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-12268822-B2
Publication Date
2025-04-08
Expiration Date
2032-01-17
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
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, as well as for modulating circadian cycles, by controlling light exposure to specific cells in the human eye, notably the melanopsin ganglion cells. This is achieved through the use of optical filters designed to selectively transmit or block light at certain wavelengths, such as near 480 nm, 590 nm, and 620 nm, that are associated with the absorption spectra of the active and inactive isoforms of melanopsin. These filters disrupt the isomerization of melanopsin, thus reducing the availability of its active isoform, and attenuate light across the action potential spectrum responsible for triggering photophobic responses.
The problem addressed by the invention is the adverse response to light (photophobia) that is common to several neurological disorders, including migraines, light sensitivity associated with concussion or traumatic brain injury, light sensitive epilepsy, and benign essential blepharospasm. Existing filters such as the FL-41 tint have drawbacks including undesirable coloration, limited applicability to different substrates, poor quality control, and lack of specificity in attenuating only the problematic portions of the spectrum. Additionally, the methods and systems described can assist in the management of circadian rhythms by targeting the light-sensitive melanopsin ganglion cells that are connected to the body's circadian regulation.
The core innovation features an optical filter configured to transmit less than a specified amount of light in targeted wavelength bands associated with melanopsin isoforms, while transmitting more than a requisite fraction of light across the broader visual response spectrum. Multiple embodiments are disclosed, including long-pass, short-pass, and notch (band-stop) filters created using multi-layer dielectric films, embedded nanoparticle coatings, color filters, or resonant guided-mode filters. The effectiveness of these filters is characterized by one or more defined figures of merit (FOM), representing the ratio of attenuation across the melanopsin response spectrum versus the attenuation across the visual spectrum, with values greater than one being desirable.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim outlines a single apparatus inventive feature involving an optical filter configured with specific spectral transmission properties to reduce photophobic responses.
Optical filter apparatus tuned to melanopsin isoforms with defined figures of merit
An apparatus for reducing the frequency and/or severity of photophobic responses by controlling light exposure to melanopsin ganglion cells in a retina, comprising an optical filter configured to: - Transmit a first amount of light determined by a weighted average across a Gaussian function with central wavelength of about 480 nm and full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of about 52 nm, corresponding to a dose experienced by the cis isoform of melanopsin (Dmelan). - Transmit a second amount of light determined by a weighted average across a Gaussian function with central wavelength of about 590 nm and FWHM of about 40 nm, corresponding to a dose experienced by the trans isoform of melanopsin (Drec,590). - Transmit a third amount of light determined by a weighted average across a Gaussian function with central wavelength of about 550 nm and FWHM of about 134 nm, corresponding to a dose experienced over the visual response spectrum (Dvis). - Provide a ratio, defined as a first figure of merit (FOM1), including the third amount of light and the first amount of light. Additional dependent claims specify that FOM1 is 1.3±0.1, FOM2 (second figure of merit) is 1.425±0.05, and the optical filter has chromaticity coordinates of x=0.33±0.03 and y=0.33±0.03.
In summary, the claim coverage centers on an optical filter apparatus specifically designed to attenuate light weighted to the action spectra of melanopsin isoforms while optimizing transmission across the visible spectrum, with defined performance metrics and chromaticity.
Stated Advantages
Reduces the frequency and severity of photophobic responses by targeting the action spectra of melanopsin isoforms while minimizing impact on overall visual perception.
Improves management of circadian cycles by controlling light exposure to melanopsin ganglion cells.
Selectively attenuates problematic wavelengths without broad distortion or loss of visible light, maintaining better color perception and vision quality compared to prior solutions like FL-41 tint.
Enables use with various substrates and optical elements, including spectacles, contact lenses, computer screens, windows, windshields, and lighting devices.
Documented Applications
Treatment of light-sensitive neurological conditions such as migraine, benign essential blepharospasm, light sensitivity associated with concussion or traumatic brain injury, light sensitive epilepsy, and sleep disorders.
Modulation of circadian rhythms, for example, to help travelers, business people, athletes, or those with sleep disorders adapt to light/dark cycles.
Application to eyewear (spectacles, goggles, clip-ons, contact lenses), computer screens, windows, car windshields, light sources (incandescent, fluorescent, CFL, LED, gas vapor), and other optical elements.
Interested in licensing this patent?