also enclose an angle with a plane perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis 3 for still better adaptation to the
curvature of the eye 1 or the cornea 2.
[0052] The receptacle 22 in FIG. 2 for the light source 23 can
simply be implemented in the interior of the ring body 20 as a
shoulder (stop limit, region having larger diameter than region of
the ring body 20 located underneath (irradiation channel 26)): the
inner, free diameter of the ring body is greater at the height of
the light source 23 than in the irradiation channel 26. The light
source 23 can then simply be placed on this receptacle 22, which is
embodied as a shoulder, whereby the position of the light source 23
is fixed. This is also true similarly if a housing is present,
which can be introduced into the receptacle of the ring body when
the light source is located inside the housing and also if a
housing envelope is present, into which the housing is inserted,
and which is then inserted into the receptacle of the ring body. In
these cases, the following applies: In the distal part of the
housing (above the stop limit), the housing has an external
diameter which is greater than the (every) proximal external
diameter (below the stop limit). In the distal part of the housing
envelope (above the stop limit), the (a) internal diameter is
greater than the internal diameter of the proximal part (below the
stop limit) of the housing envelope. This also applies to the
external diameter of the housing envelope. The external diameter of
the housing and the housing envelope is, at least sectionally along
the longitudinal axis, preferably between 2 mm and 20 mm and, in a
special embodiment, between 6 mm and 16 mm, wherein the wall
thickness of the housing envelope (difference between external
diameter and internal diameter) is preferably between 0.1 mm and 2
mm.
[0053] The mentioned diameters are measured perpendicularly to the
longitudinal axis. The following convention is used for
characterizing the direction along the longitudinal axis: In the
anatomy of humans, the terms distal and proximal are used. Distal
means away from the body and proximal means toward the body. Thus,
for example, the hand is distal from the elbow joint and the
shoulder is proximal from the forearm.
[0054] Since the present device is provided to be applied to the
body of the human (to the eye), the device has a region which comes
into contact with the body during the application of the device.
This region of the device is the end, measured along the
longitudinal axis, where the suction surface, the bearing surfaces,
and the bearing edges are located and which is referred to in the
description as lower or therefore, in analogy to the anatomy,
without thus generating a reference to anatomical structures of the
body, as proximal. Therefore, those structures of the device which,
measured along the longitudinal axis, are relatively more remote
from below (from the proximal region) are referred to as distal.
Thus, for example, the receptacle for the light source is distal
from the suction ring.
[0055] The functional components of the device (electronics 32,
irradiation or light source 23, battery 33, etc.) are preferably
arranged along the direction of the longitudinal axis 3, wherein
they do not necessarily have to be attached along the longitudinal
axis 3, but rather can also be located at a suitable distance from
the longitudinal axis 3 inside the interior (receptacle) of the
device, i.e., for example, inside the ring body 20 in FIG. 2.
[0056] In a further embodiment according to FIG. 3, the ring body
20 is embodied in conjunction with the receptacle 22 such that the
functional components (light source 23, control electronics system
32 for the light source, battery 33 as power source and a switch
46; all connected by electrical connections 44) are housed in a
separate housing 34, which is not permanently connected to the ring
body 20 and the attachment for the receptacle 22. The attachment
for the receptacle 22 is implemented in this case in one piece with
the ring body 20 and forms a part of the ring body 20. The
receptacle 22 is thus embodied as a exchange receptacle, which
enables the replacement of the functional components or the housing
34 from the device or from the attachment with the receptacle 22,
which is connected to the ring body 20. In particular, the
receptacle 22 is embodied such that the housing 34, which contains
the functional components, can be introduced in a stop-limited
manner into the receptacle 22 and also removed from the receptacle
22 again. The housing 34 also has a corresponding stop limit 35
which, in cooperation with the stop limit 36 of the receptacle 22,
prevents an insertion of the housing 34 into the receptacle 22
beyond a defined depth. A defined distance 37 of the light source
23 from the corneal surface (or from the end face 25 of the ring
body 20) and therefore a defined irradiation strength at the
corneal surface is thus guaranteed. The distance of the light
source 23 from the end face 25 of the ring body 20 or from the
inner bearing edge measured in the longitudinal axis 3 is generally
greater than 1 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm and, in a special
embodiment, greater than 10 mm, but less than 70 mm, preferably
less than 50 mm, and ideally less than 30 mm.
[0057] In the embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 3, the
ring body 20 having attachment and receptacle 22 can be embodied
from a resterilizable biocompatible material, for example, steel or
titanium, and the housing 34, which contains the functional
components, for example, can be embodied as a simple injection
molded parts made of plastic, for example, made of PMMA, because
the housing 34 is embodied, for example, as sterile (for example,
ethylene oxide sterilization) as a single-use product.
[0058] The housing 34 can be embodied with or without base 38. The
base 38 is used in this case as a window, which is either
completely transmissive to the irradiation light or is differently
transmissive in a spatially selective manner viewed over the
irradiation area in dependence on the distance from the
longitudinal axis 3 (radial) or the circumferential position of
about the longitudinal axis (circular), i.e., depending on the
location on the window surface measured perpendicularly to the
longitudinal axis (i.e., at different locations at the passage
points of the irradiation light through the window) and can
therefore act as a beam profile converter (see below) in specific
embodiments. The window 38 can also be embodied so that during the
passage of the light through the window, the exit angle of the
irradiation light from the window is different from the entry angle
into the window, measured in relation to the longitudinal axis 3 of
the device. The irradiation light is thus refracted during the
passage through the window from or toward the perpendicular. The
window can also be embodied so that the extent of this light
refraction (angle change) is dependent on the position, i.e., the
location on the window surface, i.e., on the distance from the
longitudinal axis 3 or even on the position on the window surface,
which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 3. The
mentioned functions of the window can also be caused by suitable
components which are attached above (distally) or below proximally)
to the window, measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis,
for example, by components in the form of inlay elements (for
example, lamina) in the housing envelope.
