EA048621B1 - UV RADIATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF THEIR APPLICATION - Google Patents

Description

State of the art

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation of appropriate intensity, energy, and wavelength can be used to inactivate or kill unwanted cells or microorganisms without causing significant damage to surrounding healthy cells. However, delivering UV radiation to the right place at the right time has proven challenging. Accordingly, new devices and methods are needed to deliver UV radiation for a variety of indications.

Brief description of the essence of the invention

The present document describes devices, methods and systems applicable for delivering therapeutic and sterilizing ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In addition, infrared radiation, heat and ultrasound are optionally delivered using the devices described herein in configurations for treating various diseases. The described devices, methods and systems are capable of sterilizing tissues, as well as surfaces such as contact lenses and eyeglasses.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention relates to a therapeutic device including a base component and a head component, wherein the head component has a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the distal portion of the head component is configured to contact the eyelid of a subject, and the proximal portion of the head component is configured to be attached to the base component. The distal portion of the head component can be configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of energy from a plurality of energy sources, including an ultraviolet C (UV-C) radiation source, an infrared (IR) radiation source, and an ultrasound source. The plurality of energy sources can be configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of energy to the eyelid of a subject at a given power when the distal portion of the head component contacts the eyelid.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a temperature sensor. The device may further include a heat source. The IR radiation source may be configured to provide heat. In some embodiments, the heat source includes a resistive wire element. In some embodiments, the device further includes a microwave radiation source. In some embodiments, the device further includes a source of intense pulsed light. In some embodiments, the device further includes a contact sensor that detects contact of the device with the eyelid.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a therapeutic device including a base component and a head component, wherein the head component has a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the distal portion of the head component is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to the eye of a subject from a UV-C radiation source, and the proximal portion of the head component is configured to be attached to the base component. The device may further include a proximity detection element configured to detect a predetermined distance between the UV-C radiation source and the eye treatment site. The device may also include a signal generation element configured to generate a signal upon detection of a predetermined distance using the proximity detection element, wherein the signal is configured to activate the UV-C radiation source to deliver a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to the eye of a subject with a predetermined power. The therapeutic device may further include a light guide having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion of the light guide is configured to be attached to the distal portion of the head component, and the distal portion of the light guide is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a disinfection device including a base component and a head component, wherein the head component has a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the distal portion of the head component is configured to deliver a disinfectant dose of UV-C radiation to a subject from a UV-C radiation source, and the proximal portion of the head component is configured to be attached to the base component. The device may further include a light guide having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion of the light guide is configured to be attached to the distal portion of the head component, and the distal portion of the light guide is configured to deliver a disinfectant dose of UV-C radiation. The device may also include a proximity detection element configured to detect a predetermined distance between the distal portion of the light guide and the treatment site on the subject. The device may also include a signal generating element configured to generate a signal upon detection of a specified distance using the proximity detection element, wherein the signal is configured to activate the UV-C radiation source to deliver a disinfectant dose through the light guide with a specified power.

In some embodiments, the head component includes a control element

- 1 048621 aperture, configured to modulate the dose of UV-C radiation. The aperture control element may include one or more removable cones. The aperture control element may be formed integrally with the head component. The aperture of the UV-C radiation source may be from about 1 mm to about 50 mm (for example, from about 2 to about 40 mm, from about 4 to about 40 mm, for example about 25 mm, for example about 4 mm).

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, the UV-C radiation source is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to the anterior region, the posterior region, the vitreous chamber region, the retinal region, the choroidal region, the macular region, the lens region (e.g., the intraocular lens region), the ciliary muscle region, the optic nerve region, the injury site, or the site affected by a foreign object, of the eye. In some embodiments, the therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation is configured to be delivered to the eye of the subject through the vitrectomy element. In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation source is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to the inner region of the eye of the subject through a light guide configured to be inserted into the vitrectomy element and penetrate into the inner region of the eye of the subject.

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, the UV-C radiation source is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to the wound. In some embodiments, the therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation improves wound healing (e.g., rate of healing, extent of healing, and/or reduction in scar formation).

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, the device includes an eye stabilization element that includes a proximal end configured to be attached to a distal portion of the head component, and a distal end configured to contact the eye and stabilize it. In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element has a cone shape having a first diameter at the proximal end and a second diameter at the distal end. In some embodiments, the first diameter is less than the second diameter or the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. In some embodiments, the distal portion of the eye stabilization element includes a plurality of teeth configured to fix the subject's eye. In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element consists of a material that is opaque to UV-C radiation. In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element is substantially hollow to provide a volume through which a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation from the head component can pass to the treatment site of the subject's eye. In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element is configured to block UV-C radiation from irradiating a healthy portion of the subject's eye. In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element is disposable. In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element is intended for single use only and includes a tag (e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag) to prevent reuse of the eye stabilization element. In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element is not sterilizable. In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element is made of plastic. In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element is transparent to visible light.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a therapeutic device including a base component and a head component, wherein the head component has a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the distal portion of the head component is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation to the eye of a subject from a UVA radiation source, and the proximal portion of the head component is configured to be attached to the base component. The device may further include a proximity detection element configured to detect a predetermined distance between the UVA radiation source and the treatment site in the subject. The device may also include a signal generation element configured to generate a signal upon detection of a predetermined distance using the proximity detection element, wherein the signal is configured to activate the UVA radiation source to deliver a therapeutic dose of UVA radiation to the eye of the subject with a predetermined power.

In some embodiments, the device further includes a visualization module configured to display an image of the treatment site.

In some embodiments, the device is configured to be mounted on a slit lamp.

In some embodiments, the device further includes a power source (e.g., a battery).

In some embodiments, the device further includes a control mechanism, such as a control button. In some embodiments, the control mechanism is located on the base component.

In some embodiments, the proximity determination element includes two or

- 2 048621 more lasers. The proximity detection element may be configured to activate the signal generating element when two or more lasers converge.

In some embodiments, the signal generating element is configured to provide an audible, visual or tactile signal.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a device that includes a base component and a head component, wherein the head component has a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the distal portion of the head component is configured to deliver a dose of UV-C radiation to a contact lens or glasses from a UV-C radiation source, and the proximal portion of the head component is configured to be attached to the base component. In some embodiments, the device further includes a case for contact lenses or glasses containing an ultrasound source, wherein the case for contact lenses or glasses is attached to the distal portion of the head component and is configured to deliver a dose of ultrasound.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a system for delivering a plurality of energy sources to a tissue site. The system includes a base component, wherein the base component has a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion is configured to mate with one of a plurality of interchangeable heads selected from two or more of a first head including a UV-C radiation source; a second head including an IR radiation source; a third head including an ultrasound source; a fourth head including a UVA radiation source; a fifth head including a UV-C radiation source, an IR radiation source and an ultrasound source; and a sixth head including a microwave radiation source and an intense pulsed light source. The first head may further include one or more proximity detection elements configured to detect a predetermined distance between the energy source and the injection site; a signal generating element configured to generate a signal upon detection of a predetermined distance using the proximity detection element; an aperture control module for modulating the energy dose; a light guide and an imaging module. In some embodiments, in which the system for delivering multiple energy sources to a tissue site includes a microwave source and an intense pulsed light source, the UV-C radiation, IR radiation, ultrasound, microwave radiation and intense pulsed light can be administered simultaneously. In some embodiments, in which the system for delivering multiple energy sources to a tissue site includes a microwave source and an intense pulsed light source, the UV-C radiation, IR radiation, ultrasound, microwave radiation and intense pulsed light can be administered sequentially.

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, the UV-C radiation source includes a light-emitting diode (LED). In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation source includes a plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation includes a peak wavelength of from about 100 to about 290 nm (e.g., from about 200 to about 290 nm, such as from about 220 to about 290 nm, such as from about 240 to about 280 nm, such as from about 250 to about 280 or from about 260 to about 280 nm, such as about 254 nm, about 265 nm or about 275 nm). In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation has an irradiance of from about 20 to about 1000 mW/ ^cm2 .

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, the UV-A radiation source includes an LED. In some embodiments, the UV-A radiation source includes a plurality (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more) of LEDs. The UV-A radiation can have a wavelength of about 315 to about 400 nm, such as about 365 nm or about 370 nm. In some embodiments, the UV-A radiation has a radiation intensity of about 0.5 to about 100 mW/ ^cm2 , such as about 1 to about 90 mW/ ^cm2 , about 2 to about 80 mW/ ^cm2 , about 5 to about 70 mW/ ^cm2 , about 10 to about 60 mW/ ^cm2 , about 15 to about 50 mW/ ^cm2 , about 20 to about 45 mW/ ^cm2 , about 25 to about 35 mW/ ^cm2 . In some embodiments, the head component further includes an aperture control element configured to modulate the dose of UV-A radiation.

In some embodiments, the IR radiation source includes an LED. The IR radiation source may include a plurality of LEDs. The IR radiation includes a peak wavelength of from about 750 to about 1,000,000 nm. The IR radiation may have a radiation intensity of from about 20 mW/cm ² to about 1000 mW/cm ² .

In some embodiments, the ultrasound has a frequency of about 1 to about 10 MHz.

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, the head component and the base component are integral.

In some embodiments of any of the above aspects, the head component and the base component are detachable.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating blepharitis or meibomian gland disease (MGD) by providing a device as described herein, providing a control

- 3 048621 strokes of the distal part of the head component with the eyelid and the introduction of a therapeutic dose of energy from multiple energy sources to the eyelid.

In some embodiments, UV-C radiation, IR radiation, ultrasound, microwave radiation, and intense pulsed light may be administered simultaneously. Alternatively, in some embodiments, UV-C radiation, IR radiation, ultrasound, microwave radiation, and intense pulsed light may be administered sequentially.

In some embodiments, the method further includes delivering heat.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for treating an eye infection (e.g., endophthalmitis), cancer (e.g., eyelid cancer or eye cancer) by providing a device as described herein and placing the device near the treatment site. The method may include detecting a predetermined distance using a proximity detection element, generating a signal using a signal generating element to activate a UV-C radiation source, and administering a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to the treatment site of the eyelid or eye.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating cancer by providing a device as described herein, positioning the device near a treatment site, determining a predetermined distance using a proximity detection element, generating a signal using a signal generating element to activate a UV-C radiation source, and administering a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to the treatment site.

In some embodiments, the cancer is eyelid cancer or eye cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is intraocular melanoma, retinoblastoma, uveal melanoma, conjunctival melanoma, orbital cancer, or adnexal cancer.

In some embodiments of any of the aspects described herein, the devices and methods can be used to treat cancer, neoplasia and/or dysplasia, for example, including cancerous or precancerous cells.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for disinfecting a subject's tissue by providing a device as described herein and placing a light guide near a treatment site. The method may include detecting a predetermined distance using a proximity detection element, generating a signal using a signal generating element to activate a UV-C radiation source, and introducing a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to the treatment site in the subject's tissue via the light guide.

In some embodiments, the tissue is selected from the eye, nasal cavity, oral cavity, skin tissue, and lumen. In some embodiments, the subject has or is suspected of having a bacterial infection (e.g., Chlamydia trachomatis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae), a fungal infection, an amebic infection, a parasitic infection (e.g., toxocariasis, toxoplasmosis, infectious retinitis), or a viral infection (e.g., a respiratory infection such as respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus, or SARS-CoV2). In some embodiments, the subject has acne vulgaris and/or acne rosacea. In some embodiments, the subject has an ulcer, such as one caused by H. pylori. In some embodiments, the subject has or is suspected of having an infection caused by a herpes virus. In some embodiments, the subject has or is suspected of having an infection caused by a human immunodeficiency virus. In some embodiments, the herpes virus infection is localized to epithelial tissue, such as genital tissue, lips, or other skin. In some embodiments, the subject has or is suspected of having a human papillomavirus infection. In some embodiments, the human papillomavirus infection is localized to cervical tissue.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating corneal ectasia (e.g., keratoconus) in a subject by providing a device as described herein and placing the device near a treatment site, wherein a dose of a photoactivator is administered to the subject. Suitable photoactivators include, but are not limited to, riboflavin, rose bengal, porphyrin photosensitizers, psoralens, quinones, anthracyclines, anthracenediones, xanthenes, fluoresceins, rhodamines, phthaleins, cyanines, chalcogenpyrilium dyes, triarylmethane dyes, phenothiazines, phenoxazines, acridines, hypericin, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), 5-aminolevulinic acid, ciprofloxacin, and quinine. The photoactivator can be administered at the treatment site. In some embodiments, the method includes detecting a predetermined distance using a proximity detection element, generating a signal using a signal generating element to activate a UVA radiation source, and administering a therapeutic dose of UVA radiation to a treatment site in the eye.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for sterilizing a contact lens or glasses, comprising providing a device as described herein, placing the contact lens or glasses in a case, and introducing a source of UV-C radiation and ultrasound to the contact lens or glasses. In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation and ultrasound are administered simultaneously. In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation and ultrasound are administered sequentially.

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In another aspect, the invention relates to a contact lens having a proximal end and a distal end configured to direct a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation from a UV-C radiation source to the eye of a subject. In some embodiments, the contact lens includes a UV-C radiation source. In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation source includes an LED. In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation source includes a plurality (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more) of LEDs. In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation source includes a plurality of surface mounted devices (SMDs). In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs are configured to be attached to the contact lens, configured to be included in the lens, or configured to be focused through the lens. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the contact lens is configured to contact the eye of the subject, and the distal end is configured to interface with an external UV-C radiation source. In some embodiments, the external UV-C radiation source transmits a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to the distal end of the contact lens through a light guide. In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation includes a peak wavelength of from about 100 to about 290 nm (e.g., from about 200 to about 290 nm, such as from about 220 to about 290 nm, such as from about 240 to about 280 nm, such as from about 250 to about 280 or from about 260 to about 280 nm, such as about 254 nm, about 265 nm or about 275 nm). In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation has an irradiance of from about 20 to about 1000 mW/cm ² . In some embodiments, the contact lens includes a power source that is a battery, a power transmission antenna, a solar cell, an inertial energy harvesting device, or an electrical plug.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating an ocular infection comprising providing a contact lens comprising a UV-C radiation source as described herein, placing the contact lens at the site of the ocular infection, and administering a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to the treatment site of the eyelid or eye.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating a wound in a subject, comprising providing a therapeutic device as described herein and administering a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to the wound.

Definitions

To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a number of terms are defined below. The terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by one skilled in the art pertaining to the present invention. Terms used in the singular are not intended to refer to only a single subject matter, but include a general class, a specific example of which may be used for illustrative purposes. The terminology used herein is used to describe particular embodiments of the present invention, but its use does not limit the present invention except as set forth in the claims.

In the context of this document, the term "about" refers to a value that is no more than 10% greater or less than the value being described.

The term cancer as used herein refers to diseases caused by uncontrolled cell division and the ability of cells to metastasize or establish new growth in additional locations. The term cancer includes, for example, leukemia, seminomas, melanomas, teratomas, lymphomas, neuroblastomas, gliomas, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, kidney cancer, adrenal cancer, thyroid cancer, blood cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, cervical cancer, bowel cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, head and neck cancer, gastrointestinal tract cancer, lymph node cancer, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, ear, nose and throat (ENT) cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer and their metastases. Examples thereof are lung carcinomas, breast carcinomas, prostate carcinomas, colon carcinomas, renal cell carcinomas, cervical carcinomas or metastases of the types of cancer or tumors described above. The term cancer according to the present invention also encompasses metastases of cancer and/or cancer of surrounding tissues, such as orbital cancer or adnexal cancer. In the context of the present document, cancer also includes neoplasia and dysplasia, such as including cancerous and precancerous cells or tissues.

The term disinfectant energy dose as used herein refers to the amount of electromagnetic energy (e.g. UV), mechanical energy (e.g. ultrasonic energy), thermal energy, or any combination thereof, that is suitable to achieve the intended disinfectant effect when applied in an appropriate treatment regimen, such as to reduce the microbiological load (e.g. bacterial load, fungal, protozoan, parasitic, or viral load) at a target site.

In the context of this document, the term energy conductor refers to any element capable of carrying energy of any kind (e.g. electromagnetic energy, mechanical

- 5 048621 energy, thermal energy) from one end to the other. In one embodiment, the light guide may be an optical fiber. Well-known optical fibers include fibers made of fused silica, pure silica, organosilicon compounds, hollow tubes, coated and uncoated fibers, wherein the fibers are either single or form bundles. Optical fibers can also be made of transparent conductive materials, such as SrNbO ₃ . Other optical fibers include liquid fibers based on water or other diluents such as alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones and other liquids suitable for transmitting effective wavelengths, and some of them can reduce thermal energy, including infrared energy.

The term energy source as used herein refers to a source of electromagnetic radiation, mechanical energy (e.g., sound or ultrasound), thermal energy, or any combination thereof. An energy source may include multiple sources, and energy from an energy source may be supplied directly to a target site or through an energy conductor.

The term visualization module, as used in this document, describes the visualization elements and processing circuits that are used to generate a video signal.

In the context of this document, the term integral means relating to or forming part of a whole; i.e., necessary for the completeness of the whole; consisting of or composed of parts which together form a whole.

The term intense pulsed light or IPL as used herein refers to non-laser light that has various wavelength ranges and is emitted periodically in a strong pulse. IPL, for example, is light in the wavelength range of about 300 to 1200 nm (varies depending on the IPL device) and is emitted periodically in a strong pulse. IPL equipment uses a flash lamp that emits light with a wavelength of approximately 300-1200 nm, and a filter controls the wavelength of the emitted light. IPL energy is delivered as a series of single, double or triple pulse sequences with pulse durations of 2-25 ms and a delay between pulses of 10-500 ms. IPL radiant energy densities can range from 5 to 60 J/cm ² .

In the context of this document, the term light guide refers to an article that receives light at the input end and distributes the light to the output end or extraction mechanism without significant loss. Light guides generally operate on the principle of total internal reflection, in which light passing through the light guide is reflected from the surfaces of the light guide due to differences in the refractive indices of the light guide material and the material immediately surrounding the light guide, such as air, cladding, etc.

The term proximity detection element as used herein refers to any device capable of measuring the distance from a device described herein to a surface of a treatment site or an injection site.

The term respiratory infection as used herein includes the invasion and/or multiplication and/or colonization of a pathogenic microorganism (e.g. bacteria and viruses) in one or more components of the respiratory tract, such as, for example, the lungs, epiglottis, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles or alveoli.

In the context of this document, the term detachable refers to a device component, module, element, or any variant thereof that can be easily connected or disconnected by connecting or disconnecting a connection at an operating interface.

As used herein, the term signal generating element refers to a component of the device described herein that can provide a detectable signal (e.g., an audible signal, a visual signal, haptic feedback) in response to a measured distance value, such as measured by a proximity sensing element of the device described herein.

The terms sterilization and disinfection, or variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the reduction of the load of microorganisms (e.g., pathogenic and/or non-pathogenic) on or within a living tissue or body part of a subject, or on or within an inanimate object. These terms may be used interchangeably as used herein.

In the context of this document, the term subject refers to a mammal, including humans, in need of or susceptible to treatment of a condition or effect. Subjects may include dogs, cats, pigs, cows, sheep, goats, horses, rats, mice and humans. The term subject does not exclude individuals who are normal in all respects.

As used herein, the term sufficient distance and time refers to the distance from the target site (e.g., a body part, surface, or object) to which the light or other forms of energy (e.g., mechanical or thermal) produced by the device is applied to deliver a therapeutic dose of energy, and the period of time for which such exposure occurs. In one embodiment, it is from about 0.01 s to about 30 min. In one embodiment, the shutter is used

- 6 048621 is used to open, close and modulate the passage of energy from an energy source to a target site. The action can be carried out directly from the end of the energy source or distributed through an energy conductor (e.g., a light guide) at the end of the energy conductor, especially for introducing a therapeutic dose of energy into the lumen of the body either directly or through the skin of the subject.

