UV radiation devices and methods of use thereof
The present invention features devices, systems, and methods of use thereof for delivering therapeutic or sterilizing ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as UVC or UVA radiation.
1 . A therapeutic device comprising a base component and a head component, the head component comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion of the head component is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of UVC or ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation to an eye of a subject from a source of UVC or UVA radiation, and the proximal portion of the head component configured to be attached to the base component, the device further comprising:
a proximity determining element disposed on the head component and configured to detect a predetermined distance between the source of UVC or UVA radiation and a site of treatment of the eye;
an imaging module comprising a display that is configured to display an image of the site of treatment of the eye, wherein the display is coupled to the proximity determining element; and
a signal generating element operatively connected to the display of the imaging module, wherein the display is configured to provide a visual signal upon detection of the predetermined distance by the proximity determining element and to activate the source of UVC or UVA radiation to deliver the therapeutic dose of UVC or UVA radiation to the eye of the subject,
wherein the source of UVC or UVA radiation is configured to deliver the therapeutic dose of UVC or UVA radiation to an interior region of the eye of the subject through a light guide configured to insert into a hollow region of a vitrectomy element and enter the interior region of the eye of the subject;
wherein:
a) the proximity determining element comprises two or more lasers; or
b) the proximity determining element is configured to activate the signal generating element upon convergence of two or more lasers;
wherein the source of UVC or UVA radiation comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in a circular array around the proximity determining element; and
wherein a wavelength of the UVC radiation is from 100 nm to 290 nm, and wherein a wavelength of the UVA radiation is from 315 nm to 380 nm.
2 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a light guide comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion of the light guide configured to attach to the distal portion of the head component, and the distal portion of the light guide configured to deliver the therapeutic dose of UVC radiation.
3 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising an eye stabilizing element comprising a proximal end configured to attach to the distal portion of the head component and a distal end configured to contact and stabilize the eye.
4 . The device of claim 3 , wherein:
a) the eye stabilizing element is shaped as a cone comprising a first diameter at the proximal end and a second diameter at the distal end; or
b) the eye stabilizing element is hollow to provide a volume through which a therapeutic dose of UVC radiation from the head component can travel to a treatment site of the eye of the subject.
5 . The device of claim 3 , wherein the distal end of the eye stabilizing element comprises a plurality of teeth configured to secure the eye of the subject.
6 . The device of claim 3 , comprising a component used to maintain an eyelid of the subject open.
7 . A method for treating an eye infection or a cancer selected from an eyelid cancer an ocular cancer, an orbital cancer, or an adnexal cancer comprising:
(a) providing the device of claim 1 and positioning the device in proximity to the site of treatment;
(b) detecting the predetermined distance by the proximity determining element;
(c) generating the signal by the signal generating element to activate the source of UVC radiation; and
(d) administering the therapeutic dose of UVC radiation to the site of treatment.
8 . A method for treating corneal ectasia in a subject comprising:
(a) providing the device of claim 1 and positioning the device in proximity to the site of treatment, wherein the subject has been administered a dose of a photoactivator at the site of treatment;
(b) detecting the predetermined distance by the proximity determining element;
(c) generating the signal by the signal generating element to activate the source of UVA radiation; and
(d) administering the therapeutic dose of UVA radiation to the site of treatment in the eye.
9 . A method of treating a wound of a subject comprising:
(a) providing the device of claim 1 ; and
(b) administering a therapeutic dose of UVC radiation to the wound.
10 . A method for treating cancer comprising:
(a) providing the device of claim 1 and positioning the device in proximity to the site of treatment;
(b) detecting the predetermined distance by the proximity determining element;
(c) generating the signal by the signal generating element to activate the source of UVC radiation; and
(d) administering the therapeutic dose of UVC radiation to the site of treatment.
11 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the head component is configured to deliver a pulsed dose of UVC radiation.
12 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the UVC radiation has a radiation intensity of from 20 mW/cm 2 to 1,000 mW/cm 2 .