[0059] In a special embodiment, a further or other window, which
can also have the above-described properties, can be attached at
another point inside or outside the housing 34 along the direction
of the longitudinal axis 3, but in the irradiation direction after
the light source 23. The window (the area or substance of the
window) extends essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal
axis 3, although it can also have a differing or variable thickness
along this extension. The thickness at each point of the extension
(area) of the window is measured in the direction of the
longitudinal axis 3.
[0060] Instead of the installed battery 33, an external current or
voltage source can also be used. The battery 33 can also be
provided externally, i.e., not in the device which can be placed on
the eye, and connected using a cable or wire to the control
electronics system 32.
[0061] In a further embodiment according to FIG. 4, in the
operationally-ready state, in addition as an intermediate part
between housing 34 for the functional components and the receptacle
22 (stop-limited exchange receptacle) of the attachment or ring
body 20, a housing envelope 39 is attached, which itself in turn
has an internal stop limit 40 for the stop-limited receptacle of
the housing 34 and externally has a stop limit for the receptacle
of the housing envelope 39, which receives the housing 34, in the
receptacle 22 of the ring body 20. The housing 34, which contains
the functional components (light source 23, control electronics
system 32, battery 33, switch 36) thus does not have to be embodied
as sterilizable, or does not have to be sterile. The housing
envelope 39, which is to accommodate the housing 34, can therefore
be embodied as a very simple and cost-effective injection-molded
part made of biocompatible plastic (for example, PMMA) which is
sterilizable using ethylene oxide or gamma radiation, as a
single-use product. The external part of the device, i.e., the ring
body 20 (having suction ring 21, attachment, and receptacle 22) can
be manufactured as a reusable part, for example, for steam
sterilization, for example, from steel or titanium or another
suitable biocompatible material. In order that the sterility of the
device can be ensured during the operation in this embodiment and a
transfer of bacteria from the nonsterile housing 34 to the
operating field is prevented, the height of the housing envelope
39, measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis 3, must be
greater than that of the housing 34. The height of the housing
envelope 39 in the operating state is preferably at least 1 mm
greater than the height of the housing 34. The height of the
housing is measured from the lower side 38 up to the upper edge 43
of the housing in the direction of the longitudinal axis 3. The
height of the housing envelope is measured from the lower side 45
up to the upper edge 42 of the housing envelope in the direction of
the longitudinal axis 3. This height difference 41 between housing
34 and housing envelope 39 is ideally greater than 2 mm, however,
for example, 5 mm. In other words: the upper edge 42 (upper side)
of the housing envelope 39 protrudes beyond the upper edge 43
(upper side) of the housing 34 in the perationally-ready state,
i.e., when both are introduced in a stop-limited manner into the
associated receptacles 22 of the ring body 20 or into the
receptacle of the housing envelope 39, respectively, by more than 1
mm, preferably more than 2 mm, or ideally more than 5 mm. The upper
edge is the point or edge or surface of the housing 34 or the
housing envelope 39 which is the most distally remote from the body
(eye 1, cornea 2) in the operationally-ready state. Thus, the point
or edge or surface which is most remote from the suction ring 22,
measured along the longitudinal axis 3. The suction ring 21 is
proximal (below, rear). The receptacle 22 is distal (above,
front).
[0062] In the operationally-ready embodiment according to FIG. 3,
the ring body is preferably embodied as sterile (resterilizable)
from metal or ceramic and the housing is embodied as sterile,
preferably as a single-use product.
[0063] In the operationally-ready embodiment according to FIG. 4,
the ring body is preferably embodied as sterile, the housing
envelope as sterile, and the housing as nonsterile. Possible
destruction of functional components can thus be avoided during the
sterilization.
[0064] The device is preferably placed or attached in the
operationally-ready state on the eye 1 so that the longitudinal
axis 3 of the device is aligned essentially perpendicularly to the
sagittal body plane, or approximately in the direction of the
optical or anatomical axis of the eye 1. The longitudinal axis 3 of
the device is preferably to correspond approximately to the
extension direction of the optical axis or the anatomical axis of
the eye, or is to continue it. The passage of the longitudinal axis
3 of the device through the passage opening (passage area) 19,
which is enclosed by the suction ring 21, for the irradiation light
(irradiation area, irradiation opening, . . . ) defines a center
point (center), about which the suction ring 21 is concentrically
arranged. This center point is, in the operationally-ready state,
preferably to correspond approximately to the center point (center)
of the cornea 2, which results from the passage point of the
optical axis or the anatomical axis through the cornea 2. It is
thus ensured that no damage to the limbal stem cells occurs, i.e.,
the limbus 21 is substantially excluded from the irradiation.
[0065] In various embodiments, the longitudinal axis 3 of the
device can be aligned on different axes of the eye, i.e.,
continuing these axes of the eye. Thus, in one specific embodiment,
the longitudinal axis 3 of the device can be aligned on the optical
axis, or on the anatomical axis, or on an axis which lies between
the optical axis and the anatomical axis.
[0066] The functional elements, e.g., light source 23, electronics
system 32, battery 33, are also connected to one another by wire or
cable (electrical connections 44) in this embodiment.
[0067] In one specific embodiment, the housing envelope 39 has an
opening on the upper side (upper edge 42) for the insertion of the
housing 34 into the housing envelope 39, preferably up to the stop
limit 40. The housing envelope 39 or at least the window of the
housing envelope is preferably embodied as transparent to the
irradiation light.
[0068] In one specific embodiment, the properties of the lower side
45 (window) of the housing envelope (45) can entirely or partially
correspond to those described above in FIG. 3 for the lower side
(the base/the window 38) of the housing 34 and can act or be
embodied at least partially as a beam profile converter.
