HK1190105B - Light therapy system including spectacle frames and contact lenses - Google Patents

Description

Phototherapy system including an eyeglass frame and a contact lens

Related patent application

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/439,402 filed on 4/2011 and U.S. patent application serial No. 13/362,264 filed on 31/1/2012; the contents of said patent are trustworthy and incorporated by reference.

Field of application

A phototherapeutic delivery mechanism for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and for other purposes is described. More specifically, in some embodiments, the present invention provides eyewear or contact lenses or both that include structures for intelligent delivery of light therapy.

Background

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a recognized mood disorder in which patients experience depressive symptoms during a certain season of the year, which occur most frequently in the winter. Patients affected by SAD often have a normal mental health status for most of the time of the year. Symptoms of SAD may include, but are not limited to, lethargy, weakness, sugar addiction, difficulty concentrating, and social inactivity. These symptoms result in feelings of depression, despair, pessimism, and pleasure deficiency.

Seasonal mood changes are believed to be related to lighting changes. Geographic regions with shorter daytime hours, weaker light intensity, or long overcast days, such as arctic regions, have a higher incidence of SAD. The prevalence of SAD varies significantly among adults in the united states, with low prevalence in florida and other states of sunny, and particularly high prevalence in alaska, new hampshire, and other northern or overcast areas.

Phototherapy has been studied and established as a particularly effective treatment of seasonal affective disorder, typically or in winter. Phototherapy employs a device that emits significantly more light flux than a standard incandescent lamp. Typical embodiments include bright white full-band light, preferably at 10,000 lux illumination, or optionally 480nm wavelength blue light at 2,500 lux illumination, or 500nm wavelength green light at 350 lux illumination. Light therapy typically requires the patient to sit open to their eyes at a prescribed distance from the light source for a period of 30 to 60 minutes per day. This seasonal therapy will last for several weeks until the patient is constantly exposed to natural light. Most patients consider this therapy inconvenient, and a significant proportion (up to 19% in some studies) of patients therefore discontinue treatment. There is therefore a need for new methods and approaches to light therapy in a more convenient, continuous and intelligent manner.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, the present invention includes eyewear capable of delivering light therapy to a wearer. The eyeglass lenses or frames feature an embedded light source in electrical and logical communication with a power source, sensors, processor and other components housed within the temple of the eyeglasses.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the eyeglass lens or frame projects light into a complementary contact lens that in turn refracts or diffracts the light into the wearer's eye.

In another aspect, in some embodiments, the eyeglass frame provides sensors and power sources that wirelessly communicate with a contact lens that houses a light source for light therapy.

Finally, the contact lens may include an embedded light source as well as secondary electronics. No glasses are included in this embodiment.

Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates a rear view of eyewear having a light source embedded in a lens and auxiliary electronics housed within a temple, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of eyewear having light sources embedded in lenses according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates a close-up view of an eyeglass lens with an embedded light source according to some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 4 illustrates a close-up view of an eyeglass lens with an embedded light source installed in an eyeglass frame according to some embodiments of the invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a portion of an eyeglass leg piece housing auxiliary electronics according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a portion of an eyeglass temple piece opened to reveal auxiliary electronics, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates a side of the auxiliary electronics from the interior of the temple piece according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a second side of the auxiliary electronics from inside the temple piece according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 9 illustrates a bottom view of eyewear having a light source embedded in the frame, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an eyeglass lens with an embedded light source that directs light into a complementary contact lens according to some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of eyewear having auxiliary electronics in wireless communication with a contact lens housing a light source, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention includes methods and apparatus for delivering light therapy using eyeglasses with embedded light sources. In addition, the invention includes delivering light therapy using a combination of eyeglasses and complementary contact lenses. The invention also includes delivering light therapy using only contact lenses with embedded light sources.

The following sections will describe embodiments of the present invention in detail. The preferred and alternative embodiments described herein are merely exemplary embodiments and it is to be understood that variations, modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be understood, therefore, that the exemplary embodiments are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention on which they are based.

Term(s) for

In this specification and claims relating to the invention, the terms used are defined as follows:

complementary contact lens: as used herein refers to contact lenses and eyeglasses having a particular structure that are used together to deliver light therapy.

Contact lens: refers to any ophthalmic device that is located within or on the eye. These devices may provide optical correction or may be cosmetic. For example, the term lens may refer to a contact lens, intraocular lens, overlay lens, ocular insert, optical insert, or other similar device for correcting or improving vision or for enhancing the physiological beauty of the eye (e.g., iris color) without affecting vision. In some embodiments, preferred lenses of the invention are soft contact lenses made from silicone elastomers or hydrogels, including but not limited to silicone hydrogels and fluorohydrogels.

