Petitioner: Haag-Streit AG
`Petitioner: Haag-Streit AG
`
`Ex. 10(cid:20)(cid:24)
`
`EX. 1015
`
`

`

`(12) United States Patent
`(10) Patent N0.:
`US 6,350,275 B1
`
`Vreman et al.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Feb. 26, 2002
`
`U5006350275B1
`
`(54) DEVICES FOR TREATING CIRCADIAN
`RHYTHM DISORDERS USING LED’S
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Hendrik J. Vreman; David K.
`Stevenson’ bOth 0f L05 Altos’ CAGE)
`
`.
`.
`(73) ASSIgnee‘ gtl‘aengfirgu‘fig‘gfifzéféhg3111:1133)
`CA (US)
`,
`
`,
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. NO’: 09/094’231
`(22)
`Filed:
`Jun, 9, 1998
`
`5,709,645 A *
`1/1998 Siever ......................... 600/27
`5,793,405 A *
`8/1998 Shakuda
`347/238
`
`5,805,267 A *
`9/1998 Goldman ......
`351/203
`
`
`[5355a 6:1 a1~ {-1----------- 23%;:
`gagfiaég 2 : 3133:
`exan er e a.
`.....
`,
`,
`
`5,977,566 A * 11/1999 Okazaki et al. ........... 257/99
`.......... 607/88
`6,053,936 A *
`4/2000 Koyama et al.
`
`........... 128/898
`6,135,117 A * 10/2000 Campbell et al.
`* cited by examiner
`
`Przmary Exammer—Roy GleOIl.
`(74) Attorney, Agent,
`or Fer—Lumen
`Property Serv1ces, Inc.
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Intellectual
`
`Adevice is provided for treating a circadian rhythm disorder
`in a subject. The device includes a plurality of light emitting
`diodes (LED’s), preferably blue to green; a mounting to
`Which the LED’s are connected: a material for positioning
`the LED’S Within 3 cm of the subject, With an orientation
`toward the subject; a portable power supply electrically
`connected to the LEDIS; and a control connected to the
`LED’s for altering the operation of the LED’s. The device is
`sufficiently light and compact to be comfortably worn by the
`subject. One or more such devices are used to deliver light
`to a subject’s retinas, to the subject’s vascular tissue, or
`simultaneously to both the retinas and the vascular tissue.
`For illumination of the retina, small chip-type LED’s are
`integrated into the frames of eyeglasses and positioned to
`direct light into the eyes of the subject. For illumination of
`the vascular tissue, an array of lens or chip type LED’s are
`contained in a casing that is secured against the skin of the
`subject. The devices can be used independently of each
`other, or can be used in combination for more effectiVe
`and/or flexible treatment.
`
`12 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`
`(60)
`
`(56)
`
`Related US. Application Data
`Provisional application No. 60/049,230, filed on Jun. 9,
`1997~
`Int. Cl.7 .................................................. A61N 5/06
`(51)
`(52) U S C]
`607/88‘ 607/91
`..
`.
`.,
`.
`............................................
`(58) Fleld 0f Search """""""""""602?;g88;5912/’2886/22()7§
`’
`’
`.
`References Clted
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4 516 110 A *
`5 1985 O
`4,858,609 A
`8/1989 Czlegmyer """"""""""
`4,911,166 A
`3/1990 Leighton et a1
`5,163,426 A
`11/1992 Czeisler et £11..
`.............. 606/27
`5,358,503 A * 10/1994 Bertwell et al.
`5,447,528 A *
`9/1995 Gerardo ....................... 607/88
`5,503,637 A
`4/1996 Kyricos et al.
`5,616,140 A *
`4/1997 Prescott ....................... 606/10
`
`340 323
`/
`
`
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 26, 2002
`
`Sheet 1 0f5
`
`US 6,350,275 B1
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`FIG. 1
`
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Feb. 26, 2002
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`Sheet 2 0f 5
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`US 6,350,275 B1
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`000000000000000 FIG. 3
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`000000000000000
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`000000000000000
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`000000000000000
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`000000000000000
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`000000000000000
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`US. Patent
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`Feb. 26, 2002
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`Sheet 3 0f5
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`US 6,350,275 B1
`
`FIG. 4
`
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Feb. 26, 2002
`
`Sheet 4 0f5
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`US 6,350,275 B1
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`40
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`4O
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`US. Patent
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`Feb. 26, 2002
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`Sheet 5 0f 5
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`US 6,350,275 B1
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`FIG. 6
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`SKIN
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`VASCULAR TISSUE
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`FIG
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`7
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`

`

`US 6,350,275 B1
`
`1
`DEVICES FOR TREATING CIRCADIAN
`RHYTHM DISORDERS USING LED’S
`
`This application is related to US. patent application Ser.
