The Science Behind UV-C Treatment (Mechanism of Action)

Activity against prokaryotic cells (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses):

• UV-C causes an alteration at the spatial structure of the DNA resulting in 2 photoproducts:
  • Pyrimidine-Pyrimidone (6-4 PP)
  • Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers (CPD)
• These products are lethal, leading to cell death or impair the replication process
• Additionally it produces free O₂ radicals that cause destruction of DNA

Note: Eukaryotic cells have repair mechanisms for these photoproducts: 6-4 PP is repaired with high efficiency, while CPD will take longer time

Advantages of UV-C Treatment

• Adjunctive therapeutic modality – Enhances the standard treatment for complex bacterial and fungal corneal infections^1-4
• Proven efficacy:
  • 100% bactericidal and fungicidal effect for the most common corneal pathogens (in-vitro studies)
  • Significant microbial reduction (ex-vivo studies)
  • Reduces the number of topical antibiotics ⇒ antibiotic stewardship
• Non-contact, fast and efficient

Suggested Protocol

• Based on published studies^1,2 – one treatment for 15 seconds at a distance of 10-20 mm
• Can be repeated in 4 hours (the time bacteria start to divide/multiply – a second treatment would increase the treatment efficacy)^1,2
• Ideally the treatment should be performed on a dry corneal surface
• Ideally performed before fluorescein stain
• A built-in iris collimates the beam to match the ulcer’s diameter, while automatic adjustments to beam size and intensity based on working distance ensure uniform, targeted treatment.

Device Features

• Pencil grip for better ergonomics
• Collimated beam to treat only the size of the ulcer
  • Can be adjusted to the ulcer size (range 4-12 mm)
  • Recommended to treat 0.5-1 mm bigger than the ulcer diameter
• Built-in camera with sensor that maintains a stable intensity enabling a working distance of 10-30 mm
• Intensity of 1.5 mW/cm² stable at all working distances
• Built-in timer

Scientific Papers (References)