Intelligent phototherapy: as used herein, smart light therapy refers to a method of delivering light therapy by which a processor evaluates different data and dynamically makes compensatory adjustments to a programmed light therapy schedule based on data analysis. Adjusting light therapy based on ambient light exposure to a user is one example of smart light therapy.

Light therapy: as used herein refers to exposure to light of a particular wavelength controlled with a different device, applied at a particular intensity for a specified amount of time (and in some cases a particular time of day).

And (e) tightening: as used herein, lux refers to the unit of illumination in the International units System (SI). Lux is the luminous flux per unit area. Illuminance with a luminous flux of 1 lux or 1 lux distributed uniformly over an area of 1 square meter. This also corresponds to the illumination at all points on the surface one meter away from the point source of an international candle. 1 lux equals 0.0929 foot candles.

Optical zone: as used herein, an optical zone refers to an area of an ophthalmic lens through which a wearer of the ophthalmic lens views.

Programmed phototherapy schedule: as used herein, a programmed light therapy schedule refers to a set of automated instructions that control the timing, duration, and intensity of light therapy according to variables such as date, geographic area, and severity of seasonal affective disorder symptoms of the user. The programmed light therapy schedule may be set by an eye care professional, physician, or user.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): as used herein refers to a mood disorder that occurs in seasons of limited exposure to sunlight, is characterized by symptoms of depression, and can be alleviated with the arrival of the spring or by light therapy. It is generally accepted that the recurrent state of depression that people experience during the winter season is associated with a lack of sunlight.

Referring now to fig. 1, a rear view of an eyeglass frame 101 with light sources 102 embedded in lenses 103 is shown. The light source 102 may also be mounted on the surface of the lens 103. Light source 102 may comprise a Light Emitting Diode (LED) or other lamp that emits blue light at a wavelength of 450 to 500 nanometers, most preferably 470 to 480 nanometers, with 2,000 to 3,000 lux illumination. Alternatively, the LED or other lamp may emit green light at wavelengths 475 to 525 nanometers, most preferably 490 to 510 nanometers, illuminated at 300 to 400 lux. In addition, the light source 102 may be fixed in any other manner that is allowed.

In another embodiment, a single light source may be piped to one or more locations within the eyeglass lens 103 or eyeglass frame 101 to provide illumination. The light pipe may include, for example, a fiber optic channel.

An example of an illumination source is shown at 104. The light source 102 provides illumination toward the eye of the wearer such that the illumination is not apparent to the viewer.

In another embodiment, the light source 102 is arranged such that light is directed into the lens 103. The optic 103 may include light scattering properties in the area where light is specifically directed, or throughout the optic 103. The light scattering region may include diffractive properties, refractive properties, reflective properties, or any combination of diffractive, refractive, and reflective properties. The light scattering area acts to scatter light, thereby achieving a soft glow rather than a dazzling light to be presented to the eyes of the user. In some preferred embodiments, the light scattering area may form a ring located within the peripheral region of the eyeglass lens 103 and may include an internal barrier between the light scattering area and the optical zone in the central portion of the lens 103. The internal barrier prevents light intended for phototherapy from being dispersed into the optical zone of the lens 103, thereby minimizing the impact of phototherapy illumination on normal vision. In other embodiments, the entire lens 103 includes light scattering properties designed such that it only disperses light of the wavelengths emitted by the embedded light source 102. This embodiment supports maximum dispersion of the wavelengths of light used to perform light therapy while not resulting in dispersion of the wavelengths of light that would affect normal vision. The lens 103 may include a coating that masks the light therapy emission from being readily noticeable to an observer without impairing the light therapy or vision of the user.

In the present embodiment, the light sources 102 are connected to each other by conductive vias 105. The conductive vias 105 may be wires embedded in the lens 103, or may be a conductive material, such as gold, copper, silver, or other metal or conductive fibers applied to the surface of the lens 103 via pad printing, sputter coating, vapor deposition, or other known methods. Conductive pathways 105 are in electrical communication and logical communication with auxiliary electronics housed in one or both temple pieces 109. In some embodiments, the auxiliary electronics are miniaturized so that they can be housed in other areas of the eyewear, for example, in the area near the pivot structure 107, in the frame above the lens 108, in the nose piece 110, in the temple 111, or other areas.