The term therapeutic dose of energy as used herein refers to the amount of electromagnetic energy, mechanical energy (e.g. ultrasound energy), thermal energy, or a combination thereof, that is suitable to achieve the intended therapeutic effect when applied in an appropriate treatment regimen, such as to reduce the severity of disease symptoms or conditions. A dose may be considered a therapeutic dose for the treatment of cancer or metastases if the amount of energy applied is sufficient to achieve the following effects: the growth of the tumor or metastases is slowed or stopped, or the size of the detected tumor or metastases is reduced, and/or the patient's life expectancy is increased. A dose may be considered a therapeutic dose for the treatment of a bacterial infection, a fungal infection, a protozoan infection, or a viral infection if the amount of energy applied is sufficient to achieve the following effects: the infection is slowed or stopped, and/or the patient's life expectancy is increased. Appropriate therapeutic doses typically provide a balance between the therapeutic effect and the tolerable toxicity, such as when the side effect and toxicity are tolerated, provided that the treatment produces a benefit.

As used herein, the term treatment (also treatment or treating) in its broadest sense refers to any administration of a therapeutic agent (e.g., ultraviolet light) that partially or completely alleviates, improves, reduces, inhibits, delays the onset, reduces the severity of, or decreases the incidence of one or more symptoms, signs, or causes of a particular disease, disorder, or condition. In some embodiments, such treatment may be administered to a subject that does not exhibit signs of the relevant disease, disorder, or condition, or to a subject that exhibits only early signs of the disease, disorder, or condition. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the treatment may be administered to a subject that exhibits one or more established signs of the relevant disease, disorder, or condition. In some embodiments, the treatment may be administered to a subject that has been diagnosed with the relevant disease, disorder, or condition. In some embodiments, the treatment may be administered to a subject that is known to have one or more susceptibility factors that are statistically correlated with an increased risk of developing the relevant disease, disorder, or condition.

Brief description of graphic materials

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the control side of the therapeutic device. The base component, control button, and replaceable head components (marked with an asterisk) are shown.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the therapeutic side of the therapeutic device. The base component, the LED UV-C light source, and the replaceable head components (marked with an asterisk) are shown.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a side view of the therapy device and the charging docking station.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the internal components of the therapeutic delivery device. The control button, control circuit, charging port, battery, and UV-C LED components are shown.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a component of the energy delivery head. Several UV-C LEDs are shown that can be connected to a module that includes a heating element and a speculum.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a component of the energy delivery head configured with an ultrasonic transducer and a heating element.

Fig. 7A-7D are schematic views showing several views of an energy delivery head module configured to deliver UV-C radiation, ultrasound, and heat. Fig. 7A shows an ultrasound transducer, Fig. 7B shows a heating element, and Fig. 7C and 7D show a UV-C LED.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an energy delivery head module capable of delivering UV-C radiation, ultrasound and heat.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the control side of the therapeutic device. The head component, the control button, the power button, and the base component are shown.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a therapeutic device including a base component and a head component.

Fig. 11 is a schematic representation showing the therapeutic side of the

- 7 048621 of a therapeutic device. Shown are the imaging module (high-resolution camera), LED UV-C light source, proximity sensing element and base component.

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the control side of the therapeutic device. The video screen, head module, control button, power button, and base component are shown.

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the control side of the therapeutic device. The video screen, head module, control button, power button, and base component are shown.

Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the therapeutic side of the therapeutic device. The imaging module (high-resolution camera), the LED UV-C radiation source, the proximity sensing element, and the base component are shown.

Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the control side of the therapeutic device. A signal generating element (video screen), a control button, a power button, and a base component are shown.

Fig. 16 shows a group of schematic representations of the therapeutic side of the therapeutic device. The proximity sensing element and the UV-A LED array are shown.

Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the therapeutic side of the therapeutic device. The proximity sensing element and the UV-A LED array are shown.

Fig. 18 is a schematic representation of a device for sterilization with UV-C radiation. Several LED sources of UV-C radiation, a base component designed to deliver ultrasound, and wells for a contact lens are shown.

Fig. 19 is a schematic representation of a device for sterilization with UV-C radiation. Several LED sources of UV-C radiation, a base component designed to deliver ultrasound, and wells for a contact lens are shown.

Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram of a top view of a UVC sterilization device. Several LED UVC radiation sources, a base component capable of delivering ultrasound, and contact lens wells are shown.

Fig. 21 shows a schematic representation of a side view of a device for sterilization with UV-C radiation. A compartment for a control circuit, designed with the possibility of delivering ultrasound and UV-C radiation, and a compartment for a battery are shown.

Fig. 22 is a schematic representation of the internal components of the base of the UV-C sterilization device. Shown are a compartment for a control circuit configured to deliver ultrasound and UV-C radiation, a compartment for a battery, and an ultrasonic transducer.

Fig. 23 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a vitrectomy element shown connected to a distal end of a head component of a UV-C sterilization device. A vitreous probe and a vitreous probe opening are shown. In this embodiment, UV-C radiation enters from one end of the vitrectomy element and exits through a vitreous probe opening configured to be inserted into the inner region of the eye.

Fig. 24A is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a vitrectomy element shown with a 6 mm diameter base, a 12 mm long vitreous probe, and a 1 mm diameter vitreous probe opening.

Fig. 24B is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a vitrectomy element having a vitreous probe opening of 1 mm in diameter.

Fig. 25 is a schematic representation showing an embodiment of a light guide that delivers UV-C radiation to the vitreous body of the eye. The needle can be used in combination to extract a portion of the vitreous body.

Fig. 26A and 26B are schematic illustrations of an embodiment of an eye stabilization element having a length from a proximal end to a distal end of 10 mm. The distal end is shown as a smooth edge. The eye stabilization element is shown in the form of a cone having a larger diameter at the proximal end than at the distal end. The distal end contacts the eye of a subject to stabilize the eye and minimize eye movement. The proximal end is configured to be attached to the distal end of a component of the head of the device. Fig. 27A is a side view, and Fig. 27B is a perspective view. As shown, the distal end has a diameter of 6 mm, and the proximal end has a diameter of 10 mm.

Fig. 27A is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an eye stabilization element. The distal end is shown with a smooth edge. The eye stabilization element is shown in the form of a cone having a larger diameter at the proximal end than at the distal end. The distal end contacts the eye of the subject to stabilize the eye and minimize eye movement. The proximal end is configured to be attached to the distal end of the head component of the device.

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Fig. 27B is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an eye stabilization element. The distal end is shown with a serrated edge with teeth. The eye stabilization element is shown in the form of a cone having a larger diameter at the proximal end than at the distal end. The distal end contacts the eye of the subject to stabilize the eye and minimize eye movement. The proximal end is configured to be attached to the distal end of the head component of the device.

Fig. 28A is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a light guide used to deliver a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to a subject's mouth (e.g., to treat gingivitis). This illustrative embodiment is shown as having a length of 40 mm from the proximal end to the distal end and a diameter of 15 mm at the proximal end. The light guide is configured to be attached to a component of the head of the device at the proximal end. The light guide is configured with a UV-C LED at the distal end.

Fig. 28B is a schematic diagram of a top view of an embodiment of a light guide used to deliver a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to a subject's mouth (e.g., to treat gingivitis). A UV-C LED is shown.

Fig. 28C is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a light guide used to deliver a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to a subject's mouth (e.g., to treat gingivitis). The proximal and distal ends are shown, as well as the UV-C LED at the distal end.

Fig. 28D is a side view of an embodiment of a light guide used to deliver a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to a subject's mouth (e.g., to treat gingivitis). The light guide is shown attached to a head component, as well as a base component and a UV-C LED.

Detailed description of the essence of the invention

The present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for using them for delivering therapeutic or sterilizing ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The devices and systems described herein can be used for a variety of purposes, including the treatment of eye diseases such as blepharitis, meibomian gland disease (MGD), eye cancer, eye infections and keratoconus. The devices described herein can be used to provide sterilizing or therapeutic radiation to various tissues such as the eyes, nasal cavity, oral cavity, skin tissue or lumen of a subject. The devices can also be used to treat cancer (e.g., eye cancer or eyelid cancer), neoplasia and/or dysplasia. In general, the devices include a base component and a head component attached thereto, wherein the head component is configured to deliver therapeutic or sterilizing UV radiation (e.g., UVA or UVC) to a treatment site in a subject or to the device. The devices can also be made multifunctional, so that one device can be used with multiple interchangeable heads, each of which can be used depending on the desired purpose or function. The components of the devices and systems are described in more detail below.

Foundation component

A base component of a device as described herein includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the proximal portion is configured to connect to a head component. The base component may have any suitable size and shape so that it has a suitable configuration for placing the head component thereon. The base component may have an ergonomic design for easy control of the hand-held device. For example, the base component may include a handle that allows a user, such as a medical worker, to easily manipulate the device. The base component may be configured to be mounted on another device or instrument, such as a microscope, a slit lamp, a power source or an energy source (e.g., UV radiation (e.g., UVA or UVC), IR radiation, heat and ultrasound). The base component may include a housing, such as on its distal portions, for securing the head component or another auxiliary component. The base component may include a housing for mounting the base component on another instrument, such as a slit lamp. The base component may be designed to be detachably (e.g., separably) attached to the head component, wherein the base component and the head component form a system. Alternatively, the base component may be made integral with the head component.

Head component

A head component of a device as described herein includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the distal portion is configured to deliver a source of therapeutic energy (e.g., UV radiation, IR radiation, heat, microwaves, intense pulsed light, and/or ultrasound) to a treatment or sterilization site. The proximal portion of the head component is configured to be attached to or mounted on a base component. The head component may have any suitable geometry in accordance with its function, such as to deliver therapeutic energy to a suitable location (e.g., an eye, an eyelid, a nasal cavity,

- 9 048621 oral cavity, dental cavity, periodontal tissue, skin tissue or lumen (e.g., gastrointestinal lumen, oropharyngeal lumen, genital lumen or urinary tract lumen). For example, a device configured to deliver therapeutic energy to an eyelid may include a head component whose size and shape (e.g., curvature) correspond to an eyelid or set of eyelids of a subject. In some embodiments, the head component may include a nozzle configured to contact the treatment site. In some embodiments, the head component includes a light guide configured to deliver therapeutic UV radiation to a tooth, a portion of a tooth, dental caries or a dental cavity (e.g., during a root canal treatment procedure or a tooth extraction procedure). In some embodiments, the light guide is configured to deliver UV radiation to an area from which a tooth or portion thereof has previously been extracted.

The head component may comprise a source of therapeutic energy, for example, a source of therapeutic energy (for example, UV radiation) is formed integrally with the head. Alternatively, the head component may act as a transmitter that directs the source of therapeutic energy through the source to the application site. In some embodiments, the device further includes a light guide for delivering UV radiation. The light guide may be attached to the head component that transmits therapeutic energy from the source to the application site through the light guide.

U F-radiation

The devices described herein include a UV radiation source. The UV radiation may be, for example, UV-C radiation, UV-A radiation, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation may have a wavelength from about 100 nm to about 280 nm (e.g., from about 200 to about 280 nm, such as from about 220 to about 280 nm, such as from about 240 to about 270 nm, such as from about 250 to about 270 or from about 260 to about 270 nm, such as about 254 nm, about 255 nm, or about 265 nm). The UVA radiation may have a wavelength from about 315 nm to about 400 nm. The UV radiation source may be configured to emit radiation at a plurality of wavelengths. The source may be configured to adjust the emission of radiation at a selected wavelength. The UV radiation source may include at least one light-emitting diode (LED) or a plurality of LEDs emitting UV radiation. For example, the source may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more LEDs emitting UV radiation. In one embodiment, the UV radiation source includes eight LEDs.

In some embodiments, the UV light source has an output power of from about 0.005 to about 50 mW (e.g., from about 0.005 to about 5 mW, such as from about 0.01 to about 1 mW). For example, the UV light source may have a power of from about 0.005 to about 0.01 mW, such as about 0.006 mW, 0.007 mW, 0.008 mW, 0.009 mW, or 0.01 mW, such as from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mW, such as about 0.02 mW, 0.03 mW, 0.04 mW, 0.05 mW, 0.06 mW, 0.07 mW, 0.08 mW, 0.09 mW, or 0.1 mW, such as from about 0.1 to about 1 mW, such as about 0.2 mW, 0.3 mW, 0.4 mW, 0.5 mW, 0.6 mW, 0.7 mW, 0.8 mW, 0.9 mW or 1 mW, for example from about 1 mW to about 10 mW, for example about 2 mW, 3 mW, 4 mW, 5 mW, 6 mW, 7 mW, 8 mW, 9 mW or 10 mW, for example from about 10 to about 50 mW, for example about 15 mW, 20 mW, 25 mW, 30 mW, 35 mW, 40 mW, 45 mW or 50 mW). The power of the source can be adjusted to emit a desired output power.

The UV radiation source can be configured to irradiate the entire surface of the eye. The UV radiation source can be configured to irradiate a tissue zone that has a maximum size of less than about 10 cm, such as about 9 cm, 8 cm, 7 cm, 6 cm, 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm, 1 cm, 0.9 cm, 0.8 cm, 0.7 cm, 0.6 cm, 0.5 cm, 0.4 cm, 0.3 cm, 0.2 cm or 0.1 cm. The radiation source can be configured to irradiate a substantially circular tissue zone, an elongated tissue zone or an annular tissue zone of the body. In some embodiments, the radiation source is configured to adjust the size and/or shape of the irradiated zone. The device can be configured to scan UV radiation within the tissue zone of the body. This may be achieved, for example, by moving the base component or a handle on it, or by using a rotating or moving component, for example in the head component.

In some embodiments, the UV radiation source produces a radiation intensity of from about 0.01 to about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 0.01 to about 50 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 0.01 to about 5 mW/ ^cm2 . For example, the UV radiation source can produce a radiation intensity of from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mW/cm ² , such as about 0.02 mW/cm ² , 0.03 mW/cm ² , 0.04 mW/cm ² , 0.05 mW/cm ² , 0.06 mW/cm ² , 0.07 mW/cm ² , 0.08 mW/cm ² , 0.09 mW/cm ² , 0.1 mW/cm ² , such as from about 0.1 to about 1 mW/cm ² , such as about 0.2 mW/cm ² , 0.3 mW/cm ² , 0.4 mW/cm ² , 0.5 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.6 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.7 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.8 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.9 mW/ ^cm2 or 1 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 1 to about 10 mW/ ^cm2 , such as about 2 mW/ ^cm2 , 3 mW/ ^cm2 , 4 mW/ ^cm2 , 5 mW/ ^cm2 , 6 mW/ ^cm2 , 7 mW/ ^cm2 , 8 mW/ ^cm2 , 9 mW/ ^cm2 , 10 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 10 to about 100 mW/ ^cm2 , such as about 20 mW/ ^cm2 , 30 mW/ ^cm2 , 40 mW/ ^cm2 , 50 mW/ ^cm2 , 60 mW/ ^cm2 , 70 mW/ ^cm2 , 80 mW/ ^cm2 , 90 mW/ ^cm2 or 100 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 100 to about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , such as about 150 mW/ ^cm2 , 200 mW/ ^cm2 , 250 mW/ ^cm2 , 300 mW/ ^cm2 , 350 mW/ ^cm2 ,

- 10 048621

400 mW/ ^cm2 , 450 mW/ ^cm2 or 500 mW/ ^cm2 .

The UV source can be supplied over a period of time. The dose can be supplied continuously or pulsed. The dose may be delivered, for example, over a period of from about 0.01 to about 600 s, for example from about 0.01 to about 0.1 s, for example about 0.02 s, 0.03 s, 0.04 s, 0.05 s, 0.06 s, 0.07 s, 0.08 s, 0.09 s or 0.1 s, for example from about 0.1 to about 1 s, for example about 0.2 s, 0.3 s, 0.4 s, 0.5 s, 0.6 s, 0.7 s, 0.8 s, 0.9 s or 1 s, for example from about 1 to about 10 s, for example about 2 s, 3 s, 4 s, 5 s, 6 s, 7 s, 8 s, 9 s or 10 s, for example from about 10 to about 100 s, for example, about 20 s, 30 s, 40 s, 50 s, 60 s, 70 s, 80 s, 90 s, or 100 s, such as from about 100 to about 600 s, such as about 110 s, 120 s, 150 s, 180 s, 240 s, 270 s, 300 s, 330 s, 360 s, 390 s, 420 s, 450 s, 480 s, 510 s, 540 s, 570 s, or 600 s. The pulsed radiation dose may comprise a ratio of the on time to the off time of, for example, from about 0.01 to about 100, for example from about 0.01 to about 0.1, for example about 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09 or 0.1, for example from about 0.1 to about 1, for example about 0.2, 0.3, 0, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1, for example from about 1 to about 10, for example about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, for example from about 10 to about 100, for example about 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100. The pulsed radiation dose may include a pulse shape or waveform selected from the group consisting of rectangular, triangular, sinusoidal, sawtooth and any superposition or combination thereof.

The UV radiation source may be supplied in a dose of from about 0.01 to about 500 mJ/ ^cm2 , such as from about 0.01 to about 250 mJ/ ^cm2 , such as from about 0.01 to about 15 mJ/ ^cm2 , such as from about 1 to about 15 mJ/ ^cm2 . For example, the radiation source may be delivered at a dose of from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mJ/cm ² , such as about 0.02 mJ/cm ² , 0.03 mJ/cm ² , 0.04 mJ/cm ² , 0.05 mJ/cm ² , 0.06 mJ/cm ² , 0.07 mJ/cm ² , 0.08 mJ/cm ² , 0.09 mJ/cm ² or 0.1 mJ/cm ² , such as from about 0.1 to about 1 mJ/cm ² , such as about 0.2 mJ/cm ² , 0.3 mJ/cm ² , 0.4 mJ/cm ² , 0.5 mJ/cm ² , 0.6 mJ/ ^cm2 , 0.7 mJ/ ^cm2 , 0.8 mJ/ ^cm2 , 0.9 mJ/ ^cm2 or 1 mJ/ ^cm2 , for example, from about 1 to about 10 mJ/ ^cm2 , for example, about 2 mJ/ ^cm2 , 3 mJ/ ^cm2 , 4 mJ/ ^cm2 , 5 mJ/ ^cm2 , 6 mJ/ ^cm2 , 7 mJ/ ^cm2 , 8 mJ/ ^cm2 , 9 mJ/ ^cm2 or 10 mJ/ ^cm2 , for example, from about 10 mJ/ ^cm2 to about 100 mJ/ ^cm2 , for example, about 20 mJ/ ^cm2 , 30 mJ/ ^cm2 , 40 mJ/cm ² , 50 mJ/ ^cm2 , 60 mJ/ ^cm2 , 70 mJ/ ^cm2 , 80 mJ/ ^cm2 , 90 mJ/ ^cm2 or 100 mJ/ ^cm2 , such as from about 100 mJ/ ^cm2 , to about 250 mJ/ ^cm2 , such as about 125 mJ/ ^cm2 , 150 mJ/ ^cm2 , 175 mJ/ ^cm2 , 200 mJ/ ^cm2 , 225 mJ/ ^cm2 or 250 mJ/ ^cm2 . In some embodiments, the UV radiation source includes adaptive optical components configured to adjust the focus of the UV radiation.

IR radiation

The devices described herein may include an IR radiation source. The IR radiation may have a wavelength of from about 750 to about 1,000,000 nm (e.g., from about 800 to about 900,000 nm, from about 810 to about 500,000 nm, from about 820 to about 250,000 nm, from about 830 to about 100,000 nm, from about 850 to about 50,000 nm, from about 860 to about 25,000 nm, from about 870 to about 10,000 nm, from about 880 to about 9,000 nm, from about 890 to about 8,000 nm, from about 900 to about 7,000 nm, from about 910 to about 6,000 nm, from about 920 to about 5,000 nm, from about 930 to about 4,000 nm, from about 940 to about 3000 nm, from about 950 to about 2500 nm, from about 960 to about 2400 nm, from about 970 to about 2300 nm, from about 980 to about 2200 nm, from about 990 to about 2100 nm or from about 1000 to about 2000 nm). The IR radiation source can be configured to emit radiation at a plurality of wavelengths. The source can be configured to adjust the emission of radiation at a selected wavelength. The IR radiation source can include at least one light-emitting diode (LED) or a plurality of LEDs emitting IR radiation. For example, the source can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more LEDs emitting IR radiation.

