Use of electromagnetic radiation in the treatment of sensory organs

Abstract

A method of using and devices for delivering electromagnetic radiation of a selected wavelength for the treatment of conditions pertaining to cephalic sensory organs, in particular to treating conditions of the eye (ocular conditions) and conditions pertaining to the ear (otic conditions). The invention is in particular for the treatment of organelles associated with the acoustic and optic nerves and more particularly for the treatment of age related degeneration of such organelles. The invention also provides devices for treating ocular and otic conditions.

1 . A portable light emitting device for the treatment of the ear, acoustic nerve and associated organelles, the device comprising:
 (i) an individually customised moulded portion for insertion into an ear canal, the moulded portion having an opening at one end, which when inserted into the ear canal is adjacent an external aspect of the tympanic membrane and through which electromagnetic radiation can pass and a receiving portion positioned in the same anatomical plane as a pinna for receiving power from a power source;   (ii) at least one light emitting means that produces divergent electromagnetic radiation of wavelength from 900 nm to 1300 nm; and   (iii) a power means for providing power to the power source.   
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1  further including any one or more of the following:
 (i) an optical monitoring sensor for ensuring the light output is correct; 
 (ii) a thermal sensor for ensuring the temperature of the device does not exceed safe limits; 
 (iii) a frequency modulator for changing the frequency of a pulsed exposure or for switching to continuous exposure; 
 (iv) a timing means for ensuring that the period of treatment is regulated; and 
 (v) a safety cut-out means optionally in the form of an alarm or cut-off switch which is operable when operational limits are exceeded or when the therapy period has expired. 
 
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the power source to the light emitting means is electrical or is a fibre-optic. 
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the power means is a battery or is mains electricity. 
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the light emitting means is an LED or a laser light source. 
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 5  comprising a plurality of LEDs or laser light sources. 
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the light emitting means are positioned approximately centrally at the end of the moulded portion. 
     
     
         8 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the electromagnetic radiation impacts directly onto the tympanic membrane. 
     
     
         9 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the light emitting means are focused centrally. 
     
     
         10 . A device according to  claim 1  comprising at least one or more PN junctions arranged to emit radiation with a wavelength centring at 1072 nm or 1267 nm. 
     
     
         11 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the moulded portion is partially constructed of a resiliently deformable material or is coated or covered in such a material to ensure both a close fit within the ear canal and comfort to a user. 
     
     
         12 . A device according to  claim 1  further comprising a securing means for securing the device to a user's ear. 
     
     
         13 . A method of treating optic conditions and/or organelles associated with the acoustic nerves and associated organelles, the method comprising exposing the affected organ or organelle to divergent electromagnetic radiation of wavelength between 900 nm and 1300 nm. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13  wherein the condition is selected from the group comprising presbycusis, tinnitus, vertigo, conditions affecting the physiological characteristics of the organ of corti in the cochlea, ear and acoustic nerves and associated organelles. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein the divergent light is between 10 to 50°. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein the divergence of the electromagnetic radiation is in the range 15 to 25° half angled divergent. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein the wavelength is centred around 940 nm, 950 nm, 1040 nm, 1060 nm, 1072 nm and 1267 nm. 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein the wavelength is a combined wavelength centred around 1072 nm and 1267 nm. 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 14  wherein the combined wavelength of 1072 nm and 1267 nm has an optical intensity of the wavelengths in the same ratio as peaks in the transmission spectrum of a water molecule 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein the electromagnetic radiation is continuous or pulsed. 
     
     
         21 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein when the electromagnetic radiation is continuous the intensity is at least 500 μWatts/cm 2  and up to 500 mWatts/cm 2 . 
     
     
         22 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein the combined electromagnetic radiation is pulsed the intensity is at least 500 μWatts/cm 2  peak power and the average power is up to 500 mWatts/cm 2 . 
     
     
         23 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein when the electromagnetic radiation is pulsed the average power of the intensity is in the region of 50-100 μWatts/cm 2 . 
     
     
         24 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein when the electromagnetic radiation is pulsed it is applied for periods of at least 10-15 μseconds. 
     
     
         25 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein the frequency/repetition rate in the range 100-1000 Hz or optionally is at, or about, 600 Hz. 
     
     
         26 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein the electromagnetic radiation is applied to the affected area for at least 30 seconds and up to 10 minutes. 
     
     
         27 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein the electromagnetic radiation therapy source includes means for reducing the amount of ambient radiation, which impinges on the treatment site. 
     
     
         28 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein the electromagnetic radiation source comprises light emitting diodes or laser diodes. 
     
     
         29 . A method according to any  claim 13  wherein the radiation source emitter includes PN junctions arranged to emit radiation with a wavelength centring at or about the desired specified wavelengths. 
     
     
         30 . A method of treating optic conditions and/or organelles associated with the acoustic nerves and associated organelles, the method comprising using divergent electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths between 900 nm and 1300 nm for the treatment of optic conditions and organelles associated with the acoustic nerves.