Methods, systems, and apparatus for modulating or reducing photophobic responses
Inventors
Blair, Steven M. • Katz, Bradley Jay
Assignees
University of Utah • University of Utah Research Foundation Inc
Publication Number
US-11672944-B2
Publication Date
2023-06-13
Expiration Date
2032-01-17
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Abstract
An optical filter may reduce the frequency and/or severity of photophobic responses or for modulating circadian cycles by controlling light exposure to cells in the human eye in certain wavelengths, such as 480 nm and 590 nm, and a visual spectral response of the human eye. The optical filter may disrupt the isomerization of melanopsin in the human eye reducing the availability of the active isoform, whereas the attenuation of light weighted across the action potential spectrum of the active isoform attenuates the phototransduction cascade leading to photophobic responses. Embodiments of an optical filter are described. In one embodiment an optical filter may be configured to transmit less than a first amount of light in certain wavelengths, and to transmit more than a second amount of light weighted across the visual spectral response. Methods of use and methods of manufacturing optical filters are also described.
Core Innovation
The invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus for reducing the frequency and/or severity of photophobic responses or for modulating circadian cycles by controlling light exposure to specific cells in the human eye, particularly by selectively filtering light in certain wavelength ranges. An optical filter is configured to transmit less than a first amount of light in the wavelength regions associated with melanopsin activation (such as 480 nm and 590 nm), and more than a second amount of light across the visual spectral response, thereby attenuating specific biological pathways linked to photophobia.
The background addresses the problem that photophobia, or light sensitivity, affects individuals with certain neurologic conditions, and that exposure to certain wavelengths stimulates melanopsin ganglion cells, leading to pain and exacerbation of symptoms. Previous approaches, such as broad-spectrum tints like FL-41, were limited by color distortion, inefficiency, and poor specificity in blocking the problematic wavelengths. The invention seeks to overcome these drawbacks by targeting transmission in precise spectral windows most relevant to the physiological causes of photophobia and circadian rhythms.
An embodiment includes an optical filter that delivers at most a preset dosage of light in the melanopsin-related ranges (454–506 nm and 565–615 nm), and at least a defined dosage across a central green visual band (506–565 nm), optimizing the balance between therapeutic attenuation and color realism. The invention further details manufacturing and design considerations for achieving desired figures of merit (FOM), filter chromaticity, and low backside reflection, supporting robust control over light exposure to the targeted ocular pathways.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims, each outlining an apparatus with distinct technical features for reducing photophobic responses or modulating circadian cycles.
Apparatus with optical filter that controls dosages in three wavelength bands and defines a figure of merit
The apparatus comprises an optical filter configured to deliver: - At most a first dosage of light averaged between about 565 nm and about 615 nm (Drec,590). - At most a second dosage of light averaged between about 454 nm and about 506 nm (Dmelan). - At least a third dosage of light within 506 nm to 565 nm (Dgrn). A figure of merit (FOM1) is defined using the ratios of the dosages in these bands, enabling quantitative assessment of the filter's transmission characteristics relevant to both therapeutic and visual responses.
Apparatus with optical filter defining light transmission fractions and first figure of merit
The apparatus provides an optical filter characterized by: - A light transmission fraction averaged from 454 nm to 506 nm that is less than Tmelan. - A light transmission fraction averaged from 565 nm to 615 nm that is less than Trec,590. - A light transmission fraction averaged from 506 nm to 565 nm that is greater than Tgrn. A first figure of merit (FOM1) is determined by the transmission values in these bands, serving as a measure of the filter's efficacy in attenuating specific photoreceptive responses while maximizing useful visual transmission.
Apparatus with optical filter that enforces Tmelan and Trec,590 values to be less than Tgrn and specifies filter chromaticity
This apparatus claim requires that the optical filter: - Has transmission values where Tmelan (454–506 nm average) and Trec,590 (565–615 nm average) are each less than Tgrn (506–565 nm average). - The filter achieves chromaticity coordinates of x=0.33±0.03 and y=0.33±0.03, closely approximating an achromatic (neutral/gray) color appearance. Specific quantitative values for transmission and figures of merit are recited in the dependent claims, further constraining the inventive feature.
Collectively, the independent claims define apparatuses for selective spectral attenuation to target melanopsin-related and photophobia-relevant bands, prioritize useful visual transmission, and enable objective filter evaluation via figures of merit and chromaticity criteria.
Stated Advantages
The optical filter reduces the frequency and/or severity of photophobic responses and can modulate circadian cycles by precisely controlling light dosage to targeted wavelengths.
By selectively attenuating problematic wavelengths while maximizing transmission in other regions, the filter minimizes color distortion and preserves normal vision quality.
The invention overcomes drawbacks of prior broad-spectrum filters by offering more efficient and targeted blocking, reduced visible spectrum attenuation, and improved color balance.
Documented Applications
Reduction of frequency and/or severity of photophobic responses including migraine headache, light sensitivity associated with concussion or traumatic brain injury, light sensitive epilepsy, and benign essential blepharospasm.
Modulation of circadian cycles, such as aiding adaptation to different time zones and regulating light exposure for sleep disorder management.
Application in optical elements such as spectacles, goggles, clip-ons, contact lenses, computer screens, windows, car windshields, lighting substrates, and light bulbs.
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