[0069] In all embodiments having exchange receptacles, the
replaceable elements of the device, such as housing 34 or housing
envelope 39, are preferably inserted in the direction of the
longitudinal axis 3 from above (distally), that is the end of the
device (of the ring body 20) opposite or facing away from the
cornea 2 or the suction ring 21.
[0070] The parts of the device which have a exchange receptacle
(ring body 20 having receptacle 22, housing envelope 39) are
embodied as open upward (distally), for example, on the upper edge
42.
[0071] In one specific embodiment, a switch 46 for turning on the
light source 23 (for example, UV LED) is embodied as a mechanical
switch. In another special embodiment, this switch 46 is embodied
as contactless, for example, in that the housing 34, which contains
the functional components, also has a magnetic sensor having switch
or switch function, which is capable in the event of sufficient
magnetic field of turning on the operating current for the light
source or triggering the beginning of the irradiation and, in a
further specific embodiment, also the end (the termination) of the
radiation. In one specific embodiment, the irradiation time can
also be defined or controlled via an internal, preferably
electronic timer or clock, in that, for example, after turning on
the irradiation by triggering a magnetic or other switch, after a
specific preprogrammed time, the radiation is turned off
automatically, i.e., without external action, by means of an
internal timer (electronic timer inside the device (control
electronics system 32)).
[0072] In one special embodiment, the turning on and/or off of the
irradiation operation by the device is triggered by means of a
sterile magnet 47 or magnetic rod, which is moved sufficiently
close to the operationally-ready device by the operator or an
operation assistant during the operation. In this case, the
magnetic switch 46 is preferably located inside the housing 34. In
this case, the magnet 47 or magnetic rod is part of the device.
[0073] Operationally ready is understood as the state of the device
in which the respective parts of the device (depending on the
embodiment ring body 20 (having suction ring 21), receptacle 22,
housing 34, housing envelope 39, etc), are assembled and are in
such a state (for example, temperature) that after the device is
turned on (irradiation) it can be therapeutically used immediately
in just this state.
[0074] The energy or radiant power transferred to the cornea 1 is
the energy or radiant power which, depending on the embodiment, is
preferably measured at a distance of 1 to 5 mm (for example, 3 mm)
from the inner bearing edge 27 or from the end face 25 of the ring
body 20 or between lower side of the housing envelope and 5 mm
proximally to the lower side of the housing envelope (= between
housing envelope and end face of the ring body), in each case on
the longitudinal axis 3 and in each case inside the irradiation
channel 26.
[0075] The irradiation channel is delimited proximally by the end
face 25, distally by the light source 23, and laterally by the
inner wall 48 of the ring body 20. In this case, the wall of the
ring body 20 can be fenestrated, i.e., have openings.
[0076] For conventional irradiation by means of UV-A light with
corneal cross-linking, a total energy of 5.4 J/cm.sup.2 is to be
transferred to the cornea 2. This total energy results from the
multiplication of the power transferred to the cornea 2, which is
normally between 3 mW/cm.sup.2 and 30 mW/cm.sup.2, by the
irradiation time, which is accordingly between 180 seconds and 1800
seconds. In one specific embodiment, the timer is set (embodied) so
that these conditions are met. In one special embodiment, the
internal timer of the device is set (embodied) so that the device
transfers an energy of less than 5.4 J/cm.sup.2 to the cornea 2
during the irradiation. In one specific embodiment, the internal
timer of the device is set (embodied), with preset irradiation
power between 3 mW/cm.sup.2 and 30 mW/cm.sup.2 so that the energy
transfer to the cornea 2 during the treatment time limited by the
timer is less than 5.4 J/cm.sup.2, in particular less than 5
J/cm.sup.2, and very preferably less than 3 J/cm.sup.2, preferably
less than 2.5 J/cm.sup.2 and ideally between 1.5 J/cm.sup.2 or 1.8
J/cm.sup.2 or 2.0 J/cm.sup.2 and 2.5 J/cm.sup.2, for example,
approximately 1.8 J/cm.sup.2, approximately 2.1 J/cm.sup.2,
approximately 2.2 J/cm.sup.2, or approximately 2.3 J/cm.sup.2. This
means that the device or the timer (time switch) automatically
turns off the irradiation after a time when the desired irradiation
energy is reached according to the above considerations.
[0077] The internal timer (time switch) of the device therefore
turns off the irradiation of the cornea 2, for example, according
to following Table 1, depending on the embodiment, after the
following irradiation time:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Power (mW/ Irradiation Energy Irradiation
Energy Irradiation Energy cm.sup.2) time(s) (J/cm.sup.2) time(s)
(J/cm.sup.2) time(s) (J/cm.sup.2) 3.00 720.00 2.16 780.00 2.34
600.00 1.80 6.0 360.00 2.16 390.00 2.34 300.00 1.80 9.0 240.00 2.16
260.00 2.34 200.00 1.80 12.00 180.00 2.16 195.00 2.34 150.00 1.80
15.00 144.00 2.16 156.00 2.34 120.00 1.80 18.00 120.00 2.16 130.00
2.34 100.00 1.80 21.00 102.86 2.16 111.43 2.34 85.71 1.80 24.00
90.00 2.16 97.50 2.34 75.00 1.80 27.00 80.00 2.16 86.67 2.34 66.67
1.80 30.00 72.00 2.16 78.00 2.34 60.00 1.80
[0078] The irradiation power in mW/cm.sup.2 (or in mW upon
observation of the total irradiated area) can be constant in this
case during the irradiation time or can vary or oscillate around a
specific value (or around a specific curve--see below). In a
further embodiment, the irradiation power can follow a defined
curve during the irradiation time, for example, linearly increasing
or decreasing, nonlinearly increasing or decreasing, periodically
varying, non-constantly linearly increasing or decreasing (i.e.,
during the irradiation time, the irradiation power increases or
decreases linearly or nonlinearly in different strengths at
different phases during this irradiation time), exponentially
increasing or decreasing, etc., or an arbitrary combination of
these curve forms.