`No. 08/824,631, entitled “Phototherapy of Jaundiced New-
`borns Using Semiconductor Light-Emitting Devices
`(LED’s),” filed Mar. 27, 1997, which is herein incorporated
`by reference. This application claims priority from US.
`Provisional Patent Application No. 60/049,230, entitled
`“Phototherapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Using
`LED’s”, filed Jun. 9, 1997, which is herein incorporated by
`reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to the field of methods and devices
`
`for phototherapy. More particularly, the invention relates to
`methods and devices for treating and preventing circadian
`rhythm disorders such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD),
`jet lag, and related conditions using light emitting diodes
`(LED’s).
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Circadian rhythms are physiological and behavioral oscil-
`lations that are normally synchronized with the natural
`light-dark cycle of the day. Circadian rhythm disorders are
`inappropriate or undesired circadian rhythms. Such disor-
`ders typically are related to sudden and/or extreme changes
`in the relationship between an organism’s exposure to envi-
`ronmental
`light and its activity. For example, circadian
`rhythm disorders are known to be associated with change in
`geographical location (jet lag) and night activity (graveyard
`shift workers). Another common type of circadian rhythm
`disorder is seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is
`characterized by symptoms such as depression during the
`winter seasons when the duration of daylight is reduced.
`It has long been known that circadian rhythms in humans
`and other mammals are affected by exposure of the retina to
`light. Accordingly, various techniques and devices have
`been developed to treat circadian rhythm disorders by
`exposing the eyes to light.
`In US. Pat. No. 4,858,609 Cole discloses a bright light
`mask for shining high intensity light into a subject’s eyes at
`preselected time periods to modify circadian rhythms, even
`while the subject is asleep. Light from an incandescent bulb
`or a bank of green LED’s is delivered through optical fibers
`to the mask, providing to the eyes an intensity of at least
`2000 lux and a wavelength in the range of 500 to 600 nm.
`Acomputer controller determines the intensity and timing of
`the light. The device of Cole, however,
`is not portable,
`blocks the subjects vision, and is expensive.
`Czeisler et al. in US. Pat. No. 5,163,426 disclose tech-
`niques for assessing and adjusting circadian phase using
`goggle-like devices, powered by an external power supply.
`The goggles expose the retinas of a subject to high intensity
`light generated by fluorescent or incandescent lamps posi-
`tioned near the eyes The goggles, however, interfere with
`normal vision, are not completely portable, are expensive,
`and are fragile.
`In US. Pat. No. 5,503,637 Kyricos et al. disclose a
`portable apparatus for producing and delivering high-
`intensity white light to the eyes in order to modify the
`subject’s circadian phase. The apparatus is shown in the
`form of a sports visor having a high intensity cold cathode
`fluorescent lamp imbedded in the underside The light is
`filtered so that unwanted frequencies of light are not radiated
`to the subject’s face. A controller is provided which is
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`programmed to deliver an amount of light determined to
`treat a circadian rhythm disorder. The apparatus, however, is
`fragile, bulky, expensive, and cannot be used while asleep,
`with eyes closed, or without attracting attention.
`In US. Pat. No. 4,911,166 Leighton et al. disclose a
`device for delivering high intensity light to a patient’s eyes
`for treating SAD and the like. It has a high intensity halogen
`or other incandescent bulb, with reflective optics to direct a
`large portion of the light directly into the subject’s eyes. The
`light source is fixed to a head-mounted apparatus. The
`apparatus, however, is fragile, bulky, interferes with normal
`vision, and cannot be used without attracting attention.
`Known techniques for
`treating circadian rhythm
`disorders, therefore, suffer from one or more of the follow-
`ing disadvantages:
`they are expensive, fragile, bulky, not
`portable, energy inefficient, emit unwanted heat and/or
`radiation,
`interfere with normal vision, and may attract
`undesired attention from others. It should be emphasized
`that all these devices for treating circadian rhythm disorders
`are based on the exposure of the retina to light, usually broad
`spectrum (white) light.