One or more light sensors 106 are used to detect ambient white, blue or green light. The light sensor 106 may be located within the eyeglass frame 101 proximate the pivot structure 107, within the frame above the lens 108, within the temple piece 109, within the nose piece 110, or within other suitable areas where the sensor 106 will not be blocked (e.g., via hair). The light sensor 106 is in electrical and logical communication with auxiliary electronics housed in one or both of the temple pieces 109 or other areas of the eyewear.

In some embodiments, a user control element 112 (such as a switch or button) is provided to allow the user to adjust the timing, duration, and intensity of the light therapy. One or more user control elements 112 may be present in the temple piece 109 or other areas of the eyewear, such as in the area proximate the pivot structure 107, in the frame above the lens 108, in the nose piece 110, in the temple 111, or other areas. Some embodiments provide a basic operating state in which light therapy is manually controlled by the user starting and stopping the treatment at the appropriate times.

According to the present embodiment, the programmed light therapy schedule may automatically adjust the light therapy timing, duration, and intensity based on variables such as date, geographic area, and severity of seasonal affective disorder symptoms of the user, for example. The programmed light therapy schedule may be set by an eye care professional, physician, or user. During programmed light therapy, it may be desirable for the user to adjust the light intensity based on behavior, for example, reducing the light intensity while reading, working on a computer, or driving. Conversely, it may be desirable to increase light intensity during break, lunch break, or other times when visual activity is less during work. In some embodiments, smart light therapy is delivered when the processor evaluates manual changes made to the programmed light therapy schedule and provides compensatory adjustments for the duration and intensity of the therapy. In other embodiments, smart light therapy is achieved when the processor analyzes data from the light sensor 106 and the programmed light therapy schedule is dynamically adjusted based on ambient light exposure received by the wearer.

In another embodiment of the invention, the user may manually adjust the light therapy based on the blood test results of the melatonin level. Light can inhibit melatonin production in the pineal body, and dark can stimulate melatonin production in the pineal body. Higher levels of melatonin can cause people to be drowsy and somnolence, producing symptoms of seasonal mood disorders. An analysis of the melatonin level in the patient's blood can be used as an indication to increase or decrease light therapy.

In other embodiments, the user may manually adjust the light therapy to intentionally vary his sleep cycle. Changing sleep cycles with light therapy is very useful for night shift workers, people traveling in significantly different time zones, military personnel preparing for night time operations, and other applications. In addition, light therapy enabled by the user when awake may be used to treat circadian rhythm sleep disorders, such as post sleep phase shift syndrome (DSPS) and non-24 hour arrhythmic sleep-wake syndrome.

Referring now to fig. 2, a front view of an eyeglass frame 201 with light sources 202 embedded in lenses 203 is shown. The light sources 202 are connected to each other by conductive vias 204.

Referring now to fig. 3, a close-up view of a single eyeglass lens 301 with embedded light sources 302 connected via conductive vias 303 is shown. While the embodiment described in this application shows eight light sources 302 per lens 301, other embodiments may include fewer or more light sources 302 per lens 301, and may include light sources 302 located at different positions and patterns within the lens 301. To provide a sense of scale, the lens 301 is shown placed on a standard twenty-five cent coin 304. The mechanism for providing electrical communication between the light source 302 and the auxiliary electronics is not shown in this figure. Electrical communication may be provided, for example, via conductive contacts between light sources located in the temple of a pair of eyeglasses, via conductive wires, conductive ribbon wires, or via a wireless mode such as inductance. Inductance may be achieved, for example, via an antenna located in the lens or lens frame and a power source that transfers power from the temple piece or other proximate location to the antenna.

Referring now to fig. 4, a close-up view of a single eyeglass lens 401 mounted in a frame 404 with embedded light sources 402 connected via conductive pathways 403 is shown.

Referring now to fig. 5, a close-up view of a portion of an eyeglass temple piece 501 housing auxiliary electronics is shown. Temple piece 501 is not fully closed, as evidenced by gap 502. USB connector 503 is used to make electrical connections, for example, to charge a battery within temple piece 501. The USB connector 503 is also used for logical communication, such as loading user-specific programmed light therapy schedules or unloading usage and sensor data stored by the auxiliary electronics. The hinge area 504 is visible, at which point the temple piece 501 connects to the eyeglass frame. Temple piece 501 is shown adjacent to a standard twenty-five cent coin 505 for purposes of providing a sense of scale.