[0079] Thus, for example, a non-constantly decreasing irradiation
curve could follow the following law, for example:
irradiation power(t)=k1*t+k2*t+k3*t+f(t),
[0080] wherein k1, k2, k3, within the irradiation time or within a
specific time phase during the irradiation time (wherein duration
of the time phase is less than or equal to irradiation time) or in
different time phases within the irradiation time, can be different
constants or zero and f(t) can also be linear, multilinear,
arbitrary, or zero within the irradiation time or in different time
phases can in each case be differently linear, multilinear,
arbitrary, or zero.
[0081] An embodiment variant in which the transferred total energy
is approximately 5.4 J or 5.4 J/cm.sup.2 and in which the
irradiation power decreases with time, can appear as follows, for
example (Table 2):
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Zeit (s) Leistung (mW/cm2) Energie (mJ/cm2)
15.00 17.80 277.50 30.00 16.70 536.25 45.00 16.30 783.75 60.00
15.80 1024.50 75.00 15.40 1258.50 90.00 14.80 1485.00 105.00 14.30
1703.25 120.00 13.80 1914.00 135.00 13.40 2118.00 150.00 13.00
2316.00 165.00 12.60 2508.00 180.00 12.30 2694.75 195.00 12.00
2877.00 210.00 11.70 3054.75 225.00 11.40 3228.00 240.00 11.20
3397.50 255.00 11.00 3564.00 270.00 10.85 3727.88 285.00 10.60
3888.75 300.00 10.40 4046.25 315.00 10.20 4200.75 330.00 10.10
4358.00 345.00 10.00 4503.75 360.00 9.91 4653.08 375.00 9.90
4801.65 390.00 9.85 4949.78 405.00 9.80 5097.15 420.00 9.75 5243.78
435.00 9.71 5389.73 Zeit = time Leistung = power Energie =
energy
[0082] This is shown in a graph in FIG. 6. The power in mW/cm.sup.2
is indicated on the left vertical axis, the cumulative energy in
mJ/cm.sup.2 is indicated on the right vertical axis, and the time
in seconds is indicated on the horizontal axis. In this case, the
power (time curve 61 of the irradiation power) is shown decreasing,
which transfers due to its special time curve a cumulative energy
62 to the cornea 2, which, at the end of the irradiation duration
has thus transmitted the cumulative total energy of approximately
5.4 J (or 5.4 J/cm.sup.2) to the cornea 2. The mean irradiation
power 63 results from the cumulative total energy divided by the
irradiation duration.
[0083] Another embodiment variant, in which the total transferred
energy is approximately 2.1 J or 2.1 J/cm.sup.2 and in which the
irradiation power decreases with time, can appear as follows, for
example (Table 3):
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Zeit (s) Leistung (mW/cm2) Energie (mJ/cm2)
15.00 17.80 277.50 30.00 16.70 536.25 45.00 16.30 783.75 60.00
15.80 1024.50 75.00 15.40 1258.50 90.00 14.80 1485.00 105.00 14.30
1703.25 120.00 13.80 1914.00 135.00 13.40 2118.00
[0084] This is shown in a graph in FIG. 7, wherein FIG. 7 reflects
the relationships of FIG. 6, but using a cumulative total energy of
approximately 2.1 J (or 2.1 J/cm.sup.2) instead of 5.4 J (or 5.4
J/cm.sup.2). The variables plotted on the individual axes
correspond to those in FIG. 6.
[0085] In one preferred embodiment, the irradiation power decreases
during the irradiation time or at least at the beginning of the
irradiation time with increasing duration. That is to say, the
irradiation power is less at a later point in time within the
irradiation time than at an earlier point in time within the
irradiation time. In a special variant of this embodiment, the
decrease of the irradiation power decreases during the irradiation
time. That is to say, in a later phase of the irradiation, the
irradiation power decreases less strongly with time than in an
earlier phase.
[0086] The transferred irradiation energy (total energy) is
calculated from the integral of the time-dependent irradiation
power over the irradiation time. The irradiation time is calculated
from the duration which is required to reach the required total
energy which is to be transferred to the cornea 2. This value is
set (programmed) in a timer of the control electronics system 32
during the manufacturing.
[0087] This property, specifically that the power decreases during
the irradiation, can be advantageous in that the technical
requirements for the cooling or heat dissipation of the light
source 23 in the operationally-ready state or during the operation
are reduced and the costs of the manufacturing can thus be
decreased. More advantageous materials can thus also be used in
relation to the transparency of the housing (window) and the device
can be constructed as particularly small, which is in turn
accompanied by advantages in the medical application.
[0088] This is preferably a UV, in particular a UV-A light source
23 for irradiating the cornea 2 in this case. In a very special
embodiment, the light source 23 is a light-emitting diode, which
emits, for example, in the UV-A range, for example, light in a
wavelength range between 350 nm and 370 nm (380 nm), for example,
at 360 nm or at 365 nm or at 370 nm. A variation or inaccuracy of
the functioning range of up to 10% around these values can be
tolerated in specific embodiments. However, this light source 23
can also emit in a completely different wavelength range (visible
or nonvisible) if an active agent for cross-linking or other
influence of the collagen fibrils or another stabilizing element of
the cornea 2 or this element itself are active in this wavelength
range. Active in this context means that by way of the irradiation
from the light source 23, with or without the aid of an agent (for
example, riboflavin, hyaluronic acid, etc.) to be introduced into
the cornea 2 or sclera 9 to mediate the effect, the cornea 2 is
structurally or ultra-structurally changed such that a
stabilization or shape change or refraction change or other change
of the cornea 2 or sclera 9 is achieved.
[0089] A stabilization can be the inhibition or slowing of the
progress of an illness or refraction anomaly or at least local
hardening or shrinking of the tissue. The irradiation source (light
source 23) can also consist of multiple individual irradiation
sources (light sources) which can be arranged in any arbitrary
position in relation to one another and which, in special
applications, can also have different wavelengths or wavelength
ranges in the emission characteristic. The irradiation sources or
light sources can be attached at arbitrary locations inside the
device, also outside the housing 34, preferably, however, all light
sources are attached inside the housing 34.