`In the article “Extraocular Circadian Phototransduction”
`
`(Science, Vol. 279, Jan. 16, 1998) Scott S. Campbell and
`Patricia J. Murphy teach that circadian rhythms can be
`altered by illuminating the popliteal area of each leg (i.e., the
`area behind the knee). Campbell and Murphy use a com-
`mercially available device which has a halogen lamp in a
`metal housing with a fan to dissipate heat. A collection of
`2400 optical fibers are used to deliver the light from the
`housing to a 10 cm><15 cm><0.5 cm pad. The pad is held in
`place behind the knee by a polyester athletic knee brace for
`3 hours. The wavelength of the light delivered to the subject
`by the device is in the 455 nm to 540 nm range,
`i.e.
`blue-green light. They also teach the use of white light from
`a fluorescent lamp. This device, So however, has several
`disadvantages: it is not portable, it is awkward, it generates
`considerable heat and noise,
`it consumes considerable
`power, and is very expensive. In addition, their use of the
`popliteal area interferes with normal activity and comfort
`since it limits the bending of the knee.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`is an object of the present
`it
`In view of the above,
`invention to provide a device for effectively treating circa-
`dian rhythm disorders that is inexpensive, portable, durable,
`compact, light-weight, energy efficient, does not generate
`undesired heat or radiation, does not interfere with normal
`vision, and inconspicuous. It is another object of the present
`invention to provide a device for treating circadian rhythm
`disorders that may be used while the subject is asleep as well
`as awake.
`
`Another object of the invention is to provide such a device
`having precise control and delivery of specific wavelengths
`and intensities of light to the subject.
`The above objects and advantages are achieved through
`the use of devices that deliver light to a subject’s retinas, to
`the subject’s vascular tissue, or simultaneously to both the
`retinas and the vascular tissue. The vascular tissue is typi-
`cally the vascular bed underlying the skin. The portable
`devices employ one or more LED’s for directly illuminating
`the retinas and/or vascular tissue of the subject. The LED’s
`may be single LED’s, LED arrays, or integrated array LED
`chips. For illumination of the retina, one or more small
`LED’s are placed into the frames of eyeglasses and posi-
`tioned to direct
`light
`into the eyes of the subject. For
`illumination of the vascular tissue, an array of LED’s are
`
`

`

`US 6,350,275 B1
`
`3
`contained in a casing that is secured against the skin of the
`subject. The devices are preferably powered by separate
`batteries. Alternatively the devices can be powered by a
`common battery supply. The devices can be used indepen-
`dently of each other, or can be used in conjunction for more
`effective and/or
`flexible treatment.
`In a preferred
`embodiment, the intensity, timing, and wavelengths of light
`delivered by the devices is easily adjusted by controls on the
`device. wavelength selectivity provides fine-tuning of the
`most appropriate treatment for the condition of the subject.
`In one aspect of the invention, a device is provided for
`treating a circadian rhythm disorder in a subject. The device
`comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LED’s), pref-
`erably blue to green in color; a mounting to which the LED’s
`are connected; a material for positioning the LED’s within
`3 cm of the subject, with an orientation toward the subject;
`a portable power supply electrically connected to the LED’s;
`and a control connected to the LED’s for altering the
`operation of the LED’s. The device is sufficiently light and
`compact to be comfortably worn by the subject. In one
`embodiment, the material for positioning the LED’s within
`3 cm of the subject comprises eyeglass frames and arms, and
`the LED’s are oriented toward the eyes of the subject. In
`another embodiment, the material for positioning the LED’s
`within 3 cm of the subject comprises a fabric that may be
`wrapped around a portion of the subject, and the LED’s are
`oriented toward the skin of the subject. The device may also
`include an integrated circuit for controlling the LED’s.