In some embodiments, the IR radiation source has an output power of from about 0.005 to about 50 mW (e.g., from about 0.005 to about 5 mW, such as from about 0.01 to about 1 mW). For example, the IR radiation source may have a power of from about 0.005 to about 0.01 mW, such as about 0.006 mW, 0.007 mW, 0.008 mW, 0.009 mW, or 0.01 mW, such as from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mW, such as about 0.02 mW, 0.03 mW, 0.04 mW, 0.05 mW, 0.06 mW, 0.07 mW, 0.08 mW, 0.09 mW, or 0.1 mW, such as from about 0.1 to about 1 mW, such as about 0.2 mW, 0.3 mW, 0.4 mW, 0.5 mW, 0.6 mW, 0.7 mW, 0.8 mW, 0.9 mW or 1 mW, such as from about 1 to about 10 mW, such as about 2 mW, 3 mW, 4 mW, 5 mW, 6 mW, 7 mW, 8 mW, 9 mW or 10 mW, such as from about 10 mW to about 50 mW, such as about 15 mW, 20 mW, 25 mW, 30 mW, 35 mW, 40 mW, 45 mW or 50 mW). The source power can be adjusted to emit the desired output power.

The IR radiation source may be configured to irradiate a tissue area that has a maximum size of less than about 10 cm, such as less than about 90 mm, 80 mm, 70 mm, 60 mm, 50 mm, 40 mm, 30 mm, 20 mm or 10 mm, such as less than about 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm or 1 mm). The radiation source may be configured to irradiate a substantially circular tissue area, an elongated tissue area or an annular tissue area of the body. In some embodiments, the radiation source is configured to adjust the size and/or shape of the irradiated area. The device may be configured to scan the IR radiation within the body tissue area. This may be achieved, for example, by moving the component

- 11 048621 a base or a handle thereon, or by means of a rotating or moving component, such as in a head component.

In some embodiments, the IR radiation source produces a radiation intensity of from about 0.01 to about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 0.01 to about 50 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 0.01 to about 5 mW/ ^cm2 . For example, the IR radiation source may produce a radiation intensity of from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mW/ ^cm2 , such as about 0.02 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.03 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.04 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.05 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.06 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.07 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.08 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.09 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.1 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 0.1 to about 1 mW/ ^cm2 , such as about 0.2 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.3 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.4 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.5 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.6 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.7 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.8 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.9 mW/ ^cm2 or 1 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 1 to about 10 mW/ ^cm2 , such as about 2 mW/ ^cm2 , 3 mW/ ^cm2 , 4 mW/ ^cm2 , 5 mW/ ^cm2 , 6 mW/ ^cm2 , 7 mW/ ^cm2 , 8 mW/ ^cm2 , 9 mW/ ^cm2 , 10 mW/ ^cm2 , such as about 10 mW/ ^cm2 to about 100 mW/ ^cm2 , such as, about 20 mW/ ^cm2 , 30 mW/ ^cm2 , 40 mW/ ^cm2 , 50 mW/ ^cm2 , 60 mW/ ^cm2 , 70 mW/ ^cm2 , 80 mW/ ^cm2 , 90 mW/ ^cm2 or 100 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 100 to about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , such as about 150 mW/ ^cm2 , 200 mW/ ^cm2 , 250 mW/ ^cm2 , 300 mW/ ^cm2 , 350 mW/ ^cm2 , 400 mW/ ^cm2 , 450 mW/ ^cm2 or 500 mW/ ^cm2 .

The IR radiation source can be supplied for a certain period of time. The dose can be supplied continuously or pulsed. The dose may be delivered, for example, over a period of from about 0.01 to about 600 s, for example from about 0.01 to about 0.1 s, for example about 0.02 s, 0.03 s, 0.04 s, 0.05 s, 0.06 s, 0.07 s, 0.08 s, 0.09 s or 0.1 s, for example from about 0.1 to about 1 s, for example about 0.2 s, 0.3 s, 0.4 s, 0.5 s, 0.6 s, 0.7 s, 0.8 s, 0.9 s or 1 s, for example from about 1 to about 10 s, for example about 2 s, 3 s, 4 s, 5 s, 6 s, 7 s, 8 s, 9 s or 10 s, for example from about 10 to about 100 s, for example, about 20 s, 30 s, 40 s, 50 s, 60 s, 70 s, 80 s, 90 s, or 100 s, for example, from about 100 s to about 600 s, for example, about 110 s, 120 s, 150 s, 180 s, 240 s, 270 s, 300 s, 330 s, 360 s, 390 s, 420 s, 450 s, 480 s, 510 s, 540 s, 570 s, or 600 s. The pulsed radiation dose may comprise a ratio of the on time to the off time of, for example, from about 0.01 to about 100, for example from about 0.01 to about 0.1, for example about 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09 or 0.1, for example from about 0.1 to about 1, for example about 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1, for example from about 1 to about 10, for example about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, for example from about 10 to about 100, for example about 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100.

The IR radiation source may be supplied in a dose of from about 0.01 to about 500 mJ/ ^cm2 , such as from about 0.01 to about 250 mJ/ ^cm2 , such as from about 0.01 to about 15 mJ/ ^cm2 , such as from about 1 to about 15 mJ/ ^cm2 . For example, the radiation source may be delivered at a dose of from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mJ/cm ² , such as about 0.02 mJ/cm ² , 0.03 mJ/cm ² , 0.04 mJ/cm ² , 0.05 mJ/cm ² , 0.06 mJ/cm ² , 0.07 mJ/cm ² , 0.08 mJ/cm ² , 0.09 mJ/cm ² or 0.1 mJ/cm ² , such as from about 0.1 to about 1 mJ/cm ² , such as about 0.2 mJ/cm ² , 0.3 mJ/cm ² , 0.4 mJ/cm ² , 0.5 mJ/cm ² , 0.6 mJ/ ^cm2 , 0.7 mJ/ ^cm2 , 0.8 mJ/ ^cm2 , 0.9 mJ/ ^cm2 or 1 mJ/ ^cm2 , for example, from about 1 to about 10 mJ/ ^cm2 , for example, about 2 mJ/ ^cm2 , 3 mJ/ ^cm2 , 4 mJ/ ^cm2 , 5 mJ/ ^cm2 , 6 mJ/ ^cm2 , 7 mJ/ ^cm2 , 8 mJ/ ^cm2 , 9 mJ/ ^cm2 or 10 mJ/ ^cm2 , for example, from about 10 mJ/ ^cm2 to about 100 mJ/ ^cm2 , for example, about 20 mJ/ ^cm2 , 30 mJ/ ^cm2 , 40 mJ/cm ² , 50 mJ/ ^cm2 , 60 mJ/ ^cm2 , 70 mJ/ ^cm2 , 80 mJ/ ^cm2 , 90 mJ/ ^cm2 or 100 mJ/ ^cm2 , for example, from about 100 mJ/ ^cm2 , to about 250 mJ/ ^cm2 , for example, about 125 mJ/ ^cm2 , 150 mJ/ ^cm2 , 175 mJ/ ^cm2 , 200 mJ/ ^cm2 , 225 mJ/ ^cm2 or 250 mJ/ ^cm2 .

Intense Pulsed Light

The disclosed devices may include an intense pulsed light (IPL) source. The IPL source includes a non-laser light source that emits light of various wavelengths and generates flashes of light in the form of strong pulses. The IPL source may generate light with a wavelength of about 300 to about 1200 nm (e.g., about 400 to about 1100 nm, about 500 to about 1000 nm, about 600 to about 900 nm, or about 700 to about 800 nm). The wavelength emitted by the IPL varies depending on the IPL device. In some embodiments, the IPL source generates a flash of light over a wide range of wavelengths, wherein the light is filtered to control the range of wavelengths allowed to exit the IPL source. In some examples, the filter is an optical filter configured as a low-pass filter, a high-pass filter, or a band-pass filter. In some embodiments, the filter may be configured with a cutout that allows light with a small bandwidth of light (e.g., light with wavelengths differing by less than 500 nm, 400 nm, 300 nm, 200 nm, 100 nm, 50 nm, 25 nm, 20 nm, 10 nm, 5 nm, or 2 nm) to pass through the filter. IPL energy may be delivered as a series of single, double, or triple pulse trains with pulse durations ranging from about 2 to about 25 ms (e.g., about 2 ms, about 3 ms, about 4 ms, about 5 ms, about 6 ms, about 7 ms, about 8 ms, about 9 ms, about 10 ms, about 11 ms, about 12 ms, about 13 ms, about 14 ms, about 15 ms, about 16 ms, about 17 ms, about 18 ms, about 19 ms, about 20 ms, about 21 ms, about 22 ms, about 23 ms, about 24 ms, or about 25 ms) and with an interpulse delay ranging from about 10 to about 500 ms (e.g., about 10 ms, about 20 ms, about 30 ms, about 40 ms, about 50 ms, about 60 ms, about 70 ms, about 80 ms, about 90 ms, about 100 ms, about 110 ms, about 120 ms, about 130 ms, about 140 ms, about 150 ms, about 160 ms, about 170 ms, about 180 ms, about 190 ms, about 200 ms, about 210 ms, about 220 ms, about 230 ms, about 240 ms, about 250 ms, about 260 ms, about 270 ms, about 280 ms, about 290 ms, about 300 ms, about 310 ms, about 320

- 12 048621 ms, about 330 ms, about 340 ms, about 350 ms, about 360 ms, about 370 ms, about 380 ms, about 390 ms, about 400 ms, about 410 ms, about 420 ms, about 430 ms, about 440 ms, about 450 ms, about 460 ms, about 470 ms, about 480 ms, about 490 ms or about 500 ms). The energy density of IPL radiation can range from about 5 to 60 J/ ^cm2 (e.g. about 5 J/ ^cm2 , about 6 J/ ^cm2 , about 7 J/ ^cm2 , about 8 J/ ^cm2 , about 9 J / ^cm2 , about 10 J/ ^cm2 , about 11 J/ ^cm2 , about 12 J/ ^cm2 , about 13 J/ ^cm2 , about 14 J/ ^cm2 , about 15 J/ ^cm2 , about 16 J/ cm ² , about 17 J/cm ² , about 18 J/cm ² , about 19 J/cm ² , about 20

J/ ^cm2 , about 21 J/ ^cm2 , about 22 J/ ^cm2 , about 23 J/ ^cm2 , about 24 J/ ^cm2 , about 25 J/ ^cm2 , about 26

J/ ^cm2 , about 27 J/ ^cm2 , about 28 J/ ^cm2 , about 29 J/ ^cm2 , about 30 J/ ^cm2 , about 31 J/ ^cm2 , about 32

J/ ^cm2 , about 33 J/ ^cm2 , about 34 J/ ^cm2 , about 35 J/ ^cm2 , about 36 J/ ^cm2 , about 37 J/ ^cm2 , about 38

J/ ^cm2 , about 39 J/ ^cm2 , about 40 J/ ^cm2 , about 41 J/ ^cm2 , about 42 J/ ^cm2 , about 43 J/ ^cm2 , about 44

J/ ^cm2 , about 45 J/ ^cm2 , about 46 J/ ^cm2 , about 47 J/ ^cm2 , about 48 J/ ^cm2 , about 49 J/ ^cm2 , about50

J/ ^cm2 , about 51 J/ ^cm2 , about 52 J/ ^cm2 , about 53 J/ ^cm2 , about 54 J/ ^cm2 , about 55 J/ ^cm2 , about 56

J/ ^cm2 , about 57 J/ ^cm2 , about 58 J/ ^cm2 , about 59 J/ ^cm2 or about 60 J/ ^cm2 ). Ultrasound.

The devices described herein may include an ultrasound source, such as an ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound may have a frequency of about 20 to about 20 MHz. The ultrasound transducer may be configured to emit ultrasound at a plurality of frequencies. The source may be configured to adjust the ultrasound emission at a selected frequency. The ultrasound source may include at least one transducer or a plurality of transducers emitting ultrasound. For example, the source may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more transducers emitting ultrasound.

In some embodiments, the ultrasound source has a frequency of about 20 to about 20 MHz, such as about 20 to about 100 kHz, such as about 20 to about 100 kHz, such as about 20 to about 80 kHz, such as about 40 kHz to about 80 kHz, such as about 20 kHz or about 40 kHz. For example, the ultrasound source may have a frequency of from about 20 to about 100 Hz, such as 30 Hz, 30 Hz, 40 Hz, 50 Hz, 60 Hz, 70 Hz, 80 Hz, 90 Hz, or 100 Hz, such as from about 100 to about 1 kHz, such as about 200 Hz, 300 Hz, 400 Hz, 500 Hz, 600 Hz, 700 Hz, 800 Hz, 900 Hz, or 1 kHz, such as from about 1 to about 10 kHz, such as about 2 kHz, 3 kHz, 4 kHz, 5 kHz, 6 kHz, 7 kHz, 8 kHz, 9 kHz, or 10 kHz, such as from about 10 kHz to about 100 kHz, such as about 20 kHz, 30 kHz, 40 kHz, 50 kHz, 60 kHz, 70 kHz, 80 kHz, 90 kHz or 100 kHz, for example from about 100 to about 1 MHz, for example from about 200 kHz, 300 kHz, 400 kHz, 500 kHz, 600 kHz, 700 kHz, 800 kHz, 900 kHz or 1 MHz, for example from about 1 up to about 20 MHz, for example, about 2 MHz, 3 MHz, 4 MHz, 5 MHz, 6 MHz, 7 MHz, 8 MHz, 9 MHz, 10 MHz, 11 MHz, 12 MHz, 13 MHz, 14 MHz, 15 MHz, 16 MHz, 17 MHz, 18 MHz, 19 MHz or 20 MHz.

In some embodiments, a low-frequency range of ultrasound is provided, for example, from 20 to about 100 kHz. In some embodiments, the frequency range of the delivered ultrasonic wave is about 40 kHz. In other configurations, the frequency range of the delivered ultrasonic wave is about 20 kHz. Low-frequency ranges of ultrasonic waves, as described herein (below 100 kHz), are unique and differ from ultrasound in other ranges due to their effect on stimulating cells and increasing the permeability of cell membranes (for example, due to cavitation). In particular, it should be understood that ultrasonic waves with a frequency below 100 kHz can advantageously exhibit unique properties independent of thermal effects such as cavitation, microcavitation and microjet formation, as well as acoustic flow effects on the treated cells. These effects help to break down clogged or hardened lipid barriers in parts of the eye, for example, in the meibomian gland.

In some embodiments, the ultrasound transducer is attached to a stainless steel plate, for example, bent at an angle of 90° at the end end to form a contact support plate. The contact support plate can be configured to contact, for example, the eyelid of a subject. The support plate can have a length and a width independently from about 10 to about 100 mm, for example, about 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm or 100 mm. In some embodiments, the contact support plate has a width of about 45 mm and a height of about 20 mm.

Warm

The devices described herein may include a heat source, such as an IR source or a resistive wire. The heating element may have a thermal power of about 10 to about 10,000 J. The heat source may be configured to radiate heat from a plurality of individual elements. For example, the source may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more heat radiating elements. In some embodiments, the heating elements may consist of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

In some embodiments, the heating may occur using radiation wavelengths of from about 1500 to about 2,000,000 nm, such as from about 2000 to about 1,000,000 nm, from about 10,000 to about 500,000 nm, from about 20,000 to about 100,000 nm, from about 50,000 to about 100,000 nm, from about 1,000,000 to about 2,000,000 nm, from 1,100,000 to about 1900,000 nm, from 1,200,000 to about 1800,000 nm, from 1300,000 to about 1800,000 nm, from 1400,000 to about 1700,000 nm, from 1500,000 to about 1600,000 nm, about

- 13 048621

1100000 nm, about 1200000 nm, about 1300000 nm, about 1400000 nm, about 1500000 nm, about 1600000 nm, about 1700000 nm, about 1800000 nm, about 1900000 nm or about 2000000 nm.

The heat source can be supplied over a period of time. The dose can be supplied continuously or in pulses. The dose can be delivered, for example, over a period of from about 0.01 s to about 600 s, for example from about 0.01 s to about 0.1 s, for example about 0.02 s, 0.03 s, 0.04 s, 0.05 s, 0.06 s, 0.07 s, 0.08 s, 0.09 s or 0.1 s, for example from about 0.1 s to about 1 s, for example about 0.2 s, 0.3 s, 0.4 s, 0.5 s, 0.6 s, 0.7 s, 0.8 s, 0.9 s or 1 s, for example from about 1 s to about 10 s, for example about 2 s, 3 s, 4 s, 5 s, 6 s, 7 s, 8 s, 9 s or 10 s, for example from about 10 s to about 100 s, such as about 20 s, 30 s, 40 s, 50 s, 60 s, 70 s, 80 s, 90 s or 100 s, such as from about 100 s to about 600 s, such as about 110 s, 120 s, 150 s, 180 s, 240 s, 270 s, 300 s, 330 s, 360 s, 390 s, 420 s, 450 s, 480 s, 510 s, 540 s, 570 s or 600 s. The pulsed radiation dose may comprise a ratio of the on time to the off time of, for example, from about 0.01 to about 100, for example from about 0.01 to about 0.1, for example about 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09 or 0.1, for example from about 0.1 to about 1, for example about 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1, for example from about 1 to about 10, for example about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, for example from about 10 to about 100, for example about 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100.

In some embodiments, the heat source may be configured to be electrically connected to the thermistor sensor for closed-loop control of the heating element. In some embodiments, a control loop feedback mechanism, such as a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, may be connected to the thermistor sensor for continuously monitoring the output signal of the heating element for the safety of the user and/or the recipient of the heat. The heat source may be configured to provide a constant temperature (e.g., from about 30°C to about 50°C, such as about 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C, 40°C, 41°C, 42°C, 43°C, 44°C, 45°C, 46°C, 47°C, 48°C, 49°C or 50°C). Other heat sources are known in the art. The heat source may be located on a component of the head, such as being configured to contact the eyelid or tissue area of the subject.

Microwave radiation

The devices described herein may include a microwave radiation source, such as a microwave transducer. The microwave radiation may have a frequency from about 300 to about 300 GHz (e.g., about 400 MHz, about 500 MHz, about 600 MHz, about 700 MHz, about 800 MHz, about 900 MHz, about 1 GHz, about 2 GHz, about 3 GHz, about 4 GHz, about 5 GHz, about 6 GHz, about 7 GHz, about 8 GHz, about 9 GHz, about 10 GHz, about 20 GHz, about 50 GHz, about 100 GHz, about 200 GHz, about 300 GHz). The microwave transducer may be configured to emit microwave radiation at a plurality of frequencies. The source may be configured to emit microwave radiation at a selected frequency. The microwave radiation source may include at least one transducer or a plurality of transducers emitting microwave radiation. For example, the source may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more microwave emitting transducers.

In some embodiments, the microwave source may be configured to emit microwave radiation with a wavelength of from about 1 to about 1000 mm, such as from about 2 to about 900 mm, from about 5 to about 800 mm, from about 10 to about 700 mm, from about 20 to about 600 mm, from about 50 to about 500 mm, from about 100 to about 400 mm, from about 200 to about 300 mm, about 10 mm, about 20 mm, about 30 mm, about 40 mm, about 50 mm, about 60 mm, about 70 mm, about 80 mm, about 90 mm, about 100 mm, about 110 mm, about 120 mm, about 130 mm, about 140 mm, about 150 mm, about 160 mm, about 170 mm, about 180 mm, about 190 mm, about 200 mm, about 200 mm, about 210 mm, about 220 mm, about 230 mm, about 240 mm, about 250 mm, about 260 mm, about 270 mm, about 280 mm, about 290 mm, about 300 mm, about 310 mm, about 320 mm, about 330 mm, about 340 mm, about 350 mm, about 360 mm, about 370 mm, about 380 mm, about 390 mm, about 400 mm, about 410 mm, about 420 mm, about 430 mm, about 440 mm, about 450 mm, about 460 mm, about 470 mm, about 480 mm, about 490 mm, about 500 mm, about 510 mm, about 520 mm, about 530 mm, about 540 mm, about 550 mm, about 560 mm, about 570 mm, about 580 mm, about 590 mm, about 600 mm, about 610 mm, about 620 mm, about 630 mm, about 640 mm, about 650 mm, about 660 mm, about 670 mm, about 680 mm, about 690 mm, about 700 mm, about 710 mm, about 720 mm, about 730 mm, about 740 mm, about 750 mm, about 760 mm, about 770 mm, about 780 mm, about 790 mm, about 800 mm, about 810 mm, about 820 mm, about 830 mm, about 840 mm, about 850 mm, about 860 mm, about 870mm, about 880mm, about 890mm, about 900mm, about 910mm, about 920mm, about 930mm, about 940mm, about 950mm, about 960mm, about 970mm, about 980mm, about 990mm or about 1000mm.