[0090] The light source 23 or light sources can emit spatially or
chronologically homogeneous or inhomogeneous electromagnetic waves
for at least partial absorption in the cornea 2 or sclera 9. In a
spatial aspect, the light source 23 can have a uniform intensity
profile over the emission area or over the emission cross section,
or a preferred directional characteristic, which can have intensity
maxima in one or more different directions, for example. Thus, for
example, a directional characteristic can be "club-like" having a
specific opening angle (for example, 80.degree.).
[0091] In another embodiment, the wavelength of the light source 23
is between 250 nm and 300 nm, in particular between 270 nm or 290
nm, or around or at 280 nm. The wavelength and the irradiation
intensity of the cornea 2 are preferably selected so that no tissue
ablation occurs on the cornea due to the irradiation. In one
preferred embodiment, the wavelength and/or the irradiation
intensity is selected so that a tissue ablation on the cornea is
precluded.
[0092] In one special embodiment, however, the wavelength and the
energy of the light source 23 (irradiation source) can be selected,
however, so that a tissue ablation can be achieved on the cornea 2.
In this exemplary embodiment, the wavelength is preferably to be
between 180 nm and 230 nm. The energy is to be between 0.1 and 10
J/cm.sup.2. The irradiated area on the cornea 2 is not to exceed a
diameter of 12 mm, ideally it is to be 10 mm or smaller in diameter
(for example, 9.5 mm, 9 mm, 8.5 mm, or 8 mm). The irradiated area
is ideally approximately 1 cm.sup.2 in size.
[0093] The irradiation or light source 23 (for example, LED) is, in
a specific embodiment according to FIG. 5, directly or indirectly
thermally connected to a solid, metallic, liquid, gaseous,
ointment-like or pasty, greasy, creamy, amorphous, crystalline or
other cooling body 50 or a mass inside the housing 34. The cooling
body 50 or the mass is capable of absorbing at least a part of the
heat generated by the light source 23. In other words: The
temperature of this cooling body 50 increases on at least one point
or area on its surface or in the body interior. This cooling body
50 is preferably at least 2 mm wide (measured in at least one
dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3) and at least 2
mm tall (measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis 3).
Ideally, this cooling body 50 is attached directly to the light
source 23 by direct contact on a contact surface 51, wherein the
distance between the cooling body 50 and a point on the external
surface of the light source 23 is ideally zero if possible, but at
least less than 2 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm. The light source
23 can also be in contact with a liquid and/or a liquid can wash
around it inside the housing 34. The irradiation light then
penetrates this liquid. This liquid is capable of absorbing heat
from the light source 23. The liquid thus heats up during the
irradiation time.
[0094] In one special embodiment, the temperature of the device, in
particular of the light source 23 and/or the ring body 20, in an
operationally-ready state is less than 5.degree. C., preferably
less than 1.degree. C., and ideally 0.degree. C. if possible. In a
further embodiment, the temperature of the device, in particular of
the light source 23 and/or the ring body 20, displays a
time-dependent curve during operation (= light emission from the
light source). For example, the device is embodied so that the
temperature of the device, measured at the light source 21 and/or
the ring body 20, during operation (= for example, during the
duration between turning on the irradiation operation and turning
off the irradiation operation as induced by the internal timer)
increases from a starting temperature (for example, 0.degree. C.)
in the operationally-ready state (starting state, before the
turning on or before the point in time of the turning on of the
device) to higher temperature values (for example, greater than
0.degree. C., preferably greater than 1.degree. C., and in
particular greater than 5.degree. C.).
[0095] However, the light source 23 can also emit in another UV
range, in the visible light range, or in the infrared range.
[0096] Solid-state lasers (neodymium or titanium lasers--for
example, Nd:YAG, Nd:glass, Nd:YLF, Ti:Sa) can also be used as the
primary light sources. Corresponding harmonics of a basic
wavelength can also be generated. Double-refractive crystals such
as 880, KDP, KTP, or Li-niobate can be used for this purpose.
[0097] The current supply for operating the light source 23 can be
produced locally via an "installed" (internal power source) battery
33 or an accumulator cell or, however, via a current line between
light source and power source (battery, accumulator cell, power
supply unit, or transformer) (external power source). "Installed"
in this context means that the power source is permanently
connected to the light source 23 such that it can be inserted
jointly with the light source 23 into the insert of the suction
ring (i.e., into the ring body 20), even if parts thereof protrude
out of the ring body 20 or the receptacle 22. This connection can
be performed, for example, by a shared housing 34, which not only
electrically but also mechanically connects light source 23 and
power source 33 such that the power source 33, due to the
mechanical connection to the light source 23, automatically also
has to be moved or is moved during the movement thereof (for
example, insertion into the ring body 20). In other words, the
power source 33 is seated fixedly or permanently connected by a
mechanical device, at least during the intended use, on the light
source 23. This can be implemented by a shared housing 34 or in the
form of a shared base plate or other mechanical connecting elements
between light source and energy source 23, 32.
[0098] By way of the attachment of the illumination unit (device)
on the eye, which is achieved via the ring body 20 fastened on the
eye 1, any uncertainty and incorrect illumination of the eye as a
result of intentional and unintentional eye movements is prevented.
WO 2011/138031 A1 does describe a tracking system for an
illumination beam in the sense of a scanning spot beam to ensure a
local irradiation distribution and to preclude errors due to eye
movements, however, this system is very technically complex and
costly. The possibility is accordingly provided by the fixation or
possible fixation according to the invention of the device on the
eye that the light source 23 (irradiation source) is itself also
tracked with the eye movements and not only the beam from the light
source 23 is deflected accordingly.
