Illuminating device for treating eye disease

Abstract

A photodynamic therapy (PDT) device utilizing a non-coherent light source to activate a photoreactive agent for treating a diseased site in a patient's eye. When activated, the photoreactive agent causes a desired change in the diseased tissue of the treatment site. In one embodiment, the photoactive agent is preferentially absorbed by the diseased tissue at the treatment site, and the light from the PDT device is directed generally at the site. In another embodiment, the photoactive agent is less selectively absorbed by the diseased tissue, and the light from the PDT device is focused onto the diseased treatment site. The device preferably focuses the light emitted by a source using totally internally reflective (TIR) lenses, convergent lenses, divergent lenses, and/or deformable lenses. One embodiment incorporates a plurality of light sources of different wavebands, including a waveband that does not activate the photoreactive agent, so that the light source can be used to precisely target the focal point at the desired treatment site. Once targeted, a light source is energized to produce light in a waveband that activates the photoreactive agent and can penetrate different depths of tissue. The PDT device can be incorporated into a headset or in an ophthalmologic slit lamp. Light from the device can enter the eye through the lens of the eye, or transcutaneously via one of lateral orbital, an inferior orbital, and a superior orbital approach. In one embodiment the light sources are blue and red light emitting diodes (LEDs).