`In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided
`for treating circadian rhythm disorders experienced by a
`subject. The method comprises illuminating the subject with
`light produced by a portable device worn by the subject. The
`device comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes
`(LED’s) positioned within 3 cm of the subject for illumi-
`nating the subject, a power supply connected to the LED’s,
`and a control connected to the LED’s. The method may
`further comprise simultaneously illuminating the subject
`with light produced by an additional device worn by the
`subject. The devices may illuminate the eyes of the subject,
`the vascular tissue of the subject, or both. To illuminate the
`eyes,
`the device is worn on the face of the subject. To
`illuminate the vascular tissue,
`the device is worn on a
`portion of the subject’s body, such as the head, neck, arm,
`waist or leg. Although multiple wavelengths may be used,
`preferably, the light produced by the LED’s and used to
`illuminate the subject has a narrow spectral content in the
`blue to green portion of the spectrum.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`FIGURES
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an eyeglass device
`according to the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an eyeglass device
`according to the present invention.
`FIG. 3 is a front view of a body pad device according to
`the present invention.
`FIG. 4 is a top view of a body pad device according to the
`present invention.
`FIG. 5 is a schematic showing two types of devices used
`together according to the present invention.
`FIG. 6 is a front view of a panel illumination device
`according to the present invention.
`FIG. 7 is a side view of an implant device according to the
`present invention.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`The present invention provides an improved device for
`treating circadian rhythm disorders and SAD by illuminating
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`the eyes and/or vascular tissue of a subject. In a preferred
`embodiment of the invention, an eyeglass-type device and/
`or a body pad device is provided with small lens type and/or
`chip LED’s for illuminating retinas and/or vascular tissue of
`the subject. The device may be used to treat and/or prevent
`any of the various known forms of circadian rhythm
`disorders, including jet lag, night shift work and SAD.
`The LED’s used in the devices in the present invention
`preferably produce blue to green light, thereby providing the
`maximal effect with minimal
`light
`intensity and power
`consumption. LED’s based on gallium nitride technology
`emit light from 420 nm (blue) to 575 nm (green). At present,
`the LED’s in this portion of the spectrum can be obtained in
`various narrow wavelength ranges, each approximately 20
`nm—40 nm wide at 50% peak height. Selecting specific
`wavelength LED’s allows for delivery of a narrow spectrum
`of light with the greatest therapeutic value and the lowest
`potential side effects. Furthermore, LED’s of different wave-
`lengths can be combined for more effective therapy. Also,
`the light intensity can be easily controlled by the number of
`LED’s used and/or the power applied to the LED’s. Small
`LED’s of the same or differing wavelengths can be arranged
`in densely packed arrays to form high intensity light sources.
`Because LED’s are available with different light delivery
`angles,
`the area to be illuminated can be controlled by
`selecting the most appropriate angle for the application.
`The invention enjoys several of its advantages due to its
`use of LED’s to deliver light directly to the subject. The
`LED’s are very small, very durable and long-lasting. As a
`result, the devices are portable, light-weight, comfortable,
`easy to use, inexpensive, do not dissipate large amounts of
`heat or unwanted frequencies of light. LED’s deliver a
`relatively high intensity for their physical size and weight.
`They also have a relatively low power consumption (100
`mW) and little heat (infrared) production. They produce no
`harmful UV radiation, and have high efficiency (optical
`output power/electrical input power).
`FIGS. 1 and 2 show two styles of a portable device
`according to the present invention. The device uses a plu-
`rality of LED’s 10 for directly illuminating the retinas of the
`subject. The LED’s used in this embodiment are preferably
`very small GaN-based chip type LED’s with a wavelength
`in the blue to green portion of the spectrum (e.g., item NSCB
`100 or NSCG 100 from Nichia Chemical Industries, Ltd,
`Tokushima, Japan). These LED’s are characterized by supe-
`rior intensity and efficiency in the blue to green portion of
`the spectrum. Because these LED’s have very high intensity,
`only one LED per eye may be required, as illustrated in FIG.
`2. These LED’s are also very compact, having dimensions of
`only 3 mm><2 mm><1 mm. Thus, several may be used if
`necessary to provide increased intensity or different
`wavelengths, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The LED’s 10 are built
`into the frames 12 of eyeglasses, and are positioned to direct
`light into the eyes of the subject, and may be positioned
`above, below, and/or to the side of the subject’s field of view
`in the appropriate portion of the frame, as shown. Because
`the small LED’s are integrated into the frame 12, they do not
`interfere with the subject’s normal vision and are incon-
`spicuous. In a preferred embodiment, the direction in which
`the LED’s are pointed may be adjusted by the subject, e.g.