[0099] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a
homogenizer can be installed to homogenize the active irradiation
profile (intensity profile of the light source 23) in the
irradiation channel 26 (between light source 23 and the end face 25
of the ring body 20) at least 1 mm proximally of the irradiation
source (light source 23). This homogenizer is to produce a
homogeneous intensity profile by "mixing" the primary beam profile
between light generation inside the device and light exit from the
homogenizer before the incidence on the corneal surface. Such a
homogenizer can be embodied, for example, in the form of a
reflective hollow cylinder, the cavity of which is aligned along
the cylinder axis (longitudinal axis 3) or at a specific angle to
the irradiation direction. (Such) a homogenizer can also be
arranged concentrically or inclined or offset in parallel or a
combination of these arrangements to the irradiation direction
(which can be established, for example, by the longitudinal axis 3
between light source 23 and end face 25 of the ring body 20). The
reflector surface of the homogenizer in the interior can be smooth
or rough or uneven. It can have protrusions or projections, which
reflect or do not reflect. The reflector surface can also have a
spiral or circular-symmetrical or asymmetrical-surface design. A
homogenizer can be implemented particularly simply if the
irradiation channel 26 is formed by the inner wall 48 of the ring
body 20 (see FIG. 4), because then the inner wall 48 can simply be
implemented accordingly as a reflector surface.
[0100] In a further embodiment, the homogenized (homogenizer) or
non-homogenized radiation profile (intensity profile) of the light
source 23 can be converted into a radiation or intensity profile of
specific characteristic by a suitable device, which is attached in
the operationally-ready state between the light source 23 and the
tissue to be irradiated (for example, cornea 2) or at a distance of
at least 1 mm remote from the light source (proximally) or at least
1 mm remote from the end face 25 (distally) inside the irradiation
channel 26. This device (beam profile converter) can be attached
before or after the homogenizer if a homogenizer is present. If a
homogenizer is not present, the beam profile converter is attached
between light source 23 at a distance of at least 1 mm from the end
face 25 and/or at least 1 mm from the radiation source inside the
irradiation channel 26 (i.e., between light source and target
tissue). The beam profile converter can be directly or indirectly
mechanically connected to the ring body 20 or also, as already
stated above, arranged in the housing 34, attached on the window
(base 38, lower side) of the housing 34 or can replace this window
or can be attached on the window (lower side 45) of the housing
envelope 39 or can replace this window. In one specific embodiment,
it can be permanently connected to the ring body 20 or can be
replaceable or exchangeable--i.e., it can be inserted or removed.
This can be used, for example, to compensate for the differing
energy density of the light upon incidence on target tissue (cornea
2) is curved or inclined in relation to the irradiation direction
in joules per unit area or Watts per unit area. Such a device for
modification of the beam profile (beam profile converter) can
consist, for example, of an insert or at least partial optical
obstruction in the illumination beam path between the light source
23 and the target tissue (for example, at a distance of at least 1
mm from the end face 25 and/or at least 1 mm remotely from the
light source inside the irradiation channel 26). This device
(insert, housing, housing envelope, etc.) for beam modification is
characterized in that it represents a transmission obstruction over
at least a part of the irradiation area (intensity profile). In a
special embodiment, this can be achieved by a lamina which is
introduced into the beam path and consists of a material which
displays an absorption behavior for the wavelength used. The
intensity variation (beam modification) over the irradiation cross
section (irradiation area) can be achieved in this case by
thickness variation of the lamina over the illumination cross
section. In this case, the thickness variation measured in the
direction of the longitudinal axis of the lamina over the
illumination cross-section measured perpendicularly to the
longitudinal axis is a depiction of the desired intensity
variation. The illumination cross section is considered the
cross-sectional area within the irradiation channel proximally of
the illumination source (i.e., between illumination source and end
face or bearing edge) which extends perpendicularly to the
longitudinal axis and is delimited by the inner wall of the ring
body. In the case of a nonhomogeneous beam profile, before the
incidence on the lamina, the thickness variation must be weighted
in accordance with the non-homogeneity of the primary beam before
the incidence on the lamina to generate the desired final intensity
profile upon incidence on the target tissue. In the case of a
homogeneous primary beam before incidence on the lamina, for
example, to compensate for the effective drop of the light action
on the peripheral tissue as a result of the cornea curvature, the
lamina must have a thickness distribution in which the thickness
preferably decreases symmetrically from the inside (approximately
corresponding to the optical axis) to the outside (light beams
incident on the peripheral cornea). The extent of the thickness or
the thickness reduction is dependent on the absorption behavior of
the lamina (for example, window in the base 38 or window in the
lower side 45), i.e., the coefficient of absorption, and the
precise or approximate curvature profile of the cornea 2 (depending
on the required precision of the correction) toward the outside.
However, the variation of the cornea thickness or any arbitrary
other possible reason for a fundamentally arbitrary variation of
the lamina thickness, or a combination of reasons, can be used for
variation of the irradiation intensity.
[0101] Such a beam profile converter can also be used, with slight
variation of the components for the primary light source 23
(tolerance of the components) with respect to beam characteristic
of the primary light source 23 (photodiode, light-emitting diode,
UV light source, LED, laser, laser diode, etc.) as a
homogenizer.
[0102] To change or limit the beam diameter of the irradiation
light, in the operationally-ready state, an aperture or an aperture
system can be attached (for example, in the housing 34 or in the
housing envelope 39 or on the ring body 20) inside the irradiation
channel 26 or at the exit of the irradiation light from the
irradiation channel 26. Such an aperture or such an aperture system
consists of a material which is nontransparent to the wavelengths
of the irradiation light having at least one or more transparent
light passages applied thereon. These light passages can have an
arbitrary shape, for example, they can be round, circular,
elliptical, star-shaped, polygonal, or other. The apertures can be
embodied as inlay lamina to be laid in the housing envelope 39. The
light passages can have dimensions (for example, diameter or
greatest extension) of 0.01 mm to 10 mm, measured perpendicularly
to the longitudinal axis 3. The aperture can also be embodied as an
"inverse aperture", in that at least one nontransparent area is at
least partially enclosed by a transparent area.