Referring now to fig. 6, a close-up view of the eyeglass temple piece 601 with the upper portion of the auxiliary electronics housing 602 removed is shown. A circuit board is shown containing auxiliary electronics 603 including a battery 604, a processor 605 and a USB connector 606. Wiring 607 provides electrical and logical communication between the auxiliary electronics 603 and other elements, such as light sources and light sensors. Pivot region 608 is visible where temple piece 601 is attached to the eyeglass frame. To provide a sense of scale, the temple piece 601 is shown adjacent to a standard twenty-five cent coin 609.

Referring now to fig. 7, a top down view of a first side of a circuit board containing auxiliary electronics 701 is shown. The circuit board 701 is shown as having been removed from the housing (within which the circuit board is shown in fig. 5 and 6). Circuit board 701 includes battery 702, processor 703, power terminals 704 and USB connector 705. Wires 706 attached to power terminals 704 provide logical and electrical communication between the auxiliary electronics located on circuit board 701 and other elements such as light sources and light sensors. The processor 703 may be used, for example, to run a programmed phototherapy schedule stored in memory, analyze light sensor data and determine a unique phototherapy schedule based on ambient light exposure received by the wearer, evaluate manual modifications of the programmed phototherapy schedule and provide compensation adjustments, and analyze light source and light sensor data to detect device failures. Power terminals 704 allow wiring 706 to be connected to allow logical and electrical communication between the ancillary electronics located on circuit board 701 and other components such as light sources and light sensors. To provide a sense of scale, circuit board 701 is shown adjacent a standard twenty-five cent coin 707.

Referring now to fig. 8, a top down view of the second side of the circuit board containing the auxiliary electronics 801 is shown. The circuit board 801 is shown removed from the housing (within which the circuit board is shown in fig. 5 and 6). The circuit board 801 includes a memory 802, a capacitor 803, and a power supply terminal 804. The USB connector (705) of fig. 7 is shown as 805 in fig. 8. To provide a sense of scale, a circuit board 801 is shown adjacent to a standard twenty-five cent coin 806. By way of non-limiting example, the memory 802 may be used to store preprogrammed light therapy schedules, store data captured by the light sensors, store actual light therapy dates, times, durations, and intensities, and store data related to the operation of the light source and light sensors to detect device failure.

Referring now to fig. 9, a bottom view of an eyeglass frame 901 is shown with light sources 902 embedded in the eyeglass frame 901 above lenses 903. The light source 902 may be embedded within the eyeglass frame 901, or may be mounted on the surface of the eyeglass frame 901. The light sources 902 are connected to each other by conductive paths, not shown in fig. 9. The conductive paths may be wires embedded within the eyeglass frame 901, or may be a conductive material, such as gold, silver, copper or other metallic material or conductive fibers applied to the surface of the eyeglass frame 901 via pad printing, sputter coating, vapor deposition or other known methods. The conductive pathways allow the light source 902 to be in electrical and logical communication with auxiliary electronics housed within one or both temple pieces 904. In some embodiments, the auxiliary electronics are miniaturized so that they can be housed in other eyewear areas, for example, in the area near the pivot 905, in the frame above the lens 901, in the nose piece 906, in the earpiece (not shown in fig. 9), or other areas. The light source 902 is positioned such that light is directed onto the lens 903. The lens 903 may include light scattering properties in the area where light is specifically directed, or throughout the lens. The light scattering region may include diffractive properties, refractive properties, reflective properties, or any combination of diffractive, refractive, and reflective properties. The light scattering area acts to scatter light, thereby achieving a soft glow rather than a dazzling light to be presented to the eyes of the user. The lens 903 may include a coating that masks the light therapy illumination from being readily noticeable by an observer, while not affecting the user's light therapy or vision.

Referring now to fig. 10, an embodiment including a complementary contact lens is shown. The cross-sectional view 1000 includes an eyeglass lens 1001 with an embedded light source 1002 directing light 1003 into a light scattering area 1004 of a complementary contact lens 1005. The light scattering region 1004 causes the light 1006 to be dispersed throughout the cornea 1007 of the eye 1008. The light scattering region 1004 may include diffractive properties, refractive properties, reflective properties, or any combination of diffractive, refractive, and reflective properties.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional view 1000 may be a top-down view, with one or more embedded light sources 1002 disposed near a side of the eyeglass lens 1001. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional view 1000 may be a side view such that the one or more embedded light sources 1002 are disposed proximate to the top and bottom of the eyeglass lens 1001. In other embodiments, the embedded light source 1002 may be embedded in or mounted on an eyeglass frame rather than an eyeglass lens 1001. The embedded light sources 1002 include Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or other light sources 1002 that emit light 1003 for light therapy. Light source 1002 may include a Light Emitting Diode (LED) or other lamp that emits blue light at a wavelength of 450 to 500 nanometers, most preferably 470 to 480 nanometers, with 2,000 to 3,000 lux illumination. Alternatively, the LED or other lamp may emit green light at wavelengths 475 to 525 nanometers, most preferably 490 to 510 nanometers, illuminated at 300 to 400 lux. Another embodiment includes a single light source from which light can be piped to one or more locations within the eyeglass lens 1001 or eyeglass frame to provide illumination.