`by flexibly mounting the LED’s, or mounting the LED’s on
`a hinged support integrated into the frame 12. The eye-
`glasses can have corrective or non-corrective lenses. Safety
`glasses or frames with no lenses can also serve the same
`purpose.
`The LED’s may be powered by small batteries built into
`the glasses. The batteries (not shown) may be held in a small
`
`

`

`US 6,350,275 B1
`
`5
`casing 14 integrated into the arm 16 of the glasses.
`Alternatively, the batteries may be carried on another part of
`the body, in which case a thin, flexible power cord connects
`the batteries to the glasses. Preferably, such a power cord is
`integrated into the arms of the glasses and passes incon-
`spicuously behind the ear. The batteries are replaceable or
`rechargeable. Small controls 18, comprising switches,
`buttons, or dials, for example, are provided in the glasses.
`These controls 18 are conveniently positioned on the side of
`the arm 16, allowing the subject to easily adjust the intensity
`and/or timing of the illumination. A small application-
`specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other electronic cir-
`cuitry housed in the casing 14 controls the activation and
`timing of the LED’s based on input from the controls 18. If
`multiple different wavelength LED’s are built
`into the
`glasses, these controls 18 can also adjust the timing and
`relative intensity of the different wavelength LED’s. The
`intensity of light emitted by the device is determined by the
`number of LED’s which are activated and/or the power
`applied to the LED’s. Preferably, the majority of the LED’s
`emit light in the blue to green range. This wavelength of
`light is known to be especially effective in the treatment of
`circadian rhythm disorders.
`It will be appreciated that this device provided by the
`present invention enjoys a combination of many advantages
`over other devices. The present invention provides a device
`that is portable, light weight, durable, long-lasting, compact,
`comfortable, easy to use,
`inexpensive, effective, energy-
`efficient, low-voltage, does not consume large amounts of
`power or dissipate large amounts of heat, does not interfere
`with vision, and is inconspicuous to wear. In addition, the
`device provides an optimal wavelength of light for treating
`circadian rhythm disorders.
`In the case of a multiple-
`wavelength device, the wavelength or combination of wave-
`lengths of light can be easily selected as needed, and no
`unwanted wavelengths of light are delivered or need to be
`filtered.
`
`FIGS. 3 and 4 show, respectively, a front view and a top
`view of a body pad device according to the present invention
`In contrast with all prior devices, this device is not designed
`to illuminate the retinas, but to illuminate the blood passing
`through the vascular tissue beneath the skin. As a result, this
`device can be used to treat circadian rhythm disorders while
`asleep, at rest, or at work, and without interfering in any way
`with vision or sleep patterns. In addition, the device can be
`completely hidden from the view of others and is entirely
`inconspicuous. Like the eyeglass-type device discussed
`above, this body pad device also enjoys the various advan-
`tages of using LED’s to directly illuminate the subject.
`As shown in the figures, an array of LED’s 20 are
`arranged in a flexible or rigid mounting 22 attached to a
`fabric or other material 24 for securing the LED’s near the
`skin 26 of a subject. The LED’s are preferably GaN—based
`LED’s with wavelengths in the blue to green portion of the
`spectrum. These LED’s have high intensity and may be
`powered by low voltage (3 to 5 Volts DC). The LED’s may
`be selected to have specific wavelengths and/or specific
`angular intensity distributions (e.g. broad beam or narrow
`beam). The mounting 22 preferably has a reflective surface
`to minimize the amount of light absorbed by the device and
`maximize the amount of light absorbed by the tissue. The
`material 24 may be an elastic closed loop or an open band
`that is tied, buttoned, snapped, or otherwise attached with a
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`fastener 28 after wrapping around a portion of the body. The
`device may be comfortably worn around the head as a
`headband or inconspicuously as part of a hat. The device
`may also be worn is around the neck, arm, waist, or leg. In
`addition, several similar such devices can be used simulta-
`neously and worn around different parts of the body, e.g. one
`on each leg. Because the device can be worn underneath or
`integrated with clothing, it is inconspicuous. Foam or other
`type of padding 30 can be used to increase comfort. The
`device has a small casing 32 that contains a small battery
`source, which preferably comprises several rechargeable or
`replaceable batteries.