[0103] In the case of all fittings (homogenizer, beam profile
converter) in the interior of the ring body which protrude into the
irradiation channel 26, it is to be ensured that they do not touch
the cornea 2 in the operationally-ready state of the device. In
this regard, these fittings-viewed from the light source 23 in the
direction of the longitudinal axis 5--should be arranged in front
of the end of the ring body 20, in particular at a distance of at
least 1 mm remote from the inner bearing edge 27 (see FIG. 2).
[0104] The ring body 20 (or its linear outer wall 49, see FIG. 4)
has, in the operationally-ready state, measured in the direction of
the longitudinal axis 3, a height of at most 150 mm, ideally at
most 70 mm and at least 10 mm. The light source 23 is at least 1 mm
remote from the base 38 in the housing 34. The light source 23 is,
in the operationally ready state, at least 1 mm, at most 150 mm,
remote from the inner bearing edge 27 of the ring body 20. A
typical height of the ring body 20 is approximately 30 mm and the
entire device, including housing 34 and housing envelope 39, is
approximately 60 mm.
[0105] The device according to the invention for irradiating the
target tissue can also contain an electronics system (control
electronics system 32) for current limiting for the current supply
of the primary light source 23. This electronics system 32 can
achieve this current limiting either by pulsation of the light
source 23 with fixed or variable pulse duration for the power
control of the primary light source or by limiting the current
strength by ohmic or active components. The electrical activation
of the light source 23 can be performed in a special embodiment via
a constant current source, wherein the current through the
irradiation source is to be at values around 100 mA (50 mA to 200
mA). The pulsation (pulse duration or relative pulse duration in
relation to the period length) of the light or of the activation
current of the light source can be arbitrary. A pulsation of
approximately 1:2 for the ratio of pulse duration to period
duration is advantageous. The pulsation can preferably be between
1:1 and 1:5. For example, at 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5 or also
greater than 1:5. The pulse duration can be in the range of
seconds, ms, ns, ps, or less.
[0106] The standby current of the electronics system 32 is to be in
the microampere range if possible, i.e., less than 100 IJA,
preferably less than 10 IJA.
[0107] The irradiation intensity, power, and energy at the target
tissue can be oriented, inter alia, according to the choice of the
selected active agent in the target tissue, according to the
desired irradiation duration, according to the desired
two-dimensional action distribution (effect) along the surface of
the target tissue (for example, cornea surface), according to the
depth or depth distribution in the target tissue, according to the
wavelength or the wavelength spectrum of the light source 23
(primary light source or upon incidence on the target tissue, or
upon exit from the device), etc.
[0108] In one specific embodiment, the emitted power of the device
on the target tissue, i.e., the power immediately after the light
source 23 (for example, less than 1 mm remote from the light
source) can be between 1 and 30 mW/cm.sup.2, preferably between 3
and 20 mW/cm.sup.2 In further embodiments, the emitted power can be
between 3 and 15 mW/cm.sup.2 or between 3 and 9 mW/cm.sup.2. The
power can be set (embodied) variably between the specified values
or fixedly at a specific value in one of the specified ranges.
Thus, in embodiments having fixed power setting, for example, 3, 6,
9, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, or 30 mW. In one specific embodiment, the
power can be greater than 30 mW/cm.sup.2. In these cases, emitted
powers of 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 mW/cm.sup.2 are thus
conceivable.
[0109] In one embodiment, the current strength for activation or
for operation of the primary light source 23 (for example, UV LED),
can be limited to less than 700 mA In a further embodiment, this
current strength can be limited to less than 200 mA In further
embodiments, the device contains a voltage source for operating the
primary light source 23 having a current limit to less than 200 mA,
less than 150 mA, less than 125 mA, or less than 100 mA.
[0110] In one embodiment, the device for irradiating the target
tissue contains a battery 33 having a voltage of 3 V to 9 V (or up
to 12 V), preferably of 6 V, as a power source for the operation of
the primary light source 23.
[0111] In one embodiment, the device for irradiating the target
tissue contains a battery 33 having a capacitance less than 3700
mAh. In a further embodiment, the capacitance of the battery 33 is
from 50 to 3700 mAh, preferably less than 1500 mAh. In a further
embodiment, the capacitance of the battery is less than 200 mAh, or
less than 150 mAh. In a special embodiment, the capacitance of the
battery is around 100 mAh, for example, 90 mAh, 100 mAh, 105 mAh,
i.e., approximately between 80 and 120 mAh. In this special
embodiment, with suitable selection of the primary light source 23,
the current for the operation of the primary light source 23 can be
produced by the limiting of the capacitance of the power source, so
that even in the event of malfunction, a provision of an excessive
amount of power can be prevented as a safety measure, since the
battery 33 itself cannot provide a sufficient amount of energy. In
this case, the device for irradiating the target tissue must have a
device for simple replacement of the battery 33, preferably on the
upper side (on the side facing away from the target tissue or from
the end face 25) of the device, or laterally. In a special
embodiment, the battery 33 is permanently installed in the housing
34, so that it cannot be replaced by the user of the device.
[0112] In a further embodiment, a fuse is connected in the
operating power circuit to the primary light source 23. This fuse
is to have a response time for interrupting the power circuit of
less than one second, ideally less than 0.1 second.
[0113] In a further embodiment, a timer for turning off the device
(for example, turning off the operating current, blocking the
illumination of the target tissue, etc.) between 1 and 30 minutes
of operating time or irradiation time is planned. In a further
embodiment, this timer can be preset to a specific point in time,
for example, 15 minutes or 12 minutes or 10 minutes or 9 minutes or
6 minutes or 3 minutes.