Light guide

In some embodiments, the devices described herein include a light guide for delivering therapeutic (e.g., UV-C) radiation. The light guide is a device used to distribute light (e.g., UV radiation) from a source to a specific area. The light guide may be made of a transparent material (e.g., glass or plastic),

- 14 048621 including UV-C transmitting material. The light guide may comprise fine fibres capable of transmitting light signals by internal reflections.

A light guide may be attached to a component of the head, and UV energy is transmitted from the UV radiation source to the application site through the light guide. The light guide may be, for example, a waveguide, an optical fiber, a liquid light guide, a hollow tube (Fig. 28A-28D). The light guide may be configured to couple with a light source. The light guide has a receiving end, for example, connected to the UV radiation source, and a transmitting end (Fig. 28A-28D), configured to deliver light to a desired area, for example, to various tissues, such as an eye, a nasal cavity, an oral cavity, skin tissue or a lumen of a subject.

The light guide may be of any suitable width and/or length, provided that it can effectively deliver UV radiation to the insertion site. For example, the light guide may have a length of, for example, from about 1 mm to about 1 m, for example, from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, for example, about 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm, for example, from about 10 mm to about 100 mm, for example, about 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm or 100 mm, for example, from about 100 mm to about 1 m, for example, about 200 mm, 300 mm, 400 mm, 500 mm, 600 mm, 700 mm, 800 mm, 900 mm or 1 m.

The thickness of the light guide (e.g. diameter) or of the fibers located inside can be, for example, from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, for example from about 2 mm to about 25 mm, for example from about 4 mm to about 15 mm, for example about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm or 50 mm.

The light guide may be or include a fiber light guide, which refers to any fiber configured to transmit UV radiation of any kind from one end to the other. In one embodiment, the fiber light guide transmits light with a wavelength of about 180 to 465 nm. Well-known light fibers include fibers made of fused silica, pure silica, organosilicon compounds, hollow tubes, coated and uncoated fibers, wherein the fibers are either single or form bundles. Other optical fibers include liquid fibers based on water or other diluents such as alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones and other liquids suitable for transmitting effective wavelengths, and some of them can reduce thermal energy, including infrared energy.

Vitrectomy element

The devices and methods of the present invention may include a vitrectomy element (e.g., a vitrectomy port, a vitreous probe, or a trocar) (Fig. 23, Fig. 24A, Fig. 24B, and Fig. 25). The vitrectomy element may be or may include a hollow tube having one or more sharp edges at a distal end for puncturing and penetrating the sclera of the eye and configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to an internal region of the eye (e.g., the anterior region, the posterior region, the vitreous chamber region, the retinal region, the choroidal region, the macular region, the intraocular lens region, the ciliary muscle region, or the optic nerve region). In some embodiments, the vitrectomy element is configured as a high-frequency cutting device (e.g., a vitrectomy system) for cutting the vitreous. In some embodiments, the needle can be inserted into the vitreous chamber region of the eye through an opening formed by the vitrectomy element (Fig. 25). In some embodiments, the vitrectomy element is configured to pass a light guide inside the vitrectomy element into the inner region of the eye. In some embodiments, the vitrectomy element is configured to be attached to an eye stabilization element. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the vitrectomy element is configured to be attached to the head component, and the distal end is configured to be attached to the eye stabilization element. In some embodiments, the vitrectomy element is configured to receive a therapeutic dose of radiation (e.g., UV-C) from a radiation source located in the head component, wherein the therapeutic dose exits the vitrectomy element at the distal end of the eye stabilization element. In some embodiments, the vitrectomy element is provided with a vitreous probe configured to be connected to the radiation source of the head component. In some embodiments, the vitrectomy element may have a base with a diameter of about 1 to about 10 mm (e.g., about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, or about 10 mm). In some embodiments, the vitrectomy element includes a vitreous probe configured to be attached to the base of the vitrectomy element. In some embodiments, the vitreous probe has a length of from about 1 to about 20 mm (e.g., from about 2 mm to about 19 mm, from about 3 mm to about 18 mm, from about 4 mm to about 17 mm, from about 5 mm to about 16 mm, from about 6 mm to about 15 mm, from about 7 mm to about 14 mm, from about 8 mm to about 13 mm, from about 9 mm to about 12 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm,

- 15 048621 about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 or about 20 mm). In some embodiments, the vitreous probe has a diameter of from about 0.05 to about 10 mm (e.g., about 0.05 mm, about 0.06 mm, about 0.07 mm, about 0.08 mm, about 0.09 mm, about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1.0 mm, about 1.1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.3 mm, about 1.4 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.6 mm, about 1.7 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 1.9 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 2.1 mm, about 2.2 mm, about 2.3 mm, about 2.4 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.6 mm, about 2.7 mm, about 2.8 mm, about 2.9 mm, about 3.0 mm, about 3.1 mm, about 3.2 mm, about 3.3 mm, about 3.4 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 3.6 mm, about 3.7 mm, about 3.8 mm, about 3.9 mm, about 4.0 mm, about 4.1 mm, about 4.2 mm, about 4.3 mm, about 4.4 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 4.6 mm, about 4.7 mm, about 4.8 mm, about 4.9 mm, about 5.0 mm, about 5.1 mm, about 5.2 mm, about 5.3 mm, about 5.4 mm, about 5.5 mm, about 5.6 mm, about 5.7 mm, about 5.8 mm, about 5.9 mm, about 6.0 mm, about 6.1 mm, about 6.2 mm, about 6.3 mm, about 6.4 mm, about 6.5 mm, about 6.6 mm, about 6.7 mm, about 6.8 mm, about 6.9 mm, about 7.0 mm, about 7.1 mm, about 7.2 mm, about 7.3 mm, about 7.4 mm, about 7.5 mm, about 7.6 mm, about 7.7 mm, about 7.7 mm, about 7.9 mm, about 8.0 mm, about 8.1 mm, about 8.2 mm, about 8.3 mm, about 8.4 mm, about 8.5 mm, about 8.6 mm, about 8.7 mm, about 8.8 mm, about 8.9 mm, about 9.0 mm, about 9.1 mm, about 9.2 mm, about 9.3 mm, about 9.4 mm, about 9.5 mm, about 9.6 mm, about 9.7 mm, about 9.8 mm, about 9.9 or about 10.0 mm). In some embodiments, the vitrectomy element is in the form of a vitreous probe having a base with a diameter of about 6 mm, a length of about 12 mm and a probe diameter of about 1 mm.

Proximity Definition Element

The device described herein may include a proximity detection element. The proximity detection element is a component configured to determine the distance between the energy source (for example, UV radiation, for example, UV-C radiation) and the injection site, for example, the treatment. Since the devices described herein provide therapeutic radiation, it is desirable that the device is located at an appropriate distance to ensure safe and effective energy administration. In some embodiments, the device does not directly contact the injection site. Thus, the device may include a proximity detection element that determines a predetermined distance from the injection site at which the energy source should be activated. The proximity detection element may be located on the head component or on the base component.

Any suitable mechanism can be used as the proximity detection element. For example, an optical sensor can be used to determine the distance between the energy source and the injection site. In one embodiment, the proximity detection element includes two or more light beams (for example, lasers) that converge upon reaching a predetermined distance. For example, if the device is preferably located at a predetermined distance from the injection site, the two light beams can converge and irradiate the area of the body tissue to be irradiated when the device is positioned accordingly. The predetermined distance can be, for example, from about 1 to about 100 cm from the injection site, such as from about 1 to about 100 mm, from about 1 to about 50 mm, from about 1 to about 25 mm, from about 2 to about 20 mm, or from about 5 to about 10 mm, such as about 8 mm.

Eye stabilization element

The devices described herein may include an eye stabilization element. The eye stabilization element may have a proximal end configured to be attached to a distal end of a head component and a distal end configured to contact the eye of a subject. In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element has the shape of a cone or a cylinder having a first diameter and a second diameter at the proximal end and the distal end, respectively (FIGS. 25A and 25B). In some embodiments, the first diameter is less than the second diameter. In some embodiments, the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. In some embodiments, the first diameter is equal to the second diameter. In some embodiments, the first and second diameters have a size large enough to accommodate a UV-C radiation beam having a beam diameter of from about 1 to about 15 mm (e.g., about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, or about 15 mm, such as about 4.5 mm). In some embodiments, the first and second diameters are from about 1 to about 20 mm (e.g., from about 2 to about 19 mm, from about 3 to about 18 mm, from about 4 to about 17 mm, from about about 5 to about 16 mm, from about 6 to about 15 mm, from about 7 to about 14 mm, from about 8 to about 13 mm, from about 9 to about 12 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, or about 20 mm).

In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element is in the form of a cone having a first diameter of from about 1 to about 20 mm (e.g., from about 2 to about 19 mm, from about 3

- 16 048621 to about 18 mm, from about 4 to about 17 mm, from about 5 to about 16 mm, from about 6 to about 15 mm, from about 7 to about 14 mm, from about 8 to about 13 mm, from about 9 to about 12 mm, or from about 10 to about 11 mm), a second diameter from about 1 to about 10 mm (e.g., about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, or about 10 mm), a length from about 1 to about 20 mm (e.g., from about 2 to about 19 mm, from about 3 to about 18 mm, from about 4 to about 17 mm, from about 5 to about 16 mm, from about 6 to about 15 mm, from about 7 to about 14 mm, from about 8 to about 13 mm, about about 9 to about 12 mm, or about 10 to about 11 mm), a treatment distance of about 5 to about 11 mm (e.g., about 6 to about 10 mm, about 7 to about 9 mm, or about 8 mm), a base of about 1 to about 3 mm (e.g., about 2 mm) in length for accommodating a beam of about 1 to about 5 mm in diameter (e.g., about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, or about 5 mm). In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element is formed as a cone having a first diameter of about 10 mm, a second diameter of about 6 mm, a length of about 10 mm, a treatment distance of about 8 mm, a base for attachment to the distal end of the UV radiation source of about 2 mm for accommodating a beam of about 4.5 mm in diameter.

In some embodiments, the distal end of the eye stabilizing element has a smooth edge (Fig. 27A and Fig. 27B). In some embodiments, the distal end of the eye stabilizing element has a profiled edge (e.g., a serrated edge) and includes a plurality (e.g., about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, or about 10) of projections and/or grooves, such as teeth, that contact and stabilize the eye (Fig. 28B). In some embodiments, the teeth are uniformly distributed around the circumference of the distal end of the eye stabilizing element. In some embodiments, the teeth have a triangular shape ending in a point, wherein the point of the teeth has an angle from about 1 to about 179° (e.g., 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°, 12°, 13°, 14°, 15°, 16°, 17°, 18°, 19°, 20°, 21°, 22°, 23°, 24°, 25°, 26°, 27°, 28°, 29°, 30°, 31°, 32°, 33°, 34°, 35°, 36°, 37°, 38°, 39°, 40°, 41°, 42°, 43°, 44°, 45°, 46°, 47°, 48°, 49°, 50°, 51°, 52°, 53°, 54°, 55°, 56°, 57°, 58°, 59°, 60°, 61°, 62°, 63°, 64°, 65°, 66°, 67°, 68°, 69°, 70°, 71°, 72°, 73°, 74°, 75°, 76°, 77°, 78°, 79°, 80°, 91°, 92°, 93°, 94°, 95°, 96°, 97°, 98°, 99°, 100°, 101°, 102°, 103°, 104°, 105°, 106°, 107°, 108°, 109°, 110°, 1110, 112°, 113°, 114°, 115°, 116°, 117°, 118°, 119°, 120°, 121°, 122°, 123°, 124°, 125°,

126°, 127°, 128°, 129°, 130°, 131°, 132°, 133°, 134°, 135°, 136°, 137°, 138°, 139°, 140°, 141°, 142° , 143°, 144°,

145°, 146°, 147°, 148°, 149°, 150°, 151°, 152°, 153°, 154°, 155°, 156°, 157°, 158°, 159°, 160°, 161° , 162°, 163°,

164°, 165°, 166°, 167°, 168°, 169°, 170°, 171°, 172°, 173°, 174°, 175°, 176°, 177°, 178° or 179°). In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element also sets an optimal distance from the head component and the subject's eye. In some embodiments, the optimal distance is from about 1 to about 20 mm (e.g., from about 2 to about 19 mm, from about 3 to about 18 mm, from about 4 to about 17 mm, from about 5 to about 16 mm, from about 6 to about 15 mm, from about 7 to about 14 mm, from about 8 to about 13 mm, from about 9 to about 12 mm, or about 10 mm, such as about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 or about 20 mm). In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element consists of a material that is not transparent to UV-C radiation. In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element is hollow from the proximal end to the distal end. In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element is disposable, intended for single use only, and contains a label (for example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag) to prevent reuse of the eye stabilization element. In some embodiments, the distal end of the eye stabilization element is made with elements (for example, projections, grooves or teeth) of a substantially small size, which makes it impossible to clean the eye stabilization element. In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element is not subject to sterilization. In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element is made of a material that is transparent to visible light. In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element is made of a plastic material (e.g., thermoplastic (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyamides, polyesters, and polyurethanes), polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polylactic acid, polycarbonate, acrylic plastics, polyoxymethylene, nylon, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element includes a component used to hold the subject's eyelid open (e.g., an eye speculum). In some embodiments, the eye stabilization element includes features that provide grip and/or improved handling stability (e.g., ridges, grooves, lines, indentations, or curves).

Signal generation element

The devices described herein may include a signal generating element. The signal generating element provides a signal, such as an alert or stimulus, when a predetermined distance is detected. The signal generating element may be operatively coupled to a proximity detecting element to generate a signal when the proximity detecting element detects a predetermined distance. The signal may be an audible, visual, or

- 17 048621 tactile signal. For example, the signal generating element may generate vibration upon reaching a predetermined distance to warn the user, for example, holding the device, of the need to introduce the UV radiation source upon reaching the predetermined distance. In another embodiment, the signal generating element automatically initiates the activation of the UV radiation source, for example, by opening an aperture or supplying power to the source. In this embodiment, the signal generating element may also generate an audio, visual or tactile signal. Alternatively, it may generate an electrical signal.

Aperture control

The devices described herein may include an aperture control element configured to modulate the aperture size of a UV radiation source (e.g., UV-C radiation). The aperture control element may be present on a component of the head. For example, the aperture control element may be an additional element that is coupled to the head, for example, near the UV radiation source. Alternatively, the aperture control element may be formed integrally with the head. In one embodiment, the aperture control element is a cone or a plurality of cones mounted on the component of the head. Different cones may have different sizes for controlling the aperture size. The aperture diameter may be, for example, from about 1 to about 50 mm, such as from about 2 to about 40 mm, such as about 4 mm, about 8 or about 25 mm. In some embodiments, the aperture control element is configured to provide 360° irradiation, for example, when used with a laryngoscope. In some embodiments, the invention relates to a system that includes a plurality of aperture control elements, wherein each aperture control element (e.g., cone) is configured for a different application or treatment method depending on the intensity, power, and distance required for administration.

Visualization module

The devices described herein may include a visualization module configured to display an image of the treatment or administration site. The visualization module allows the user to receive visual feedback during the administration of UV radiation. The visualization module may include, for example, a detector (e.g., a camera, such as a CCD camera) and a display. Suitable detectors and displays are known in the art. The visualization module may be located on the head component or on the base component. In some embodiments, the detector may be located on the head component and the display may be located on the base component. In embodiments with a light guide, the visualization module or a portion thereof (e.g., a detector or camera) may be located at the distal end of the light guide, such as to visualize an area closest to the distal end of the light guide. For example, a device with a light guide configured to deliver energy into a lumen of a subject may have a camera located at the distal end to visualize the lumen before and during administration into the body cavity. In this embodiment, the device may further include, for example, an endoscope that comprises a light guide and a visualization module.

The display may include various functions for providing instructions to the user (e.g., a clinician) during the administration of therapeutic energy. For example, the distance between the UV radiation source and the injection site may be displayed in real time. The display may be connected to a proximity detection element and/or a signal generating element for displaying a visual signal when a predetermined distance between the source and the injection site is detected. The visual signal may indicate to the user the need to administer therapeutic energy when the predetermined distance is detected.

Light emitting contact lens

The devices described herein may include a contact lens configured to direct UV-C radiation to the eye of a subject. In some embodiments, the contact lens includes a UV-C radiation source (e.g., embedded in the lens or attached to the lens). In some embodiments, the contact lens is configured to transmit UV-C radiation to the eye of the subject from an external UV-C radiation source. In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation source is oriented toward the eye of the subject. In some embodiments, the source may be configured to adjust the emission of radiation at a selected wavelength. In some embodiments, the contact lens is configured to scatter the UV-C radiation to irradiate the eye with a UV-C beam having a substantially smooth and uniformly distributed profile. The UV-C radiation source may include at least one light-emitting diode (LED) or a plurality of LEDs emitting UV radiation (e.g., surface-mounted LEDs (SMD)). For example, the source may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more LEDs emitting UV radiation. In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation may have a wavelength of about 100 to about 280 nm (e.g., about 200 to about 280 nm, such as about 220 to about 280 nm, such as about 240 to about 270 nm, such as about 250 to about 270 or about 260 to about 270 nm, such as about 254 nm, 255 nm or about 265 nm).

- 18 048621 In some embodiments, the UV radiation source produces a radiation intensity of from about 0.01 to about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 0.01 to about 50 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 0.01 to about 5 mW/ ^cm2 . For example, the UV radiation source can produce a radiation intensity of from about 0.01 to about 0.1 mW/cm ² , such as about 0.02 mW/cm ² , 0.03 mW/cm ² , 0.04 mW/cm ² , 0.05 mW/cm ² , 0.06 mW/cm ² , 0.07 mW/cm ² , 0.08 mW/cm ² , 0.09 mW/cm ² , 0.1 mW/cm ² , such as from about 0.1 to about 1 mW/cm ² , such as about 0.2 mW/cm ² , 0.3 mW/cm ² , 0.4 mW/cm ² , 0.5 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.6 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.7 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.8 mW/ ^cm2 , 0.9 mW/ ^cm2 or 1 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 1 to about 10 mW/ ^cm2 , such as about 2 mW/ ^cm2 , 3 mW/ ^cm2 , 4 mW/ ^cm2 , 5 mW/ ^cm2 , 6 mW/ ^cm2 , 7 mW/ ^cm2 , 8 mW/ ^cm2 , 9 mW/ ^cm2 , 10 mW/ ^cm2 , such as about 10 mW/ ^cm2 to about 100 mW/ ^cm2 , such as, about 20 mW/ ^cm2 , 30 mW/ ^cm2 , 40 mW/ ^cm2 , 50 mW/ ^cm2 , 60 mW/ ^cm2 , 70 mW/ ^cm2 , 80 mW/ ^cm2 , 90 mW/ ^cm2 or 100 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 100 to about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , such as about 150 mW/ ^cm2 , 200 mW/ ^cm2 , 250 mW/ ^cm2 , 300 mW/ ^cm2 , 350 mW/ ^cm2 , 400 mW/ ^cm2 , 450 mW/ ^cm2 or 500 mW/ ^cm2 . The contact lens may include a detachable or integral power source (e.g., a battery, an antenna for transmitting energy, a solar cell, an inertial energy harvesting device, or an electrical plug). In some embodiments, the contact lens is made of plastic (e.g., a rigid gas permeable lens or a hybrid lens). In some embodiments, the contact lens is made of a soft material (e.g., a soft lens). In some embodiments, the contact lens is made of quartz (e.g., fused silica). In some embodiments, the contact lens is made of a material that directs UV-C radiation to the treatment site and blocks UV-C radiation from affecting surrounding healthy tissue areas.