`Aprogrammable or application-specific integrated circuit
`(ASIC) can be included, with appropriate controls 34 com-
`prising buttons, switches and/or indicator lights. These con-
`trols allow the subject to adjust the timing and intensity of
`the LED treatment. If multiple different wavelength LED’s
`are built into the pad, these controls can adjust the timing
`and relative intensity of the different wavelengths.
`Preferably, the LED’s emit light in the blue to green range
`of the spectrum. Because the wavelength is selectable,
`specific wavelengths can be used separately or in combina-
`tion for treating or studying specific disorders, and no
`unwanted wavelengths need be filtered or dissipated.
`It will be appreciated that this body pad device enjoys a
`combination of many advantages over other devices and
`methods for
`treating circadian rhythm disorders. Most
`importantly,
`the present invention provides a device that
`does not interfere in any way with vision, and thus can be
`worn while asleep and can be worn completely out of the
`view of others, such as underneath clothes. In addition, the
`device is portable,
`light weight, durable,
`long-lasting,
`compact, comfortable, easy to use, inexpensive, effective,
`energy-efficient, and does not consume large amounts of
`power or dissipate large amounts of heat. In addition, the
`wavelength of light can be easily selected as needed, and no
`unwanted wavelengths of light are delivered or need to be
`filtered. Note that more than one such device can be worn at
`one time for increased effect.
`
`FIG. 5 shows the eyeglass-type device 36 and the body
`pad device 38 used together according to the present inven-
`tion. In this embodiment of the invention, these devices are
`used together in a method of treating circadian rhythm
`disorders. The glasses can be used to supplement one or
`more body pads. This combined mode of treatment
`is
`preferable while the subject is awake. The glasses can be
`removed if they interfere at all with vision, if the user goes
`to sleep, or if they attract unwanted attention to the subject.
`In such situations, the treatment typically continues with the
`body pads 38 alone. The two devices may be used
`separately, or may be connected together by a detachable
`thin electrical cord 40. The cord can connect the devices to
`
`a common power source, although preferably each pad has
`an independent power supply integrated into it. Typically,
`the electrical cord 40 will provide communication between
`the devices. Communication signals sent between the
`devices through the cord can be used to coordinate and
`control the multi-device treatment, For example, the micro-
`processor controller in a device can compensate for the
`inactivation of another device by the intensification of its
`LED light delivered, or by an increase in treatment duration.
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`7
`Alternatively, this coordination can be performed manually
`by independently adjusting the separate devices. In this case,
`no cord 40 is necessary.
`It will be appreciated that this combination of devices
`provides a method for treating circadian rhythm disorders
`that enjoys many advantages over other devices and meth-
`ods. In addition to the advantages enjoyed independently by
`each of the devices, the coordinated and/or combined use of
`the two types of devices provides a synergy of effects, i.e. a
`treatment involving both illumination of the retina and the
`vascular tissue activates both the optic nerve and the chemi-
`cal messengers in the blood to produce a combined effect
`that is more than the two independent modes of treatment
`alone. In addition,
`the simple combination of treatment
`modes also provides superior flexibility and effectiveness of
`treatment, depending on the activities and preferences of the
`subject.
`General considerations and factors useful for diagnosing
`and treating circadian rhythm disorders are known in the art.
`Several parameters characterizing the light used for photo-
`therapy affect
`the treatment efficacy, safety, and patient
`comfort. Such parameters include wavelength,
`light
`intensity, time and duration of treatment, angle of incidence,
`and distance of LED’s from the subject. The patients may be
`allowed to vary some or all of the parameters in a method of
`the present invention. The wavelengths of light used are
`selected according to the resulting efficacy, safety, and
`comfort.
`
`The present invention has important applications to con-
`venient and inexpensive treatment of circadian rhythm dis-
`orders suffered by individuals such as night shift workers
`and jet travelers. In the case of jet lag, the body device is
`preferably worn at night in anticipation of a trip and pro-
`grammed to automatically activate in the early morning
`hours or in the late night hours, depending on whether the
`anticipated direction of travel is east or west, respectively. In
`addition, the device can be used during travel, and after
`arrival at the destination to further reduce the effects of
`relocation. A few hours of illumination is sufficient in most
`
`cases, but may be increased or decreased depending on the
`specific diagnosis and/or treatment desired. A similar treat-
`ment would be used for a night-shift worker.