Auxiliary electronics (not shown) are housed in the eyeglass frame and include elements such as light sensors, batteries, capacitors, memory, processors, and USB connectors. The auxiliary electronics are in electrical communication with and in logical communication with the light source 1002. Electrical communication may be provided, for example, via conductive contacts between light sources located in the temple of a pair of eyeglasses, via conductive wires, conductive ribbon wires, or via a wireless mode such as inductance. Inductance may be achieved, for example, via an antenna located in the lens or lens frame and a power source that transfers power from the temple piece or other proximate location to the antenna.

In some embodiments, the light scattering area 1004 of the complementary contact lens 1005 forms a ring within the peripheral area of the complementary contact lens 1005 so that the directed light 1003 does not have to illuminate a restricted target area. The orientation of complementary contact lens 1005 on the eye 1008 relative to the light source 1002 within the spectacle lens 1001 is thus inconsequential when directing light 1003 towards the light scattering area 1004 that is continuously present around the peripheral area of the complementary contact lens 1005.

In some preferred embodiments, the complementary contact lens 1005 may include an internal barrier between the light scattering area 1004 and the optical zone in the central portion of the lens. The internal barrier prevents light 1003 used for phototherapy from being dispersed into the optical zone of the complementary contact lens 1005. In this way, the light 1003 used for light therapy is dispersed only around the periphery of the cornea 1007, thereby minimizing its effect on normal vision.

In other embodiments, the entire complementary contact lens 1005 includes light scattering properties such as diffraction, refraction, and reflection. The light scattering properties are designed such that it only disperses light 1003 at the wavelength emitted by the embedded light source 1002. This embodiment supports maximum dispersion of the wavelengths of light 1003 used for phototherapy within the eye 1008 while not causing dispersion of wavelengths of light that would affect normal vision.

Referring now to fig. 11, an embodiment is shown including an eyeglass frame and a complementary contact lens. The cross-sectional view 1100 includes an eyeglass frame 1101 that houses auxiliary electronics 1102. The auxiliary electronics 1102 may include elements such as light sensors, batteries, capacitors, memory, processors, and USB connectors. The auxiliary electronics 1102 wirelessly communicate 1103 with a complementary contact lens 1105 housing an embedded light source 1104, the embedded light source 1104 directing light 1106 onto a cornea 1107 of an eye 1108. The auxiliary electronics 1102 may be provided in a number of locations, embedded within the eyeglass frame 1101 or mounted on the eyeglass frame 1101. In other embodiments, the ancillary electronics 1102 may be included in jewelry, hats, clothing, or other items worn by the user such that the light sensor detects ambient light to which the user is exposed and the ancillary electronics 1102 are proximate to the complementary contact lens 1105, thereby enabling wireless communication. The wireless communication mode may include, for example, inductance. Inductance may be achieved via an antenna located in the complementary contact lens 1105 and a power source that transfers power from the eyeglass frame 1101, jewelry, clothing, or other nearby item to the antenna.

In some embodiments of the invention, cross-sectional view 1100 may be a top-down view, with auxiliary electronics 1102 disposed proximate to the sides of eyeglass frame 1101. In other embodiments, cross-sectional view 1100 may be a side view such that auxiliary electronics 1102 are disposed near the top and bottom of the sides of eyewear frame 1101. The arrangement of the plurality of embedded light sources 1104 and the embedded light sources 1104 around the perimeter of the complementary contact lens 1105 can vary. The embedded light source 1104 includes a Light Emitting Diode (LED) or other light source 1104 that emits light 1106 for light therapy. Light source 1104 may include a Light Emitting Diode (LED) or other lamp that emits blue light at a wavelength of 450 to 500 nanometers, most preferably 470 to 480 nanometers, illuminated at 2,000 to 3,000 lux. Alternatively, the LED or other lamp may emit green light at wavelengths 475 to 525 nanometers, most preferably 490 to 510 nanometers, illuminated at 300 to 400 lux. Another embodiment includes a single light source from which light is piped to one or more locations within the complementary contact lens 1105 to provide illumination.