Additional components

The devices described herein may further include additional elements that may be part of the device or separate from the device and supplied as a kit or system. For example, a sterilization device may include a contact lens, a case for a contact lens, or a case for glasses, for example, configured to deliver ultrasound and/or UV radiation. The devices described herein may further include a temperature sensor. The heat source may be configured to provide a constant temperature (e.g., from about 30 to about 50°C, such as about 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C, 40°C, 41°C, 42°C, 43°C, 44°C, 45°C, 46°C, 47°C, 48°C, 49°C or 50°C, such as from about 38 to about 40°C, such as about 38.1°C, 38.2°C, 38.3°C, 38.4°C, 38.5°C, 38.6°C, 38.7°C, 38.8°C, 38.9°C, 39°C, 39.1°C, 39.2°C, 39.3°C, 39.4°C, 39.5°C, 39.6°C, 39.7°C, 39.8°C, 39.9°C or 40°C. In some embodiments, the heat source provides a temperature of about 40°C. The device may further include a contact sensor that detects contact of the device with the treatment site (eg, an eyelid). The device may include a microprocessor. The contact sensor may include an IR feedback emitter that senses contact, or a combination of sensors that transmits a signal to the microprocessor upon contact. This may be used to avoid transmitting UV radiation if it is not covered by the target.

The device may include one or more power sources (e.g., a battery), a control button, a handle or grip, or another ergonomic element. In some embodiments, the devices are part of a system that includes a slit lamp. For example, the device may be configured to be detachably mounted on a slit lamp that may provide a source of energy (e.g., UV energy, such as UV-C energy).

In one embodiment, a system for delivering a plurality of energy sources to a tissue site is provided. The system includes a base component, wherein the base component has a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion is configured to mate with one of a plurality of interchangeable heads selected from two or more of a first head including a UV-C radiation source; a second head including an IR radiation source; a third head including an ultrasound source; a fourth head including a UVA radiation source; a fifth head including a UV-C radiation source, an IR radiation source and an ultrasound source; and a sixth head including a microwave radiation source and an intense pulsed light source. The first head may further include one or more proximity detection elements configured to detect a predetermined distance between the energy source and the injection site; a signal generating element configured to generate a signal upon detection of the predetermined distance using the proximity detection element; an aperture control module for modulating the energy dose; a light guide and a visualization module. The system may be suitable for selecting a head component based on the desired application (e.g., a treatment method or a sterilization method).

Methods of application

The device described herein can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions and/or can be used as a sterilization device. The device in some embodiments can include one or more head components,

- 19 048621 with the ability to deliver a combination of energy in the form of light, heat and/or ultrasound.

Blepharitis and meibomian gland disease

In some embodiments, the device described herein can be used as a therapeutic device for treating conditions associated with meibomian gland dysfunction, such as blepharitis and meibomian gland disease (MGD). In some embodiments, the therapeutic device is configured to treat blepharitis and/or MGD, wherein the configuration includes a base component of the device and a head component that can include a UV-C radiation source, an IR radiation source, and an ultrasound source. The device can provide heat, for example, through an IR radiation source of another source. In some embodiments, a therapy session with the therapeutic device may include irradiating the affected eye with UV-C radiation having a wavelength of from about 100 to about 280 nm (e.g., from 105 to 275 nm, from 110 to 270 nm, from 115 to 265 nm, from 120 to 260 nm, from 125 to 255 nm, from 130 to 250 nm, from 135 to 245 nm, from 140 to 240 nm, from 145 to 235 nm, from 150 to 230 nm, from 155 to 225 nm, from 160 to 220 nm, from 165 to 215 nm, from 170 to 210 nm, from 175 to 205 nm, from 180 to 200 nm, from 185 to 195 nm, 101 nm, 102 nm, 103 nm, 104 nm, 105 nm, 106 nm, 107 nm, 108 nm, 109, 110 nm, 111 nm, 112 nm, 113 nm, 114 nm, 115 nm, 116 nm, 117 nm, 118 nm, 119, 120 nm, 121 nm, 122 nm, 123 nm, 124 nm, 125 nm, 126 nm, 127 nm, 128 nm, 129, 130 nm, 131 nm, 132 nm, 133 nm, 134 nm, 135 nm, 136 nm, 137 nm, 138 nm, 139 nm, 140 nm, 141 nm, 142 nm, 143 nm, 144 nm, 145 nm, 146 nm, 147 nm, 148 nm, 149, 150 nm, 151 nm, 152 nm, 153 nm, 154 nm, 155 nm, 156 nm, 157 nm, 158 nm, 159, 160 nm, 161 nm, 162 nm, 163 nm, 164 nm, 165 nm, 166 nm, 167 nm,

168 nm, 169, 170 nm, 171 nm, 172 nm, 173 nm, 174 nm, 175 nm, 176 nm, 177 nm, 178 nm, 179, 180 nm, 181 nm,

182 nm, 183 nm, 184 nm, 185 nm, 186 nm, 187 nm, 188 nm, 189, 190 nm, 191 nm, 192 nm, 193 nm, 194 nm, 195 nm, 196 nm, 197 nm, 198 nm, 199, 200 nm, 201 nm, 202 nm, 203 nm, 204 nm, 205 nm, 206 nm, 207 nm, 208 nm,

209, 210 nm, 211 nm, 212 nm, 213 nm, 214 nm, 215 nm, 216 nm, 217 nm, 218 nm, 219, 220 nm, 221 nm, 222 nm, 223 nm, 224 nm, 225 nm, 226 nm, 227 nm, 228 nm, 229, 230 nm, 231 nm, 232 nm, 233 nm, 234 nm, 235 nm, 236 nm, 237 nm, 238 nm, 239, 240 nm, 241 nm, 242 nm, 243 nm, 244 nm, 245 nm, 246 nm, 247 nm, 248 nm, 249, 250 nm, 251 nm, 252 nm, 253 nm, 254 nm, 255 nm, 256 nm, 257 nm, 258 nm, 259, 260 nm, 261 nm, 262 nm, 263 nm, 264 nm, 265 nm, 266 nm, 267 nm, 268 nm, 269, 270 nm, 271 nm, 272 nm, 273 nm, 274 nm, 275 nm, 276 nm, 277 nm, 278 nm, 279 or 280 nm). In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation has a power density of from about 20 to about 1000 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 30 to about 900 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 50 to about 850 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 100 to about 800 mW/ ^cm2 , about 150 to about 750 mW/ ^cm2 , about 200 to about 700 mW/ ^cm2 , about 250 to about 650 mW/ ^cm2 , about 300 to about 600 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 350 to about 550 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 400 to about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , about 50 mW/cm ² , about 100 mW/cm ² , about 150 mW/cm ² , about 200 mW/cm ² , about 250 mW/cm ² , about 300 mW/cm ² , about 350 mW/cm ² , about 400 mW/cm ² , about 450 mW/ ^cm2 , about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , about 550 mW/ ^cm2 , about 600 mW/ ^cm2 , about 650 mW/ ^cm2 , about 700 mW/ ^cm2 , about 750 mW/ ^cm2 , about 800 mW/ ^cm2 , about 850 mW/ ^cm2 , about 900 mW/ ^cm2 , about 950 mW/ ^cm2 or about 1000 mW/ ^cm2 , and may be continuous radiation or pulsed radiation. In some embodiments, the therapy session may include irradiating the affected eye with IR radiation having a wavelength of from about 750 to 1,000,000 nm (e.g., from 760 to 900,000 nm, from 770 to 800,000 nm, from 780 to 700,000 nm, from 790 to 600,000 nm, from 800 to 500,000 nm, from 810 to 400,000 nm, from 820 to 300,000 nm, from 830 to 200,000 nm, from 840 to 100,000 nm, from 850 to 90,000 nm, from 860 to 80,000 nm, from 870 to 70,000 nm, from 880 up to 60000 nm, from 890 to 50000 nm, 900 to 40000 nm, 1000 to 30000 nm, 1100 to 20000 nm, 1200 to 10000 nm, 1300 to 5000 nm, 1400 to 4000 nm, 1500 to 3000 nm, 1600 to 2500 nm , from 1700 to 2400 nm, from 1800 to 2300 nm, from 1900 to 2200 nm, or from 2000 to 2100 nm. In some embodiments, ultrasound with a frequency of about 1 to about 10 MHz may be required for the treatment of blepharitis and/or MGD, for example , 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 3 MHz, 4 MHz, 5 MHz, 6 MHz, 7 MHz, 8 MHz, 9 MHz or 10 MHz with an intensity of about 0.1 to about 1.0 W/cm ² , e.g. 0.1 W/cm ² , 0.2 W/cm ² , 0.3 W/cm ² , 0.4 W/ ^cm2 , 0.5 W/ ^cm2 , 0.6 W/ ^cm2 , 0.7 W/ ^cm2 , 0.8 W/ ^cm2 , 0.9 W/ ^cm2 or 1, 0 W/ ^cm2 . In some embodiments, the IR radiation has a power density of from about 20 to about 1000 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 30 to about 900 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 50 to about 850 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 100 to about 800 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 150 to about 750 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 200 to about 700 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 250 to about 650 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 300 to about 600 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 350 to about 550 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 400 to about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , about 50 mW/cm ² , about 100 mW/cm ² , about 150 mW/cm ² , about 200 mW/cm ² , about 250 mW/cm ² , about 300 mW/cm ² , about 350 mW/cm ² , about 400 mW/cm ² , about 450 mW/ ^cm2 , about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , about 550 mW/ ^cm2 , about 600 mW/ ^cm2 , about 650 mW/ ^cm2 , about 700 mW/ ^cm2 , about 750 mW/ ^cm2 , about 800 mW/ ^cm2 , about 850 mW/ ^cm2 , about 900 mW/ ^cm2 , about 950 mW/ ^cm2 , or about 1000 mW/ ^cm2 , and may be continuous radiation or pulsed radiation. In some embodiments, treating blepharitis and/or MGD with the therapeutic device includes multiple treatment sessions (e.g. , weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually) and may include any combination of the previously described therapeutic procedures. In some embodiments, the therapeutic device is configured to deliver ultrasound using a transducer attached to a stainless steel plate. In some embodiments, the physician , conducting the treatment, mo

- 20 048621 may employ a contact support plate that controls the activation of ultrasound, a heating pad, and UV-C radiation. In some embodiments, the distal end of the head component may include a contact sensing element that communicates with a microprocessor that controls the UV-C radiation. In additional embodiments, the contact sensing element signals the microprocessor whether there is contact with the treatment site in order to avoid any irradiation of surrounding healthy tissue with UV-C radiation. When the contact sensor is activated, in some embodiments, it initiates UV-C radiation and ultrasound. In some embodiments, the device remains in contact after irradiation with UV-C radiation in order to continue to deliver heat and ultrasound. In some embodiments, when the treatment cycle is complete, the ultrasound and heat are deactivated, and the signal generator notifies the operator to remove the device. In additional embodiments, whenever the device is prematurely removed from the eyelid, all light and ultrasound emission is suspended until contact is resumed.

Cancer

In some embodiments, the device described herein can be used as a therapeutic device for the treatment of cancer (e.g., leukemias, seminomas, melanomas, teratomas, lymphomas, neuroblastomas, gliomas, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, renal cancer, adrenal cancer, thyroid cancer, blood cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, cervical cancer, bowel cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, head and neck cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, lymph node cancer, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, ear, nose and throat (ENT) cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and metastases thereof. Examples thereof include lung carcinomas, breast carcinomas, prostate carcinomas, colon carcinomas, renal cell carcinomas, cervical carcinomas, or metastases of types cancer or tumors described above) and/or to provide additional treatment. In some embodiments, the devices and methods can be used to treat cancer, neoplasia and/or dysplasia, for example, including cancerous or precancerous cells. In some embodiments, the therapeutic device is configured to treat cancer, wherein the configuration includes a base component of the device and a head component that can include a UV-C radiation source. The device can also include a proximity detection element and a signal generating element. In some embodiments, the device further includes a light guide and/or an imaging module. In some embodiments, a therapy session with the therapeutic device may include irradiating the affected area with UV-C radiation having a wavelength of from about 100 to about 280 nm (e.g., from 105 to 275 nm, from 110 to 270 nm, from 115 to 265 nm, from 120 to 260 nm, from 125 to 255 nm, from 130 to 250 nm, from 135 to 245 nm, from 140 to 240 nm, from 145 to 235 nm, from 150 to 230 nm, from 155 to 225 nm, from 160 to 220 nm, from 165 to 215 nm, from 170 to 210 nm, from 175 to 205 nm, from 180 to 200 nm, from 185 to 195 nm, 101 nm, 102 nm, 103 nm, 104 nm, 105 nm, 106 nm, 107 nm, 108 nm, 109, 110 nm, 111 nm, 112 nm, 113 nm, 114 nm, 115 nm, 116 nm, 117 nm, 118 nm, 119, 120 nm, 121 nm, 122 nm, 123 nm, 124 nm, 125 nm,

126 nm, 127 nm, 128 nm, 129, 130 nm, 131 nm, 132 nm, 133 nm, 134 nm, 135 nm, 136 nm, 137 nm, 138 nm, 139 nm, 140 nm, 141 nm, 142 nm, 143 nm, 144 nm, 145 nm, 146 nm, 147 nm, 148 nm, 149, 150 nm, 151 nm, 152 nm, 153 nm, 154 nm, 155 nm, 156 nm, 157 nm, 158 nm, 159, 160 nm, 161 nm, 162 nm, 163 nm, 164 nm, 165 nm, 166 nm, 167 nm, 168 nm, 169, 170 nm, 171 nm, 172 nm, 173 nm, 174 nm, 175 nm, 176 nm, 177 nm, 178 nm, 179, 180 nm, 181 nm, 182 nm, 183 nm, 184 nm, 185 nm, 186 nm, 187 nm, 188 nm, 189, 190 nm, 191 nm, 192 nm, 193 nm, 194 nm, 195 nm, 196 nm, 197 nm, 198 nm, 199, 200 nm, 201 nm, 202 nm, 203 nm, 204 nm, 205 nm, 206 nm, 207 nm, 208 nm, 209, 210 nm, 211 nm, 212 nm, 213 nm, 214 nm, 215 nm, 216 nm, 217 nm, 218 nm, 219, 220 nm, 221 nm, 222 nm, 223 nm, 224 nm, 225 nm, 226 nm, 227 nm, 228 nm, 229, 230 nm, 231 nm, 232 nm, 233 nm, 234 nm, 235 nm, 236 nm, 237 nm, 238 nm, 239, 240 nm, 241 nm, 242 nm , 243 nm, 244 nm, 245 nm, 246 nm, 247 nm, 248 nm, 249, 250 nm, 251 nm, 252 nm, 253 nm, 254 nm, 255 nm, 256 nm, 257 nm, 258 nm, 259, 260 nm, 261 nm, 262 nm, 263 nm, 264 nm, 265 nm, 266 nm, 267 nm, 268 nm, 269, 270 nm, 271 nm, 272 nm, 273 nm, 274 nm, 275 nm, 276 nm, 277 nm, 278 nm, 279 or 280 nm). In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation has a power density of from about 20 to about 1000 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 30 to about 900 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 50 to about 850 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 100 to about 800 mW/ ^cm2 , about 150 to about 750 mW/ ^cm2 , about 200 to about 700 mW/ ^cm2 , about 250 to about 650 mW/ ^cm2 , about 300 to about 600 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 350 to about 550 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 400 to about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , about 50 mW/cm ² , about 100 mW/cm ² , about 150 mW/cm ² , about 200 mW/cm ² , about 250 mW/cm ² , about 300 mW/cm ² , about 350 mW/cm ² , about 400 mW/cm ² , about 450 mW/ ^cm2 , about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , about 550 mW/ ^cm2 , about 600 mW/ ^cm2 , about 650 mW/ ^cm2 , about 700 mW/ ^cm2 , about 750 mW/ ^cm2 , about 800 mW/ ^cm2 , about850 mW/ ^cm2 , about 900 mW/ ^cm2 , about 950 mW/ ^cm2 , or about 1000 mW/ ^cm2 , and may be continuous radiation or pulsed radiation. In some embodiments, the cancer treatment may be continuous radiation or pulsed radiation. In some embodiments, where the radiation is pulsed, the pulse frequency can be from about 20 to about 1000 Hz, for example, from about 50 to about 950 Hz, from about 100 to about 900 Hz, from about 150 to

- 21 048621 about 850 Hz, from about 200 to about 800 Hz, from about 250 to about 750 Hz, from about 300 to about 700 Hz, from about 350 to about 650 Hz, from about 400 to about 600 Hz, from about 450 to about 550 Hz, from about 500 to about 525 Hz, about 50 Hz, about 100 Hz, about 150 Hz, about 200 Hz, about 250 Hz, about 300 Hz, about 350 Hz, about 400 Hz, about 450 Hz, about 500 Hz, about 550 Hz, about 600 Hz, about 650 Hz, about 700 Hz, about 750 Hz, about 800 Hz, about 850 Hz, about 900 Hz, about 950 Hz, about 1000 Hz, with a duty cycle of 1-100% (e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%). In some embodiments, treating cancer with the device may include multiple treatment sessions and may include any combination of the previously described therapeutic procedures. In additional embodiments, the irradiation may be controlled using a support plate. In some embodiments, the proximity detection element is connected to the light guide and interacts with a microprocessor that controls the radiation. In some embodiments, the radiation is activated only when the output end of the light guide reaches a predetermined distance from the treatment site. In some embodiments, when the treatment cycle is completed, the UV-C radiation sources are deactivated and the signal generator notifies the operator of the need to remove the device. In further embodiments, whenever the device is prematurely removed from the treatment site, all light emission is suspended until the predetermined distance is re-established.