`Before, during, and/or after the night-shift, the worker can
`be treated while awake, possibly combining the body pads
`with the eyeglasses, or while asleep. For treating SAD, one
`or both of the devices may be used for a few hours during
`the morning and/or evening hours of the day in order to
`compensate for reductions in environmental light levels.
`The above embodiments of the invention are only a few
`examples of the many possible implementations of the
`invention. Many other embodiments and variations are
`considered in the scope of the present
`invention. For
`example, the LED’s in the eyeglasses may be integrated
`within the arms of the glasses in addition to the portion of
`the frames surrounding the lenses. The device may also take
`the form of a small attachment to existing eyeglasses, such
`as one or more LED’s mounted across the top of the
`subject’s prescription glasses, or just to the side. It will also
`be appreciated that the LED’s of the present invention are
`sufficiently intense that
`they can illuminate the retina
`through the closed eyelid. Thus, a night mask can be
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`provided to deliver illumination to the retina while the eyes
`are closed during sleep or rest. Such a night mask may be
`used alone or in combination with the body pad device.
`Because of the superior intensity, frequency selectivity, and
`other advantages of LED’s, a small and portable illumina-
`tion panel device comprising an array of LED’s, as shown
`in FIG. 6, can be used alone or in combination with the other
`devices of the invention. Such panels can be used to illu-
`minate the eyes and/or the vascular tissue. A thin and
`portable panel the size of a small book, for example, can be
`easily carried with the subject and may comprise a clip or
`other attaching implement for positioning the panel near the
`subject.
`Another alternate delivery method is to implant a device
`comprising a collection of small chip-type LED’s 20 within
`the body of the subject to deliver illumination directly to the
`vascular tissue without passing through the skin, as shown
`in FIG. 7. Due to their proximity to the vascular tissue and
`the elimination of losses due to absorption in the skin, such
`implants would not need to produce as much light to achieve
`the same effect as external devices. As a result, the implants
`could be smaller and more efficient. The implanted LED’s
`could be powered by small batteries implanted with the
`LED’S, or by a power source external to the body and
`delivered through the skin by electrical induction, ultrasonic
`waves, or other means of wireless energy transmission.
`It will also be appreciated that the blue LED’s can be
`coated with phosphor
`to produce white LED’s. These
`broader spectrum LED light sources have all
`the other
`advantages of the LED’s, but in addition provide a white
`light that may be easier on the eyes while being also more
`natural and less conspicuous than the colored light sources.
`In specific applications where white light is required or
`preferable, the LED’s used in the devices described above
`can be replaced or supplemented by such white LED’s.
`These and many other variations will be evident to those
`skilled in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is
`not to be construed to be limited by the details of the above
`illustrative embodiments, but by the following claims and
`their legal equivalents.
`We claim:
`
`1. Amethod for treating circadian rhythm disorders expe-
`rienced by a subject, the method comprising:
`(a) illuminating the vascular tissue beneath the skin of the
`subject with light produced by a portable device worn
`by the subject, wherein the device comprises a plurality
`of light emitting diodes (LED’s) positioned within 3 cm
`of and oriented toward the subject for illuminating the
`subject, a power supply connected to the LED’s, and a
`control connected to the LED’s; and
`(b) simultaneously illuminating the subject with light
`produced by an additional device worn by the subject.
`2. The method of claim 1 wherein the LED’s comprise
`LED’s having wavelengths in the range from 420 nm to 575
`nm.
`
`3. The method of claim 1 wherein the LED’s comprise
`chip-type LED’s.
`4. The method of claim 1 wherein the LED’s comprise
`GaN-based LED’s.
`
`5. Amethod for treating circadian rhythm disorders expe-
`rienced by a subject, the method comprising:
`(a) illuminating the subject with light produced by a
`portable device worn around a portion of the subject’s
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`US 6,350,275 B1
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`body, wherein the device comprises a plurality of light
`emitting diodes (LED’s) positioned within 3 cm of and
`oriented toward the subject for illuminating the subject,
`a power supply connected to the LED15> and a control
`connected to the LED’s; and
`
`5
`
`prises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED’s)
`positioned within 3 cm of and oriented toward the
`subject for illuminating the subject, a power s