In some embodiments, the light source 1104 may direct light 1106 into the interior of a complementary contact lens 1105 in which the light source 1104 is embedded. The light 1106 can be directed into a light scattering region (not shown) that includes diffractive properties, refractive properties, reflective properties, or any combination of diffractive, refractive, and reflective properties. The light scattering area may form a ring in the peripheral area of the complementary contact lens 1105. The impingement of light 1106 on the light scattering region causes the light 1106 to be generally dispersed widely over the cornea 1107 of the eye 1108.

In some preferred embodiments, the complementary contact lens 1105 can include an internal barrier between the light scattering area around the lens periphery and the optical zone in the central portion of the lens. The inner barrier prevents light 1106 used for phototherapy from being dispersed into the optical zone of the complementary contact lens 1105. In this way, the light 1106 used for light therapy is dispersed only around the periphery of the cornea 1107, thereby minimizing its effect on normal vision.

In other embodiments, the entire complementary contact lens 1105 includes light scattering properties such as diffraction, refraction, and reflection. The light scattering properties are designed such that it only disperses light 1106 of the wavelength emitted by the embedded light source 1104. This embodiment supports maximum dispersion of the wavelengths of light 1106 used to perform light therapy within the eye 1108 while not causing dispersion of the wavelengths of light that would distort vision.

Conclusion

As described above and as further defined by the claims below, the present invention provides methods and apparatus for delivering light therapy using eyeglasses with embedded light sources, using eyeglasses and complementary contact lenses, or using contact lenses with embedded light sources.

Claims (30)

1. An apparatus for performing light therapy, the apparatus comprising:

an eyeglass frame sized to be worn by a human and to hold one or more optical lenses;

one or more light sources fixedly mounted to provide light to a contact lens on an eye of the eyeglass frame wearer; and

a contact lens comprising a portion for receiving the provided light,

wherein the contact lens is further configured to refract or diffract the received light to the eye.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more light sources emit light having a wavelength of 450 to 500 nanometers.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the one or more light sources emit light having a wavelength of 470 to 480 nanometers.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the one or more light sources emit between 2,000 to 3,000 lux of light.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more light sources emit light at a wavelength of 475 to 525 nanometers.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the one or more light sources emit light having a wavelength of 490 to 510 nanometers.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the one or more light sources emit between 300-400 lux of light.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more light sources comprise one or more light emitting diodes.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the apparatus comprises one or more light pipes.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the one or more light pipes comprise fiber optic channels.

11. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one or more light sources emit the light onto at least a portion of the one or more optical lenses.

12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the one or more light sources emit the light onto at least a portion of the one or more optical lenses.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a mechanism for controlling the amount of light provided to the glasses frame wearer's eyes.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the mechanism for controlling the amount of light is adjustable by the eyeglass frame wearer.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the mechanism for controlling the amount of light is adjustable by a processor running digital software.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein the mechanism for controlling the amount of light is adjustable based on the amount of melatonin measured in the blood of the eyeglass frame wearer.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the mechanism for controlling the amount of light is adjustable based on an amount of ambient light to which the eyeglass frame wearer is exposed.

18. The device of claim 17, further comprising a sensor attached to the eyewear frame to measure an amount of ambient light, wherein the sensor provides an electrical signal to the processor indicative of the amount of ambient light.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power source in electrical communication with the one or more light sources.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the contact lens comprises a portion for diffracting light received from the light source.

22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the contact lens comprises a portion for focusing light received from the light source.

23. An apparatus for performing light therapy, the apparatus comprising:

an eyeglass frame sized to be worn by a human and to hold one or more optical lenses;

one or more energy sources fixedly mounted to the eyeglass frame and capable of providing power to a contact lens on an eye of a wearer of the eyeglass frame; and

a contact lens comprising a light source powered by power provided by the energy source,

wherein the contact lens is further configured to refract or diffract light received from the light source to the eye.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the light source emits light having a wavelength of 450 to 500 nanometers.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the light source emits light having a wavelength of 470 to 480 nanometers.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the light source emits between 2,000 to 3,000 lux of light.

27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the light source emits light at a wavelength of 475 to 525 nanometers.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the light source emits light having a wavelength of 490 to 510 nanometers.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the light source emits between 300-400 lux of light.

30. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the light source comprises one or more light emitting diodes.