Cancer of the eye, orbit and/or adnexa

In some embodiments, the device described herein can be used as a therapeutic device for treating cancer of the eye, orbit and/or adnexa (e.g., intraocular secondary tumors, retinoblastoma, uveal melanomas, conjunctival melanomas, orbital cancers, eyelid cancers or adnexal cancers) and/or to provide additional treatment. In some embodiments, the therapeutic device is configured to treat cancer of the eye, wherein the configuration includes a base component of the device and a head component that can include a UV-C radiation source. The device can also include a proximity detection element and a signal generating element. In some embodiments, the device further includes a light guide and/or an imaging module. In some embodiments, the device is a contact lens described herein and is used to deliver a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to the eye to treat cancer of the eye. In some embodiments, a therapy session with the therapeutic device may include irradiating the affected eye with UV-C radiation having a wavelength of from about 100 to about 280 nm (e.g., from 105 to 275 nm, from 110 nm to 270 nm, from 115 nm to 265 nm, from 120 nm to 260 nm, from 125 nm to 255 nm, from 130 nm to 250 nm, from 135 nm to 245 nm, from 140 nm to 240 nm, from 145 nm to 235 nm, from 150 nm to 230 nm, from 155 nm to 225 nm, from 160 nm to 220 nm, from 165 nm to 215 nm, from 170 nm to 210 nm, from 175 nm to 205 nm, from 180 nm to 200 nm, 185 nm to 195 nm, 101 nm, 102 nm, 103 nm, 104 nm, 105 nm, 106 nm, 107 nm, 108 nm, 109, 110 nm, 111 nm, 112 nm, 113 nm, 114 nm, 115 nm, 116 nm, 117 nm, 118 nm, 119, 120 nm, 121 nm, 122 nm, 123 nm, 124 nm, 125 nm, 126 nm, 127 nm, 128 nm, 129, 130 nm, 131 nm,

132 nm, 133 nm, 134 nm, 135 nm, 136 nm, 137 nm, 138 nm, 139 nm, 140 nm, 141 nm, 142 nm, 143 nm, 144 nm,

145 nm, 146 nm, 147 nm, 148 nm, 149, 150 nm, 151 nm, 152 nm, 153 nm, 154 nm, 155 nm, 156 nm, 157 nm, 158 nm, 159, 160 nm, 161 nm, 162 nm, 163 nm, 164 nm, 165 nm, 166 nm, 167 nm, 168 nm, 169, 170 nm, 171 nm, 172 nm, 173 nm, 174 nm, 175 nm, 176 nm, 177 nm, 178 nm, 179, 180 nm, 181 nm, 182 nm, 183 nm, 184 nm, 185 nm, 186 nm, 187 nm, 188 nm, 189, 190 nm, 191 nm, 192 nm, 193 nm, 194 nm, 195 nm, 196 nm, 197 nm, 198 nm, 199, 200 nm, 201 nm, 202 nm, 203 nm, 204 nm, 205 nm, 206 nm, 207 nm, 208 nm, 209, 210 nm, 211 nm, 212 nm, 213 nm, 214 nm, 215 nm, 216 nm, 217 nm, 218 nm, 219, 220 nm, 221 nm, 222 nm, 223 nm, 224 nm, 225 nm, 226 nm, 227 nm, 228 nm, 229, 230 nm, 231 nm, 232 nm, 233 nm, 234 nm, 235 nm, 236 nm, 237 nm, 238 nm, 239, 240 nm, 241 nm, 242 nm, 243 nm, 244 nm, 245 nm, 246 nm, 247 nm, 248 nm, 249, 250 nm, 251 nm, 252 nm, 253 nm, 254 nm, 255 nm, 256 nm, 257 nm, 258 nm, 259, 260 nm, 261 nm , 262 nm, 263 nm, 264 nm, 265 nm, 266 nm, 267 nm, 268 nm, 269, 270 nm, 271 nm, 272 nm, 273 nm, 274 nm, 275 nm, 276 nm, 277 nm, 278 nm, 279 or 280 nm). In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation has a power density of from about 20 to about 1000 mW/ ^cm2 , such as from about 30 to about 900 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 50 to about 850 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 100 to about 800 mW/ ^cm2 , about 150 to about 750 mW/ ^cm2 , about 200 to about 700 mW/ ^cm2 , about 250 to about 650 mW/ ^cm2 , about 300 to about 600 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 350 to about 550 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 400 to about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , about 50 mW/cm ² , about 100 mW/cm ² , about 150 mW/cm ² , about 200 mW/cm ² , about 250 mW/cm ² , about 300 mW/cm ² , about 350 mW/cm ² , about 400 mW/cm ² , about 450 mW/ ^cm2 , about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , about 550 mW/ ^cm2 , about 600 mW/ ^cm2 , about 650 mW/ ^cm2 , about 700 mW/ ^cm2 , about 750 mW/ ^cm2 , about 800 mW/ ^cm2 , about 850 mW/ ^cm2 , about 900 mW/ ^cm2 , about 950 mW/ ^cm2 , or about 1000 mW/ ^cm2 , and may be continuous radiation or pulsed radiation. In some embodiments, the treatment of eye cancer may be continuous radiation or pulsed radiation. In some embodiments, , where the radiation is pulsed, the pulse frequency may be from about 20 to about 1000 Hz, such as from about 50 to about 950 Hz, from about 100 to about 900 Hz, from about 150 to about 850 Hz, from about 200 to about 800 Hz, from about 250 to about 750 Hz, from about 300 to about 700 Hz, from about 350 to about 650 Hz,

- 22 048621 from about 400 to about 600 Hz, from about 450 to about 550 Hz, from about 500 to about 525 Hz, about 50 Hz, about 100 Hz, about 150 Hz, about 200 Hz, about 250 Hz, about 300 Hz, about 350 Hz, about 400 Hz, about 450 Hz, about 500 Hz, about 550 Hz, about 600 Hz, about 650 Hz, about 700 Hz, about 750 Hz, about 800 Hz, about 850 Hz, about 900 Hz, about 950 Hz, about 1000 Hz, with a duty cycle of 1-100% (eg 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%). In some embodiments, treating an eye cancer with the device may include multiple treatment sessions and may include any combination of the previously described therapeutic procedures. In some embodiments, the therapeutic device may be mounted on a slit lamp device. In additional embodiments, the irradiation may be controlled using a support plate. In additional embodiments, the eye cancer may be an intraocular cancer, an ocular surface cancer, an eyelid cancer, or an orbital cancer. In some embodiments, a light guide may be inserted into the interior of the eye to irradiate the intraocular cancer or the orbital cancer with a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation. In some embodiments, a proximity detection element is connected to the light guide and communicates with a microprocessor that controls the radiation. In some embodiments, the radiation is activated only when the output end of the light guide reaches a predetermined distance from the treatment site. In some embodiments, when the treatment cycle is completed, the UV-C radiation sources are deactivated and the signal generator notifies the operator to remove the device. In further embodiments, whenever the device is prematurely removed from the treatment site, all light emission is suspended until the predetermined distance is re-established.

Acne vulgaris and rosacea

In some embodiments, the device described herein can be used as a therapeutic device for treating acne vulgaris and/or acne rosacea. In some embodiments, the therapeutic device is configured to treat acne, wherein the configuration includes a base component of the device and a head component that can include a UV-C radiation source, a proximity sensing element, and a light guide. In some embodiments, a therapy session with the device can include irradiating a skin lesion with UV-C radiation having a wavelength of 100 nm to 280 nm (e.g., 105 nm to 275 nm, 110 nm to 270 nm, 115 nm to 265 nm, 120 nm to 260 nm, 125 nm to 255 nm,

130 nm to 250 nm, 135 nm to 245 nm, 140 nm to 240 nm, 145 nm to 235 nm, 150 nm to 230 nm,

155 nm to 225 nm, 160 nm to 220 nm, 165 nm to 215 nm, 170 nm to 210 nm, 175 nm to 205 nm,

180 nm to 200 nm, 185 nm to 195 nm, 101 nm, 102 nm, 103 nm, 104 nm, 105 nm, 106 nm, 107 nm, 108 nm,

109, 110 nm, 111 nm, 112 nm, 113 nm, 114 nm, 115 nm, 116 nm, 117 nm, 118 nm, 119, 120 nm, 121 nm, 122 nm,

123 nm, 124 nm, 125 nm, 126 nm, 127 nm, 128 nm, 129, 130 nm, 131 nm, 132 nm, 133 nm, 134 nm, 135 nm, 136 nm, 137 nm, 138 nm, 139 nm, 140 nm, 141 nm, 142 nm, 143 nm, 144 nm, 145 nm, 146 nm, 147 nm, 148 nm, 149, 150 nm, 151 nm, 152 nm, 153 nm, 154 nm, 155 nm, 156 nm, 157 nm, 158 nm, 159, 160 nm, 161 nm, 162 nm, 163 nm, 164 nm, 165 nm, 166 nm, 167 nm, 168 nm, 169, 170 nm, 171 nm, 172 nm, 173 nm, 174 nm, 175 nm, 176 nm,

177 nm, 178 nm, 179, 180 nm, 181 nm, 182 nm, 183 nm, 184 nm, 185 nm, 186 nm, 187 nm, 188 nm, 189, 190 nm,

191 nm, 192 nm, 193 nm, 194 nm, 195 nm, 196 nm, 197 nm, 198 nm, 199, 200 nm, 201 nm, 202 nm, 203 nm, 204 nm, 205 nm, 206 nm, 207 nm, 208 nm, 209, 210 nm, 211 nm, 212 nm, 213 nm, 214 nm, 215 nm, 216 nm, 217 nm, 218 nm, 219, 220 nm, 221 nm, 222 nm, 223 nm, 224 nm, 225 nm, 226 nm, 227 nm, 228 nm, 229, 230 nm, 231 nm,

232 nm, 233 nm, 234 nm, 235 nm, 236 nm, 237 nm, 238 nm, 239, 240 nm, 241 nm, 242 nm, 243 nm, 244 nm, 245 nm, 246 nm, 247 nm, 248 nm, 249, 250 nm, 251 nm, 252 nm, 253 nm, 254 nm, 255 nm, 256 nm, 257 nm, 258 nm, 259, 260 nm, 261 nm, 262 nm, 263 nm, 264 nm, 265 nm, 266 nm, 267 nm, 268 nm, 269, 270 nm, 271 nm, 272 nm, 273 nm, 274 nm, 275 nm, 276 nm, 277 nm, 278 nm, 279 or 280 nm). In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation has a power density of from about 20 mW/cm ² to about 1000 mW/cm ² , such as from about 30 mW/cm ² to about 900 mW/cm ² , from about 50 mW/cm ² up to about 850 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 100 mW/ ^cm2 to about 800 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 150 mW/ ^cm2 to about 750 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 200 mW/ ^cm2 to about 700 mW/ cm ² , from about 250 mW/cm ² to about 650 mW/cm ² , from about 300 mW/cm ² to about 600 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 350 mW/ ^cm2 to about 550 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 400 mW/ ^cm2 to about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , about 50 mW/ ^cm2 , about 100 mW/ ^cm2 , about 150 mW/ ^cm2 , about 200 mW/ ^cm2 , about 250 mW/ ^cm2 , about 300 mW/ ^cm2 , about 350 mW/ ^cm2 , about 400 mW/ ^cm2 , about 450 mW/ ^cm2 , about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , about 550 mW/ ^cm2 , about 600 mW/cm ² , about 650 mW/cm ² , about 700 mW/cm ² , about 750 mW/cm ² , about 800 mW/cm ² , about 850 mW/cm ² , about 900 mW/cm ² , about 950 mW/cm ² or about 1000 mW/ ^cm2 , and may be continuous radiation or pulsed radiation. In some embodiments, the acne treatment is continuous radiation or pulsed radiation. In some embodiments where the radiation is pulsed, the pulse frequency may be from about 20 Hz to about 1000 Hz, such as from about 50 Hz to about 950 Hz, from about 100 Hz to about 900 Hz, from about 150 Hz to about 850 Hz, from about 200 Hz to about 800 Hz, from about 250 Hz to about 750 Hz, from about 300 Hz to about 700 Hz, from about 350 Hz to about 650 Hz, from about 400 Hz to about 600 Hz, from about 450 Hz to about 550 Hz, from about 500 Hz to about 525 Hz, about 50 Hz, about 100 Hz, about 150 Hz, about 200 Hz, about 250 Hz, about 300 Hz, about 350 Hz, about 400 Hz, about 450 Hz, about 500 Hz, about 550 Hz, about

- 23 048621

600 Hz, about 650 Hz, about 700 Hz, about 750 Hz, about 800 Hz, about 850 Hz, about 900 Hz, about 950 Hz, about 1000 Hz, with a duty cycle of 1-100% (e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%). In some embodiments, treating acne with the device may include multiple treatment sessions (e.g., weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually) and may include any combination of the previously described therapeutic procedures. In some embodiments, the therapeutic device may be mounted on a slit lamp device. In additional embodiments, the irradiation may be controlled using a support plate. In some embodiments, the light guide may be directed to the affected area of the skin to irradiate with a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation. In some embodiments, the proximity detection element is connected to the light guide and interacts with a microprocessor that controls the radiation. In some embodiments, the radiation is activated only when the output end of the light guide reaches a predetermined distance from the treatment site. In some embodiments, when the treatment cycle is completed, the UV-C radiation sources are deactivated, and the signal generator notifies the operator of the need to remove the device. In additional embodiments, whenever the device is prematurely removed from the treatment site, all light emission is suspended until the predetermined distance is restored.

Healing of wounds (eg, gastric or duodenal ulcers)

In some embodiments, the device described herein can be used as a therapeutic device for treating wounds and improving wound healing (e.g., the rate of healing, the extent of healing, and/or reducing scar formation). In some embodiments, the device is configured to treat gastric or duodenal ulcers (e.g., due to H. pylori infection), abrasions, surgical incisions, recurrent corneal erosions, corneal ulcers, infections, burns, eyelid and skin injuries, foreign body injuries or abrasions, cosmetic surgery incisions, blepharoplasty, cataract surgery, refractive surgery incisions and/or flaps, puncture wounds, inflammation associated with suture placement, rotation flaps, pedicle flaps, or skin grafts. In some embodiments, the therapeutic device is configured to treat gastric or duodenal ulcers, wherein the configuration includes a device base component and a head component that may include a UV radiation source, a proximity detection element, and a light guide. In some embodiments, a therapy session using a wound healing configuration (e.g., a gastric or duodenal ulcer configuration) of the therapeutic device may include irradiating an affected wound (e.g., an area of gastric or duodenal tissue) with UV-C radiation having a wavelength of from 100 nm to 280 nm (e.g., from 105 nm to 275 nm, from 110 nm to 270 nm, from 115 nm to 265 nm, from 120 nm to 260 nm, from 125 nm to 255 nm, from 130 nm to 250 nm, from 135 nm to 245 nm, from 140 nm to 240 nm, from 145 nm to 235 nm, from 150 nm to 230 nm, from 155 nm to 225 nm, from 160 nm to 220 nm, from 165 nm to 215 nm, 170 nm to 210 nm, 175 nm to 205 nm, 180 nm to 200 nm, 185 nm to 195 nm, 101 nm, 102 nm, 103 nm, 104 nm, 105 nm, 106 nm, 107 nm, 108 nm, 109, 110 nm, 111 nm, 112 nm, 113 nm, 114 nm, 115 nm, 116 nm, 117 nm, 118 nm, 119, 120 nm, 121 nm, 122 nm, 123 nm,

124 nm, 125 nm, 126 nm, 127 nm, 128 nm, 129, 130 nm, 131 nm, 132 nm, 133 nm, 134 nm, 135 nm, 136 nm, 137 nm, 138 nm, 139 nm, 140 nm, 141 nm, 142 nm, 143 nm, 144 nm, 145 nm, 146 nm, 147 nm, 148 nm, 149, 150 nm,

151 nm, 152 nm, 153 nm, 154 nm, 155 nm, 156 nm, 157 nm, 158 nm, 159, 160 nm, 161 nm, 162 nm, 163 nm, 164 nm, 165 nm, 166 nm, 167 nm, 168 nm, 169, 170 nm, 171 nm, 172 nm, 173 nm, 174 nm, 175 nm, 176 nm, 177 nm, 178 nm, 179, 180 nm, 181 nm, 182 nm, 183 nm, 184 nm, 185 nm, 186 nm, 187 nm, 188 nm, 189, 190 nm, 191 nm, 192 nm, 193 nm, 194 nm, 195 nm, 196 nm, 197 nm, 198 nm, 199, 200 nm, 201 nm, 202 nm, 203 nm, 204 nm, 205 nm, 206 nm, 207 nm, 208 nm, 209, 210 nm, 211 nm, 212 nm, 213 nm, 214 nm, 215 nm, 216 nm, 217 nm, 218 nm, 219, 220 nm, 221 nm, 222 nm, 223 nm, 224 nm, 225 nm, 226 nm, 227 nm, 228 nm, 229, 230 nm, 231 nm, 232 nm, 233 nm, 234 nm, 235 nm, 236 nm, 237 nm, 238 nm, 239, 240 nm, 241 nm, 242 nm, 243 nm, 244 nm, 245 nm, 246 nm, 247 nm, 248 nm, 249, 250 nm, 251 nm, 252 nm, 253 nm, 254 nm, 255 nm, 256 nm, 257 nm, 258 nm, 259, 260 nm, 261 nm, 262 nm, 263 nm, 264 nm, 265 nm, 266 nm, 267 nm, 268 nm, 269, 270 nm, 271 nm, 272 nm, 273 nm, 274 nm, 275 nm, 276 nm, 277 nm, 278 nm, 279 or 280 nm). In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation has a power density of from about 1 mJ/ ^cm2 to about 5000 mJ/ ^cm2 , such as from about 50 mJ/ ^cm2 to about 4500 mJ/ ^cm2 , from about 100 mJ/ ^cm2 up to about 4000 mJ/ ^cm2 , from about 200 mJ/ ^cm2 to about 4000 mJ/ ^cm2 , from about 300 mJ/ ^cm2 to about 3500 mJ/ ^cm2 , from about 500 mJ/ ^cm2 to about 3000 mJ/ cm ² , from about 1000 mJ/cm ² to about 2500 mJ/cm ² , from about 1500 mJ/cm ² to about 2000 mJ/cm ² , about 100 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 200 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 300 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 400 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 500 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 600 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 700 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 800 mJ/cm ² , about 900 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 1,000 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 1500 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 2000 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 2500 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 3000 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 3500 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 4000 mJ/cm ² , about 4500 mJ/cm ² , about 5000 mJ/ ^cm2 , and can be continuous radiation or pulsed radiation. In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation source can be an LED with an output optical power of 0.2 to 0.3 mW. In some embodiments, the intensity of UV-C radiation from the LED on the target tissue (e.g. a wound) can be

- 24 048621 depend on the area of the irradiated target tissue (e.g., for a target tissue area of about 1 cm ² , the intensity is about 0.3 mW/cm ² , and for a target tissue area of about 4.3 mm ² , the intensity is about 2.07 mW/cm ² . In some embodiments, the total dose of UV-C radiation on the target tissue depends on the duration of the irradiation session (e.g., for a target tissue area of about 4.3 mm ^2, the intensity is about 2.07 mW/cm ² , wherein for 15 s the total dose of UV-C radiation is about 31 mJ/cm ² ). In some embodiments, where the radiation is pulsed, the pulse frequency can be from about 20 to about 1000 Hz, such as from about 50 to about 950 Hz, from about 100 to about 900 Hz, from about 150 to about 850 Hz, from about 200 to about 800 Hz, about 250 to about 750 Hz, about 300 to about 700 Hz, about 350 to about 650 Hz, about 400 to about 600 Hz, about 450 to about 550 Hz, about 500 to about 525 Hz, about 50, about 100 Hz, about 150 Hz, about 200 Hz, about 250 Hz, about 300 Hz, about 350 Hz, about 400 Hz, about 450 Hz, about 500 Hz, about 550 Hz, about 600 Hz, about 650 Hz, about 700 Hz, about 750 Hz, about 800 Hz, about 850 Hz, about 900 Hz, about 950 Hz, about 1000 Hz, with a duty cycle 1-100% (e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%). In some embodiments, treating a wound or ulcer of the stomach or duodenum may include multiple treatment sessions (e.g., weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually) and may include any combination of the previously described therapeutic procedures. In additional embodiments, the irradiation can be controlled using a support plate. In some embodiments, a light guide can be inserted or positioned near the affected area of an internal wound (e.g., a gastrointestinal tract wound) to irradiate with a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation. In some embodiments, a proximity detection element is connected to the light guide and communicates with a microprocessor that controls the radiation. In some embodiments, the radiation is activated only when the output end of the light guide reaches a predetermined distance from the treatment site. In some embodiments, when the treatment cycle is completed, the UV-C radiation sources are deactivated and the signal generator notifies the operator to remove the device. In additional embodiments, whenever the device is prematurely removed from the treatment site, all light emission is suspended until the predetermined distance is restored. The method of treating wounds by delivering a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation may include any combination of UV-C radiation and other energy sources described herein (e.g., IR radiation, UVA radiation, microwave radiation and/or ultrasound).