[0114] In specific embodiments, the timer can be set during the
manufacturing, for example, if the irradiation power during the
irradiation is not constant, but rather, for example, has a
decreasing curve, so that the chronological cumulative total energy
during the treatment reaches the desired value (for example, 5.4 J
or 5.4 J/cm.sup.2), depending on the curve of the irradiation
power.
[0115] The selection of the operating or irradiation time can be
dependent, for example, on the selected power, wavelength,
intra-corneal agent, tissue thickness, etc.
[0116] In one specific embodiment, the device can be equipped with
an applanator for mechanically changing the cornea geometry by
pressing the applanator onto the tissue surface (for example,
corneal surface). This applanator can be embodied from material
which is transparent to the selected wavelength of the light source
23 (for example, quartz glass) or material which is absorbent (for
example, PMMA). The applanator can have an arbitrary surface
geometry toward the tissue (i.e., toward the end face 25 of the
ring body 20). The surface geometry can also be planar, convex, or
concave. By way of the suitable selection of the surface geometry,
in one embodiment, the inhomogeneous beam geometry (intensity
distribution) or the influence of the cornea 2, which is curved
peripherally in relation to the beam, can be compensated for, in
that a convex applanator (for example, centrally protruding or
convex) is used.
[0117] The applanator can also be connected to a device for beam
modification. Thus, for example, the applanator can be embodied as
planar orthogonally to the irradiation direction toward the target
tissue (i.e., toward the end face 25 of the ring body 20) and as
convex having an absorbent material for the selected irradiation
wavelength facing away from the target tissue in the direction of
the primary light source 23. The applanation surface or the
applanator can be embodied from a material which is transparent or
at least partially absorbent for the selected light wavelength in
this case. If an applanator is used, it is intentionally accepted
that the cornea 2 is touched by the applanator in the irradiated
region, however, in this case the stress of the cornea 2 is less in
comparison to fastening of the irradiation device in the irradiated
region.
[0118] The suction ring 21 consists of two concentric bearing
surfaces, for example, the inner bearing surface 28 and the outer
bearing surface 30, or bearing edges on the target tissue, which
are separated from one another by a partial cavity and which can
accommodate or build up the partial vacuum for suctioning the
device onto the target tissue.
[0119] The ring body 20 can be made of an arbitrary, preferably
biocompatible material. It can be manufactured, for example, from
plastic (for example, PMMA) or metal (steel, titanium, etc.). The
ring body 20 can contain or consist of a magnetic material. The
light source 23 can contain magnetic sensors (for example, Hall
sensors), which detect the magnetic material upon insertion into
the ring body 20 and can be used, for example, as the on switch for
the light source 23. Other sensor systems are also conceivable.
[0120] The ring body 20, for example, the suction ring 21, or the
housing envelope 39 can be equipped with a device, which enables
wetting of the cornea 2 by means of water or aqueous solutions
during the treatment. Thus, for example, the housing envelope 39
can have, up to a certain extent (for example, approximately 1 ml
or less or also more, depending on the device) on the window side
(on the base 45), one or more perforations, through which the water
or the aqueous solution for wetting the cornea 2 slowly penetrates
over the treatment time onto the cornea surface. The openings in
the window (on the base 45) of the housing envelope 39 are to be
smaller than 1 mm if possible in this case, preferably smaller than
0.5 mm.
[0121] Considered technically, in the operationally-ready state,
every side wall of the housing envelope 39 and the housing 34, if
it protrudes distally (above) over the actual ring body 20
(receptacle), represents an extension of the ring body 20 and can
be counted with the ring body or considered equivalent thereto if
needed.
[0122] All elements of all embodiments are combinable with one
another to form further, novel embodiments.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0123] 1 eye [0124] 2 cornea [0125] 3 longitudinal axis (axis of
symmetry) of the device, axis of symmetry of the eye [0126] 4 front
chamber of the eye (anterior chamber) [0127] 5 rear chamber of the
eye (posterior chamber) [0128] 6 iris [0129] 7 pupil [0130] 8
retina [0131] 9 sclera [0132] 10 limbus [0133] 11 - [0134] 12 -
[0135] 13 - [0136] 14 - [0137] 15 - [0138] 16 - [0139] 17 - [0140]
18 - [0141] 19 exit opening (passage opening) [0142] 20 ring body
[0143] 21 suction ring [0144] 22 receptacle [0145] 23 light source,
irradiation source [0146] 24 bearing edge [0147] 25 end face [0148]
26 irradiation channel [0149] 27 inner bearing edge [0150] 28 inner
bearing surface [0151] 29 suction surface [0152] 30 outer bearing
surface [0153] 31 outer bearing edge [0154] 32 electronics system,
control electronics system [0155] 33 battery (power source) [0156]
34 housing [0157] 35 stop limit on the housing 34 [0158] 36 stop
limit on the receptacle 22 [0159] 37 distance between cornea 2 or
corneal surface and the light source 23 [0160] 38 base (lower side
of the housing 34, window) [0161] 39 housing envelope [0162] 40
stop limit on the housing envelope 39 [0163] 41 height difference
between housing 34 and housing envelope 39 [0164] 42 upper edge of
the housing envelope [0165] 43 upper edge of the housing [0166] 44
electrical connection between the functional elements, for example,
light source, electronics, and battery [0167] 45 lower side of the
housing envelope [0168] 46 switch [0169] 47 magnet [0170] 48 inner
wall of the ring body 20 or of the irradiation channel 26 [0171] 49
outer wall of the ring body 20 [0172] 50 cooling body (cooling
device) [0173] 51 contact surface between cooling body 50 and light
source 23 [0174] 52 - [0175] 53 - [0176] 54 - [0177] 55 - [0178] 56
- [0179] 57 - [0180] 58 - [0181] 59 - [0182] 60 - [0183] 61 time
curve of the irradiation power [0184] 62 time curve of the
cumulative power transferred to the cornea [0185] 63 mean
irradiation power, averaged over the irradiation time
* * * * *