Sterilization and/or reduction of the load of harmful microorganisms in tissues

In some embodiments, the device described herein can be used as a sterilization device for sterilizing tissue or reducing the load of microorganisms (e.g., viral, bacterial, protozoan, commensal, parasitic, fungal, nematode, viroid, or any combination thereof) in tissue. In some embodiments, the sterilization device can reduce the load of microorganisms (e.g., Chlamydia trachomatous infections, Demodex folliculorum infections, endophthalmitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, adenoviral conjunctivitis, herpes viruses, human papillomavirus, coronaviruses, such as SARS-COV-2). In some embodiments, the sterilization device is configured to sterilize tissue (e.g., the inner region of the mouth, such as for treating periodontitis and/or treating gingivitis, the outer region of the mouth, such as the lips, the nasal cavity, the oropharynx, the lumen of the genitals, the lumen of the urinary tract, the gastrointestinal tract, the outer region of the eye, the inner region of the eye, the ear, the genitals, the lumen of the body), wherein the configuration includes a base component of the device and a head component that may include a UV radiation source, a proximity detection element and a light guide. In some embodiments, the device is configured to sterilize and/or reduce the load (e.g., by at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 99% or 100%) of harmful microorganisms during an infection of a tooth or a dental cavity. In some embodiments, the device is configured to sterilize an internal region of the mouth (e.g., a tooth, a dental cavity, and/or an area surrounding a tooth), such as during a root canal treatment procedure. In some embodiments, the device includes a contact lens described herein for delivering a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to the eye to sterilize or reduce the viral and/or bacterial load on the eye. In some embodiments, the device is configured to treat gingivitis and includes a protective shield shaped to deliver a therapeutic dose or UV-C radiation to the subject's gum tissue and to prevent delivery of UV-C radiation beyond the gum tissue. In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation source is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to the anterior region, the posterior region, the vitreous chamber region, the retinal region, the choroidal region, the macular region, the lens region (e.g., the intraocular lens region), the ciliary muscle region, or the optic nerve region of the eye. In some embodiments, the therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation is delivered to the subject's eye through a vitrectomy element. In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation source is configured to be inserted into the vitrectomy

- 25 048621 vitrectomy element and transmitting a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation directly into the eye of the subject. In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation source is configured to transmit a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation through the vitrectomy element using a light guide. In some embodiments, the light guide (e.g., vitreous probe) has a diameter of from about 1 mm to about 20 mm (e.g., from about 2 mm to about 19 mm, from about 3 mm to about 18 mm, from about 4 mm to about 17 mm, from about 5 mm to about 16 mm, from about 6 mm to about 15 mm, from about 7 mm to about 14 mm, from about 8 mm to about 13 mm, from about 9 mm to about 12 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, or about 20 mm). In some embodiments, the light guide has a length (e.g., the length of the vitreous probe) from about 1 mm to about 20 mm (e.g., from about 2 mm to about 19 mm, from about 3 mm to about 18 mm, from about 4 mm to about 17 mm, from about 5 mm to about 16 mm, from about 6 mm to about 15 mm, from about 7 mm to about 14 mm, from about 8 mm to about 13 mm, from about 9 mm to about 12 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, or about 20 mm). In some embodiments, a sterilization session using the device may include irradiating the affected tissue area with UV-C radiation having a wavelength of from 100 nm to 280 nm (e.g., from 105 nm to 275 nm, from 110 nm to 270 nm, from 115 nm to 265 nm, from 120 nm to 260 nm, from 125 nm to 255 nm, from 130 nm to 250 nm, from 135 nm to 245 nm, from 140 nm to 240 nm, from 145 nm to 235 nm, from 150 nm to 230 nm, from 155 nm to 225 nm, from 160 nm to 220 nm, from 165 nm to 215 nm, from 170 nm to 210 nm, from 175 nm to 205 nm, from 180 nm to 200 nm, 185 nm to 195 nm, 101 nm, 102 nm, 103 nm, 104 nm, 105 nm, 106 nm, 107 nm, 108 nm, 109, 110 nm, 111 nm, 112 nm, 113 nm, 114 nm, 115 nm, 116 nm, 117 nm, 118 nm, 119, 120 nm, 121 nm, 122 nm, 123 nm, 124 nm, 125 nm, 126 nm, 127 nm, 128 nm, 129, 130 nm, 131 nm, 132 nm, 133 nm, 134 nm, 135 nm, 136 nm, 137 nm, 138 nm, 139 nm, 140 nm, 141 nm, 142 nm, 143 nm, 144 nm, 145 nm, 146 nm, 147 nm, 148 nm, 149, 150 nm, 151 nm, 152 nm, 153 nm, 154 nm, 155 nm,

156 nm, 157 nm, 158 nm, 159, 160 nm, 161 nm, 162 nm, 163 nm, 164 nm, 165 nm, 166 nm, 167 nm, 168 nm, 169,

170 nm, 171 nm, 172 nm, 173 nm, 174 nm, 175 nm, 176 nm, 177 nm, 178 nm, 179, 180 nm, 181 nm, 182 nm, 183 nm, 184 nm, 185 nm, 186 nm, 187 nm, 188 nm, 189, 190 nm, 191 nm, 192 nm, 193 nm, 194 nm, 195 nm, 196 nm,

197 nm, 198 nm, 199, 200 nm, 201 nm, 202 nm, 203 nm, 204 nm, 205 nm, 206 nm, 207 nm, 208 nm, 209, 210 nm, 211 nm, 212 nm, 213 nm, 214 nm, 215 nm, 216 nm, 217 nm, 218 nm, 219, 220 nm, 221 nm, 222 nm, 223 nm, 224 nm, 225 nm, 226 nm, 227 nm, 228 nm, 229, 230 nm, 231 nm, 232 nm, 233 nm, 234 nm, 235 nm, 236 nm, 237 nm, 238 nm, 239, 240 nm, 241 nm, 242 nm, 243 nm, 244 nm, 245 nm, 246 nm, 247 nm, 248 nm, 249, 250 nm, 251 nm, 252 nm, 253 nm, 254 nm, 255 nm, 256 nm, 257 nm, 258 nm, 259, 260 nm, 261 nm, 262 nm, 263 nm, 264 nm, 265 nm, 266 nm, 267 nm, 268 nm, 269, 270 nm, 271 nm, 272 nm, 273 nm, 274 nm, 275 nm, 276 nm, 277 nm, 278 nm, 279 or 280 nm). In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation has a power density of from about 20 mW/cm ² to about 1000 mW/cm ² , such as from about 30 mW/cm ² to about 900 mW/cm ² , from about 50 mW/cm ² up to about 850 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 100 mW/ ^cm2 to about 800 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 150 mW/ ^cm2 to about 750 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 200 mW/ ^cm2 to about 700 mW/ cm ² , from about 250 mW/cm ² to about 650 mW/cm ² , from about 300 mW/cm ² to about 600 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 350 mW/ ^cm2 to about 550 mW/ ^cm2 , from about 400 mW/ ^cm2 to about 500 mW/ ^cm2 , about 50 mW/ ^cm2 , about 100 mW/ ^cm2 , about 150 mW/ ^cm2 , about 200 mW/ ^cm2 , about 250 mW/ ^cm2 , about 300 mW/ ^cm2 , about 350 mW/ ^cm2 , about 400 mW/ ^cm2 , about 450 mW/ ^cm2 , about 500 mW / ^cm2 , about 550 mW/ ^cm2 , about 600 mW/ ^cm2 , about 650 mW/ ^cm2 , about 700 mW/ ^cm2 , about 750 mW/ ^cm2 , about 800 mW/ ^cm2 , about 850 mW/ ^cm2 , about 900 mW/ ^cm2 , about 950 mW/ ^cm2 or about 1000 mW/ ^cm2 , and can be continuous radiation or pulsed radiation. In some embodiments where the radiation is pulsed, the pulse frequency may be from about 1 Hz to about 1000 Hz, such as from about 5 Hz to about 950 Hz, from about 10 Hz to about 900 Hz, from about 25 Hz to about 850 Hz, from about 50 Hz to about 800 Hz, from about 100 Hz to about 750 Hz, from about 150 Hz to about 700 Hz, from about 200 Hz to about 650 Hz, from about 250 Hz to about 600 Hz, from about 300 Hz to about 550 Hz, from about 350 Hz to about 525 Hz, from about 400 to about 500, from about 450 to about 475 Hz, about 2 Hz, about 5 Hz, about 10 Hz, about 25 Hz, about 50 Hz, about 100 Hz, about 150Hz, about 200Hz, about 250Hz, about 300Hz, about 350Hz, about 400Hz, about 450Hz, about 500Hz, about 550Hz, about 600Hz, about 650Hz, about 700Hz, about 750Hz , about 800Hz, about 850Hz, about 900Hz, about 950Hz, about 1000Hz, with a duty cycle of 1-100% (eg 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70 %, 80%, 90%, 100%). In some embodiments, sterilizing the tissue may include multiple sterilization sessions and may include any combination of the previously described procedures. In some embodiments, the sterilization device may be mounted on a slit lamp device. In further embodiments, the irradiation can be controlled using a support plate. In some embodiments, the light guide can be inserted into the affected area of the body to deliver a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation. In some embodiments, the light guide can be inserted into the inner region of the eye (e.g., the vitreous body, retina, choroid, macula, lens, ciliary muscle or optic nerve) to be irradiated with a therapeutic and sterilizing dose of UV-C from

- 26 048621 radiation. In some embodiments, the proximity detection element is connected to the light guide and interacts with a microprocessor that controls the radiation. In some embodiments, the radiation is activated only when the output end of the light guide reaches a predetermined distance from the sterilization site. In some embodiments, when the sterilization cycle is completed, the UV-C radiation sources are deactivated, and the signal generator notifies the operator of the need to remove the device. In additional embodiments, whenever the device is prematurely removed from the sterilization site, all light emission is suspended until the predetermined distance is restored. In some embodiments, sterilizing tissue may include using an aperture control element. The aperture control element for sterilizing tissue provides wide-field irradiation of the target tissue using an aperture control element (e.g., a cone) with an aperture diameter of 10 to 50 mm (e.g., 25 mm). In some embodiments, sterilization may include an aperture control element that irradiates tissue in a circumferential direction (e.g., 360°).

Treatment of corneal ectasia such as keratoconus

In some embodiments, the device described herein can be used as a therapeutic device for treating corneal ectasia (e.g., keratoconus). In some embodiments, the device is configured to deliver UVA radiation, wherein the configuration includes a base component of the device and a head component that can include a UVA radiation source, a proximity detection element, a signal generating element, and a light guide. Treating keratoconus includes cross-linking riboflavin with ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. The subject can first be administered a therapeutic dose of a photoactivator, such as riboflavin, into the eye. Suitable photoactivators include, but are not limited to, riboflavin, rose bengal, porphyrin photosensitizers, psoralens, quinones, anthracyclines, anthracenediones, xanthenes, fluoresceins, rhodamines, phthaleins, cyanines, chalcogenpyrilium dyes, triarylmethane dyes, phenothiazines, phenoxazines, acridines, hypericin, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), 5-aminolevulinic acid, ciprofloxacin, and quinine. In some embodiments, a sterilization session using the device may include irradiating the affected tissue area with UVA radiation having a wavelength of from about 315 nm to about 400 nm (e.g., about 316 nm, 317 nm, 318 nm, 319 nm, 320 nm, 321 nm, 322 nm, 323 nm, 324 nm, 325 nm, 326 nm, 327 nm, 328 nm, 329 nm, 330 nm, 331 nm, 332 nm, 333 nm, 334 nm, 335 nm, 336 nm, 337 nm, 338 nm, 339 nm, 340 nm, 341 nm, 342 nm, 343 nm, 344 nm, 345 nm, 346 nm, 347 nm, 348 nm, 349 nm, 350 nm, 351 nm, 352 nm, 353 nm, 354 nm, 355 nm, 356 nm, 357 nm, 358 nm, 359 nm, 360 nm, 361 nm, 362 nm, 363 nm, 364 nm, 365 nm, 366 nm, 367 nm, 368 nm, 369 nm, 370 nm, 371 nm, 372 nm, 373 nm, 374 nm, 375 nm, 376 nm, 377 nm, 378 nm, 379 nm, 380 nm, 381 nm, 382 nm, 383 nm, 384 nm, 385 nm, 386 nm, 387 nm, 388 nm, 389 nm, 390 nm, 391 nm, 392 nm, 393 nm, 394 nm, 395 nm, 396 nm, 397 nm, 398 nm, 399 nm or 400 nm). In some embodiments, the UV-A radiation has a power density of from about 0.5 mW/ ^cm2 to about 30 mW/ ^cm2 (e.g., about 1.0 mW/ ^cm2 , about 2.0 mW/ ^cm2 , about 3.0 mW/ ^cm2 , about 4.0 mW/ ^cm2 , about 5.0 mW/ ^cm2 , about 6.0 mW/ ^cm2 , about 7.0 mW/ ^cm2 , about 8.0 mW/ ^cm2 , about 9.0 mW/ ^cm2 , about 10 mW/ ^cm2 , about 11 mW/ ^cm2 , about 12 mW/ ^cm2 , about 13 mW/ ^cm2 , about 14 mW/cm ² , about 15 mW/ ^cm2 , about 16 mW/ ^cm2 , about 17 mW/ ^cm2 , about 18 mW/ ^cm2 , about 19 mW/ ^cm2 , about 20 mW/ ^cm2 , about 21 mW/ ^cm2 , about 22 mW/ ^cm2 , about 23 mW/ ^cm2 , about 24 mW/ ^cm2 , about 25 mW/ ^cm2 , about 26 mW/ ^cm2 , about 27 mW/ ^cm2 , about 28 mW/ ^cm2 , about 29 mW/ ^cm2 or about 30 mW/ ^cm2 ), and may be continuous radiation or pulsed radiation. In some embodiments where the radiation is pulsed, the pulse frequency may be from about 20 Hz to about 1000 Hz, such as from about 50 Hz to about 950 Hz, from about 100 Hz to about 900 Hz, from about 150 Hz to about 850 Hz, from about 200 Hz to about 800 Hz, from about 250 Hz to about 750 Hz, from about 300 Hz to about 700 Hz, from about 350 Hz to about 650 Hz, from about 400 Hz to about 600 Hz, from about 450 Hz to about 550 Hz, from about 500 Hz to about 525 Hz, about 50 Hz, about 100 Hz, about 150 Hz, about 200 Hz, about 250 Hz, about 300 Hz, about 350 Hz, about 400 Hz, about 450 Hz, about 500 Hz, about 550 Hz, about 600 Hz, about 650 Hz, about 700 Hz, about 750 Hz, about 800 Hz, about 850 Hz, about 900 Hz, about 950 Hz, about 1000 Hz, with a duty cycle of 1-100% (e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%). In some embodiments, the treatment of ectasia, such as keratoconus, may include multiple sessions and may include any combination of the previously described procedures. In some embodiments, the device may be mounted on a slit lamp device. In additional embodiments, the irradiation may be controlled using a support plate. In some embodiments, a light guide may be used to irradiate a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation. In some embodiments, the proximity detection element is coupled to the light guide and communicates with a microprocessor that controls the emission. In some embodiments, the emission is activated only when the output end of the light guide reaches a predetermined distance from the insertion site. In some embodiments, when the insertion cycle is complete, the UV-A source is deactivated and the signal generator notifies the operator to remove the device. In further embodiments, whenever the device is previously

- 27 048621 is temporarily removed from the injection site, light emission is suspended until the specified distance is restored.

Sterilization of contact lenses, contact lens cases, glasses or glasses cases

In some embodiments, the device described herein can be used as a sterilization device for sterilizing contact lenses, a contact lens case, eyeglasses, and/or an eyeglass case. In some embodiments, the sterilization device is configured to sterilize contact lenses, a contact lens case, eyeglasses, and/or an eyeglass case, wherein the configuration includes a base component of the device and a head component that can include a UV light source. In some embodiments, the device described herein can be configured to sterilize contact lens accessories (e.g., a contact lens suction cup, a plunger, or a finger glove). In some embodiments, a sterilization session with the device can include irradiating the contact lens, the contact lens case, the eyeglasses, and/or the eyeglass case with UV-C radiation having a wavelength of 100 nm to 280 nm (e.g., 105 nm to

275 nm, 110 nm to 270 nm, 115 nm to 265 nm, 120 nm to 260 nm, 125 nm to 255 nm, 130 nm to

250 nm, 135 nm to 245 nm, 140 nm to 240 nm, 145 nm to 235 nm, 150 nm to 230 nm, 155 nm to

225 nm, 160 nm to 220 nm, 165 nm to 215 nm, 170 nm to 210 nm, 175 nm to 205 nm, 180 nm to

200 nm, 185 nm to 195 nm, 101 nm, 102 nm, 103 nm, 104 nm, 105 nm, 106 nm, 107 nm, 108 nm, 109, 110 nm,

111 nm, 112 nm, 113 nm, 114 nm, 115 nm, 116 nm, 117 nm, 118 nm, 119, 120 nm, 121 nm, 122 nm, 123 nm, 124 nm, 125 nm, 126 nm, 127 nm, 128 nm, 129, 130 nm, 131 nm, 132 nm, 133 nm, 134 nm, 135 nm, 136 nm, 137 nm,

138 nm, 139 nm, 140 nm, 141 nm, 142 nm, 143 nm, 144 nm, 145 nm, 146 nm, 147 nm, 148 nm, 149, 150 nm, 151 nm, 152 nm, 153 nm, 154 nm, 155 nm, 156 nm, 157 nm, 158 nm, 159, 160 nm, 161 nm, 162 nm, 163 nm, 164 nm,

165 nm, 166 nm, 167 nm, 168 nm, 169, 170 nm, 171 nm, 172 nm, 173 nm, 174 nm, 175 nm, 176 nm, 177 nm, 178 nm, 179, 180 nm, 181 nm, 182 nm, 183 nm, 184 nm, 185 nm, 186 nm, 187 nm, 188 nm, 189, 190 nm, 191 nm, 192 nm, 193 nm, 194 nm, 195 nm, 196 nm, 197 nm, 198 nm, 199, 200 nm, 201 nm, 202 nm, 203 nm, 204 nm, 205 nm,

206 nm, 207 nm, 208 nm, 209, 210 nm, 211 nm, 212 nm, 213 nm, 214 nm, 215 nm, 216 nm, 217 nm, 218 nm, 219, 220 nm, 221 nm, 222 nm, 223 nm, 224 nm, 225 nm, 226 nm, 227 nm, 228 nm, 229, 230 nm, 231 nm, 232 nm, 233 nm, 234 nm, 235 nm, 236 nm, 237 nm, 238 nm, 239, 240 nm, 241 nm, 242 nm, 243 nm, 244 nm, 245 nm, 246 nm, 247 nm, 248 nm, 249, 250 nm, 251 nm, 252 nm, 253 nm, 254 nm, 255 nm, 256 nm, 257 nm, 258 nm, 259, 260 nm, 261 nm, 262 nm, 263 nm, 264 nm, 265 nm, 266 nm, 267 nm, 268 nm, 269, 270 nm, 271 nm, 272 nm, 273 nm, 274 nm, 275 nm, 276 nm, 277 nm, 278 nm, 279 or 280 nm). In some embodiments, the UV-C radiation has a power density of from about 20 mJ/ ^cm2 to about 5000 mJ/ ^cm2 , such as from about 50 mJ/ ^cm2 to about 4500 mJ/ ^cm2 , from about 100 mJ/ ^cm2 up to about 4000 mJ/ ^cm2 , from about 200 mJ/ ^cm2 to about 4000 mJ/ ^cm2 , from about 300 mJ/ ^cm2 to about 3500 mJ/ ^cm2 , from about 500 mJ/ ^cm2 to about 3000 mJ/ cm ² , from about 1000 mJ/cm ² to about 2500 mJ/cm ² , from about 1500 mJ/cm ² to about 2000 mJ/cm ² , about 100 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 200 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 300 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 400 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 500 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 600 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 700 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 800 mJ/cm ² , about 900 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 1,000 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 1500 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 2000 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 2500 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 3000 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 3500 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 4000 mJ/cm ² , about 4500 mJ/ ^cm2 , about 5000 mJ/ ^cm2 , and can be continuous radiation or pulsed radiation. In some embodiments where the radiation is pulsed, the pulse frequency may be from about 20 Hz to about 1000 Hz, such as from about 50 Hz to about 950 Hz, from about 100 Hz to about 900 Hz, from about 150 Hz to about 850 Hz, from about 200 Hz to about 800 Hz, from about 250 Hz to about 750 Hz, from about 300 Hz to about 700 Hz, from about 350 Hz to about 650 Hz, from about 400 Hz to about 600 Hz, from about 450 Hz to about 550 Hz, from about 500 Hz to about 525 Hz, about 50 Hz, about 100 Hz, about 150 Hz, about 200 Hz, about 250 Hz, about 300 Hz, about 350 Hz, about 400 Hz, about 450 Hz, about 500 Hz, about 550 Hz, about 600 Hz, about 650 Hz, about 700 Hz, about 750 Hz, about 800 Hz, about 850 Hz, about 900 Hz, about 950 Hz, about 1000 Hz, with a duty cycle of 1 -100% (e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%). In some embodiments, the sterilization may include multiple sterilization sessions (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, annually) and may include any combination of the previously described procedures. In some embodiments, the sterilization device may be connected to a contact lens case. In some embodiments, the sterilization device may be connected to a spectacle case. In additional embodiments, sterilization occurs in combination with ultrasound emitted by a contact lens case or a spectacle case.

Examples

The following examples are provided to provide those skilled in the art with a description of how the compositions and methods described herein may be used, made, and evaluated, and are intended to illustrate the invention only and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors believe to be their invention.

Example 1. Use of a therapeutic device for the treatment of blepharitis and/or MGD

The therapeutic device described herein can be used to treat ble

- 28 048621 blepharitis and/or MGD. An ophthalmologist applies a device for treating blepharitis and/or MGD (Fig. 1-8). The head component is equipped with a UV light source and optionally one or more IR light sources, a heat source, an intense pulsed light source, and an ultrasound source (Fig. 1-8). The ophthalmologist presses a control button on the base component and approaches the head component to the lower eyelid of the patient's left eye. The ophthalmologist places the head component in contact with the affected eyelid and initiates therapy by pressing the control button on the base component of the device. Therapeutic UV-C light with a wavelength of 265 nm is emitted from the distal end of the head component at a power of 2 mW/ ^cm2 for 30 s. After irradiating the eyelid with UV-C light, the ophthalmologist presses the control button a second time to select ultrasound and heat emitted by the distal end of the head component. Therapeutic ultrasound with a frequency of 3 MHz and a power of 0.7 W/ ^cm2 is delivered to the eyelid with simultaneous heating by the heating element at the distal end of the head component to increase the temperature of the meibomian gland to about 40°C, causing softening and removal of oily particles occluding the meibomian glands of the affected eyelid. The ophthalmologist then presses the control button on the base component a third time to activate irradiation of the eyelid with infrared light of a wavelength of 2.0 μm for 12 minutes with 30 s off periods alternating between therapeutic irradiations. The therapy is repeated monthly for a total of four treatment sessions.

Example 2. Application of a therapeutic device for the treatment of eye cancer

The therapeutic device described herein can be used to treat eye cancer. An ophthalmologist uses the device to treat ocular melanoma (Fig. 9-15). The head component is equipped with a UV radiation source, a proximity detection element, and an imaging module (Fig. 9-15). The oncologist presses a power button on the base component, activating the proximity detection element, and approaches the device to the affected eye. The proximity detection element signals the oncologist when a predetermined distance is reached between the UV-C radiation source at the distal end of the head component and the melanoma site. The proximity detection element activates a green indicator light visible to the oncologist when the device is at the predetermined distance, and activates a red indicator light visible to the oncologist when the device is beyond the predetermined distance. Holding the therapeutic device at a predetermined distance from the neoplasia site, the oncologist activates the UV-C source located at the distal end of the head component and delivers a therapeutic session of 265 nm UV-C radiation at a pulse frequency of 5 Hz for 10 min. UV-C therapy is administered 1 to 10 times with alternating one-week intervals.

Example 3. Use of a therapeutic device to reduce viral load in the oral cavity

The therapeutic device described herein can be used to reduce the viral load in the mouth of a patient with SARS-CoV-2. A dentist uses the device to sterilize the oral cavity. The head component is equipped with a UV light source, an optical fiber for UV-C radiation, a proximity sensing element, and a signal generating element. The dentist connects the input end of the optical fiber to the distal end of the UV-C light source of the head component to deliver the UV-C radiation into the oral cavity. The dentist then presses the power button on the base component of the device. The optical fiber is equipped with a proximity sensing element that keeps the UV-C radiation off until a predetermined sterilization distance is reached between the output end of the optical fiber and the treatment site. Once the output end of the optical fiber reaches the predetermined distance from the treatment site, the proximity sensing element activates a green indicator light, signaling the dentist that the predetermined distance has been reached. Holding the optical fiber at a given distance from the treatment site, the dentist activates the UV-C radiation source located at the distal end of the head component and conducts a therapeutic session with UV-C radiation with a wavelength of 265 nm and a power of 20 mW/ ^cm2 with a pulse frequency of 20 Hz for 30 s. If necessary, UV-C radiation therapy is repeated for further dental treatment.

Example 4. Use of a therapeutic device for the treatment of keratoconus

The therapeutic device described herein can be used to treat keratoconus. The treatment for keratoconus involves cross-linking riboflavin with ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. An ophthalmologist first administers a therapeutic riboflavin solution to the affected eye of a patient. The ophthalmologist applies the device to treat keratoconus (Figs. 16 and 17). The head component is equipped with a UVA radiation source, a proximity sensing element, and a signal generating element (Figs. 16 and 17). The ophthalmologist presses a power button on the base component, activating the proximity sensing element, and approaches the device to the affected cornea. The proximity sensing element signals the ophthalmologist when a predetermined distance is reached between the UVA radiation source at the distal end of the head component and the affected cornea. The proximity sensing element activates a green indicator light visible to the ophthalmologist when the device is at the predetermined distance, and activates a red indicator light

- 29 048621 cathode visible to an ophthalmologist when the device is beyond a specified distance.

While holding the therapeutic device at a predetermined distance from the affected cornea, the ophthalmologist activates the UVA source located at the distal end of the head component and delivers a dose of 365 nm UVA radiation at 9 mW/ ^cm2 for 10 min.

Example 5. Use of a therapeutic device for sterilization of contact lenses

The therapeutic device described in this document can be used to sterilize contact lenses. A person uses the device for sterilizing contact lenses and attaches a head component to a base component of the sterilization device (Fig. 18-22). The head component is equipped with a UV radiation source and a connecting clip that connects the distal end of the head component to a case for storing contact lenses. The case for contact lenses is also equipped with an ultrasound source. The person attaches the sterilization device, including the base component and the head component for sterilizing contact lenses, to the case for contact lenses. Then, the person presses a power button on the base component of the sterilization device, activating a predetermined sterilization program that combines UV-C radiation with a wavelength of 220 nm, a power of 20 mW/cm ² and a pulse frequency of 5 Hz with ultrasound with a frequency of 3 MHz for 300 s. UV-C therapy is repeated daily.

Example 6. Using a therapeutic device to sterilize glasses

The therapeutic device described in this document can be used to sterilize glasses. A person uses a head component for sterilizing glasses and attaches the head component to a base component of the sterilization device. The head component is equipped with a UV radiation source and a connecting clip that connects the distal end of the head component to a case for storing glasses. The case for glasses is also equipped with an ultrasound source. A person attaches the sterilization device, including the base component and the head component for sterilizing glasses, to the case for glasses. Then, the person presses the power button on the base component of the sterilization device, activating a predetermined sterilization program that combines UV-C radiation with a wavelength of 265 nm and a power of 20 mW/cm ² with ultrasound with a frequency of 3 MHz for 300 s. The UV-C and ultrasound therapy is repeated after wearing the glasses.

Example 7. Use of a therapeutic device for sterilization of the eye and eyelid

The therapeutic device described herein can be used to reduce the viral load in the eye and eyelid of a patient with SARS-CoV-2 prior to surgery. An ophthalmologist uses the device to sterilize the eye and eyelid. The head component is equipped with a UV light source, an aperture control component, a proximity sensing element, and a signal generating element. The ophthalmologist attaches a UV-C delivery LED head to the head component and attaches a 50 mm diameter aperture control component to the distal end of the UV-C LED to deliver UV-C radiation to the eyelid. The ophthalmologist then presses the power button on the base component of the device. The head component is equipped with a proximity sensing element that keeps the UV-C radiation off until a predetermined sterilization distance is reached between the output end of the aperture control component and the treatment site. Once the output end of the aperture control component reaches a predetermined distance from the treatment site, the proximity detection element activates a green indicator light, signaling to the ophthalmologist that the predetermined distance has been reached. While holding the aperture control component at a predetermined distance from the treatment site, the ophthalmologist activates the UV-C radiation source located at the distal end of the head component and delivers a therapeutic session of UV-C radiation with a wavelength of 265 nm and a pulse frequency of 20 Hz for 30 s. The UV-C radiation therapy is repeated only until the start of the next surgical procedure.

Example 8. Use of a therapeutic device for sterilization of the nasal cavity

The therapeutic device described herein can be used to reduce the viral load inside the nose of a patient with SARS-CoV-2. An otolaryngologist selects the device to sterilize the nasal cavity. The head component is equipped with a UV light source, an optical fiber for UV-C radiation, an aperture control element, a proximity sensing element, and a signal generating element. The otolaryngologist attaches the input end of the optical fiber to the distal end of the UV-C light source of the head component and the aperture control component with 360° radiation to deliver UV-C radiation inside the nose. The otolaryngologist then presses the power button on the base component of the device. The optical fiber is equipped with a proximity sensing element that keeps the UV-C radiation off until a predetermined sterilization distance is reached between the output end of the optical fiber and the treatment site. Once the output end of the optical fiber reaches a predetermined distance from the treatment site, the proximity detection element activates a green indicator light, signaling to the otolaryngologist that the predetermined distance has been reached. While holding the optical fiber at a predetermined distance from the treatment site, the otolaryngologist activates the UV-C light source located at the distal end of the head component and delivers a continuous UV-C therapy session with

- 30 048621 wavelength 265 nm.

Example 9. Use of a therapeutic device with multiple heads

The therapeutic device described herein can be used to treat various medical indications. Its design, including a base component and multiple therapeutic heads configured to treat various indications, allows a healthcare provider to change therapeutic heads between different patients. An ophthalmologist selects a head component to treat blepharitis in the first patient. The head component is equipped with a UV light source, an IR light source, a heat source, and an ultrasound source. The ophthalmologist presses a power button on the base component and approaches the head component to the lower eyelid of the patient's left eye. The ophthalmologist places the head component in contact with the affected eyelid and initiates therapy by pressing the control button on the base component of the device. Therapeutic UV-C radiation with a wavelength of 265 nm is emitted from the distal end of the head component with a power of 10 mW/ ^cm2 for 30 s. After irradiating the eyelid with UV-C light, the ophthalmologist presses the control button a second time to select the ultrasound and heat emitted by the distal end of the head component. Therapeutic ultrasound with a frequency of 3 MHz and a power of 0.7 W/ ^cm2 is delivered to the eyelid while heating is provided by the heating element to increase the eyelid temperature to 40°C, causing softening and facilitating the removal of oily particles occluding the meibomian glands of the affected eyelid. The therapy is repeated monthly and is supplemented with manual or automated expression of the glands. The ophthalmologist then examines a second patient and selects the eyelid sterilization head to reduce the viral load on the eyelid. The ophthalmologist removes the blepharitis treatment head from the base component by pressing the release button on the base component and replaces it with the head and optical fiber for sterilization. The ophthalmologist attaches the base component to the slit lamp using a transition fastener to allow manual control of the optical fiber. The ophthalmologist then presses the power button on the base component of the device. The optical fiber is equipped with a proximity sensing element that keeps the UV-C radiation off until a predetermined sterilization distance is reached between the output end of the optical fiber and the treatment site. Once the output end of the optical fiber reaches the predetermined distance from the treatment site, the proximity sensing element activates a green indicator light, signaling the ophthalmologist that the predetermined distance has been reached. While holding the optical fiber at the predetermined distance from the treatment site, the ophthalmologist activates the UV-C light source located at the distal end of the head component and delivers a therapeutic session with continuous UV-C radiation with a wavelength of 265 nm and a power of 20 mW/ ^cm2 for 30 s.

Example 10. Use of a therapeutic device for the treatment of gastric ulcers

The therapeutic device described herein can be used to reduce the bacterial load inside the gastrointestinal tract of a patient with an ulcer caused by H. Pylori. A gastroenterologist selects a head component for sterilizing the gastrointestinal lumen and attaches the head component to a base component of the therapeutic device. The head component is equipped with an ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation source, an optical fiber for UV-C radiation, a proximity detection element, and a signal generating element. The gastroenterologist attaches the input end of the optical fiber to the distal end of the UV-C radiation source of the head component for delivering UV-C radiation into the gastrointestinal lumen (it can be attached to an endoscope or be integral with the endoscope). The gastroenterologist then presses the power button on the base component of the device. The optical fiber is equipped with a proximity detection element that keeps the UV-C radiation switched off until a predetermined sterilization distance is reached between the output end of the optical fiber and the treatment site. Once the output end of the optical fiber reaches the predetermined distance from the treatment site, the proximity detection element activates a green indicator light, signaling to the gastroenterologist that the predetermined distance has been reached. While holding the optical fiber at the predetermined distance from the treatment site, the gastroenterologist activates the UV-C radiation source located at the distal end of the head component and conducts a therapeutic session with UV-C radiation with a wavelength of 265 nm and a pulse frequency of 5 Hz for 30 s. UV-C therapy is repeated up to 10 times with breaks of 300 s.

Example 11. Use of a therapeutic device for the treatment of gingivitis

The therapeutic device described herein can be used to treat gingivitis in a patient's mouth. A dental hygienist uses the device to sterilize the oral cavity. A head component is attached to a light guide equipped with a UV-C LED at the distal end of the light guide (Fig. 28A, Fig. 28B, Fig. 28C and Fig. 28D), and the device is also equipped with a proximity sensing element and a signal generating element. The dental hygienist attaches the proximal end of the light guide to the head component to deliver UV-C radiation into the mouth. The dental hygienist then presses the power button on the base component of the device. The light guide is equipped with a proximity sensing element that keeps the UV-C radiation off until

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Claims (12)

the preset treatment distance between the output end of the light guide and the treatment site is reached. Once the output end of the light guide reaches the preset distance from the treatment site, the proximity detection element activates the green indicator light, signaling the dental hygienist that the preset distance has been reached. Holding the device at the preset distance from the treatment site, the dental hygienist activates the LED UV-C radiation source located at the distal end of the light guide and conducts a therapeutic session with UV-C radiation with a wavelength of 265 nm and a power of 20 mW/ ^cm2 with a pulse frequency of 20 Hz for 30 s. If necessary, UV-C radiation therapy is repeated for further treatment of gingivitis. Example 12. Use of a therapeutic device for the treatment of periodontitis and tooth infection The therapeutic device described herein can be used to treat periodontitis and tooth infection in a patient's mouth. A dental professional (e.g., a dentist or a hygienist) uses the device to sterilize the oral cavity and treat dental caries. The head component is attached to a light guide equipped with a UV-C LED at the distal end of the light guide (Fig. 28A, Fig. 28B, Fig. 28C and Fig. 28D), and the device is also equipped with a proximity detection element and a signal generating element. The dental hygienist attaches the proximal end of the light guide to the base component to deliver UV-C radiation to the periodontal region of interest and to the infected region of the tooth. The dental hygienist then presses the power button on the base component of the device. The light guide is equipped with a proximity detection element that keeps the UV-C radiation off until a predetermined treatment distance is reached between the output end of the light guide and the treatment site. Once the output end of the light guide reaches a predetermined distance from the treatment site, the proximity detection element activates a green indicator light, signaling the dental hygienist that the predetermined distance has been reached. Holding the device at a predetermined distance from the treatment site, the dental hygienist activates the LED UV-C radiation source located at the distal end of the light guide and conducts a therapeutic session with UV-C radiation with a wavelength of 265 nm and a power of 20 mW/ ^cm2 with a pulse frequency of 20 Hz for 30 s. If necessary, UV-C radiation therapy is repeated for further treatment of periodontitis and tooth infection. Example 13. Use of a therapeutic device for cancer treatment The therapeutic device described in the present document can be used for treating cancer. A breast surgeon uses the device for treating breast cancer (Fig. 28A-28D). The head component is attached to a light guide equipped with a UV-C LED at the distal end of the light guide (Fig. 28A-28D), and the device is also equipped with a proximity detection element and a signal generating element. The oncologist presses a power button on the base component, activating the proximity detection element, and moves the device to the tumor site. The proximity detection element signals the oncologist when a predetermined distance is reached between the UV-C radiation source at the distal end of the head component and the tumor site. The proximity detection element activates a green indicator light visible to the oncologist when the device is at the predetermined distance, and activates a red indicator light visible to the oncologist when the device is beyond the predetermined distance. Holding the therapeutic device at a predetermined distance from the neoplasia site, the oncologist activates the UV-C source located at the distal end of the head component and delivers a therapeutic session of 265 nm UV-C radiation at a pulse frequency of 5 Hz for 10 min. UV-C therapy is administered 1 to 10 times with alternating one-week intervals. Other embodiments Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that it is susceptible to further modifications, and the present application is intended to cover any variations, applications or adaptations of the present invention, following generally the principles of the present invention and including such departures from the present invention as are within the known or usual practice in the art to which the present invention pertains and can be applied to the essential features set forth herein above and fall within the scope of the claims. Other embodiments are within the scope of the claims. CLAUSE OF INVENTION 1. A therapeutic device comprising a base component and a head component, wherein the head component comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the distal portion of the head component is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to the eye of a subject from a UV-C radiation source, and the proximal portion of the head component is configured to be attached to the base component, wherein the device further comprises a visualization module comprising a proximity detection element that is configured to display an image of the eye treatment site and detect a predetermined distance between - 32 048621 with a UV-C radiation source and an eye treatment site; and a signal generating element configured to generate a signal upon detection of a specified distance using the proximity detection element, wherein the signal is configured to activate the UV-C radiation source to deliver a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation to the subject's eye at a specified power. 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more of the following: (a) a light guide comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion of the light guide is configured to be attached to the distal portion of the head component, and the distal portion of the light guide is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation; (b) an eye stabilization element comprising a proximal end configured to be attached to a distal portion of the head component and a distal end configured to contact and stabilize the eye; and (c) a component used to maintain the eyelid of a subject open. 3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the therapeutic dose of UV-C radiation is designed with the possibility of being delivered to the subject’s eye through the vitrectomy element or through a light guide designed with the possibility of being inserted into the hollow region of the vitrectomy element and penetrating into the inner region of the subject’s eye. 4. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the eye stabilization element has the shape of a cone having a first diameter at the proximal end and a second diameter at the distal end, and/or contains a plurality of teeth configured to fix the subject's eye. 5. A disinfection device comprising a base component and a head component, wherein the head component comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the distal portion of the head component is configured to deliver a disinfectant dose of UV-C radiation to a subject from a UV-C radiation source, and the proximal portion of the head component is configured to be attached to the base component, wherein the device further comprises a light guide comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion of the light guide is configured to be attached to the distal portion of the head component, and the distal portion of the light guide is configured to deliver a disinfectant dose of UV-C radiation to the subject; and a visualization module comprising a proximity detection element that is configured to display an image of the subject's treatment site and to detect a predetermined distance between the distal portion of the light guide and the subject's treatment site; and a signal generating element configured to generate a signal upon detection of a predetermined distance using the proximity detection element, wherein the signal is configured to activate the UV-C radiation source to deliver a disinfectant dose with a predetermined power to the subject through the light guide. 6. A device according to any one of paragraphs 1-5, characterized in that the head component contains an aperture control element designed with the possibility of modulating the dose of UV-C radiation. 7. A device according to any one of paragraphs 1-6, characterized in that the head component is designed with the possibility of delivering a pulsed dose of UV-C radiation. 8. A device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the UV-C radiation source comprises a light-emitting diode (LED), and the UV-C radiation source does not necessarily comprise a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LED). 9. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the UV-C radiation has a wavelength from about 100 nm to about 290 nm and/or a radiation intensity from about 20 to about 1000 mW/ ^cm2 . 10. A device according to any one of paragraphs 1-9, characterized in that the signal generating element emits an audible, visual or tactile signal. 11. A therapeutic device comprising a base component and a head component, wherein the head component comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the distal portion of the head component is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation to the eye of a subject from a UVA radiation source, and the proximal portion of the head component is configured to be attached to the base component, wherein the device further comprises a visualization module comprising a proximity detection element that is configured to display an image of the treatment site of the subject's eye and to detect a predetermined distance between the UVA radiation source and the treatment site of the subject; and a signal generating element configured to generate a signal upon detection of the predetermined distance using the proximity detection element, wherein the signal is configured to activate the UVA radiation source to deliver a therapeutic dose of UVA radiation to the eye of the subject with a predetermined power. 12. The device according to item 11, characterized in that the signal generating element emits an audible, visual or tactile signal. -