HK1210976B - A system for use with a subject suffering from a motor related neurological condition - Google Patents

Description

A system for a subject suffering from a movement-related neurological disease

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to International Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/040284, entitled “LIGHT-EMITTING APPARATUSES FOR TREATING AND/ORDIAGNOSING MOTOR-RELATED NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS,” filed on May 31, 2012, under the Patent Cooperation Convention, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application is a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/040284.

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to devices for exposing a subject to light of wavelengths tailored to diagnose and/or treat one or more motor-related neurological diseases.Such light exposure devices can be configured to tailor the light perceived by the subject's eyes.

Summary of the Invention

The phototherapy device of the present invention employs a light source. In some embodiments, the phototherapy device includes a light emitting device including a light source, electronic components for operating the light source, and a housing for carrying the light source and the electronic components. In addition, the light emitting device may include a controller that is combined with one or more electronic components to enable a user to control the operation of the light source. The controller can provide the user with basic control over the light source, that is, the ability to turn the light source on and off. In addition, the controller can also provide the user with the ability to perform more complex functions, including but not limited to one or more of the following: the ability to adjust the intensity of the light emitted by the light source, the ability to adjust one or more colors of the light emitted by the light source, including the ability to customize one or more spectra of the light emitted by the light source, and the ability to control the duration of the light source operation.

In some embodiments, the controller of the light emitting device may include one or more processing elements, such as a preprogrammed microcontroller, one or more microprocessors, and the like. The processing element of the light emitting device communicates with the electronic components of the light emitting device and indirectly with the light source. Thus, the processing element can control the operation of the light source. In embodiments of the present invention where the controller of the light emitting device includes a processing element, the light emitting device may also include associated input and output elements, including, in some embodiments, a communication element.

In other embodiments, the light therapy device of the present disclosure includes one or more filters for limiting one or more wavelengths of light (including visible light) to which the subject is exposed. The filter can be configured for use in conjunction with a light source (e.g., a light emitting device, a standard light source, etc.), and in some embodiments, it can be configured to be coupled to or otherwise assembled to the light source. Alternatively, the filter can be configured for use at a location remote from the light source while still controlling the amount of light of each wavelength to which the subject can be exposed.

In one aspect, the present invention includes a phototherapy device configured to emit light customized to address motion-related neurological diseases. In various embodiments, such a phototherapy device may expose a subject to visible light having at least one intensity peak at a wavelength that will treat the motion-related neurological disease, treat the symptoms of the motion-related neurological disease, promote the repair of retinal cells that may be helpful for the motion-related neurological disease, or promote the repair of nerve cells that may be responsible for the motion-related neurological disease. The at least one intensity peak may include above-ambient or above-average ambient amounts of light of its corresponding wavelength. The visible light emitted or to which the subject is exposed may lack above-ambient or above-average ambient amounts of light (i.e., it may include ambient, average ambient, below-ambient or below-average ambient amounts of light), which light is incapable of treating the motion-related neurological disease, treating the symptoms of the motion-related neurological disease, promoting the repair of retinal cells that may be helpful for the motion-related neurological disease, or promoting the repair of nerve cells that may be responsible for the motion-related neurological disease. Optionally, the visible light emitted or to which the subject is exposed can lack above-ambient or above-average ambient amounts of light (i.e., it can include ambient, average ambient, below-ambient or below-average ambient amounts of light) that inhibits or modulates the production of specific neurochemicals, such as monoamines or amines, or induces a neuroendocrine response.

Examples of wavelengths that can treat motor-related neurological disorders or their symptoms include, but are not necessarily limited to, blue-green wavelengths and green wavelengths, also referred to herein for simplicity as "blue-green light" and "green light." Without limiting the scope of the present invention, "green light" refers to both narrow-bandwidth light (i.e., a single wavelength of visible green light or a narrow wavelength range of visible green light) and broader spectrum light (e.g., white light, a mixture of other polychromatic light (i.e., multiple colors), etc.) with an intensity peak at one or more wavelengths of green light. "Blue-green light" also includes narrow-bandwidth light and polychromatic light with an intensity peak at one of the multiple wavelengths of blue-green light. More specific examples of light that will address motor-related neurological disorders or their symptoms include light having a wavelength of 490 nm to 570 nm or 520 nm to 570 nm above ambient levels. The majority of the light (i.e., number of photons, irradiance, etc.) can include one or more wavelengths within any of these ranges; that is, the light can be enhanced with one or more of these wavelengths. The light can also lack ambient or above ambient levels of visible light of other wavelengths.

Wavelengths of deep red and near infrared light (e.g., above 650 nm to 900 nm, etc.) can stimulate mitochondrial repair and, therefore, the repair of cells, including retinal cells and/or nerve cells, of which mitochondria are a part. By using light to stimulate the repair of retinal cells and/or neurons in the substantia nigra of the eye, light can also address many conditions associated with motor-related neurological diseases.

The light emitting device can be configured to emit visible light (e.g., blue-green and/or green light, deep red light, and/or near infrared radiation, etc.) at a level (e.g., intensity, photon density, irradiance, etc.) that treats one or more motor-related neurological diseases or symptoms thereof. In various embodiments, light of one or more therapeutic wavelengths can be administered at a level that exceeds the corresponding level of such wavelength in standard indoor ambient lighting (such levels being referred to herein as "ambient levels"). In some embodiments, light of one or more therapeutic wavelengths can be administered at a level that exceeds the average level of such wavelength in standard indoor ambient lighting. Such average levels are referred to herein as "average ambient levels."

A light emitting device configured to provide treatment for one or more movement-related neurological diseases may be configured to emit light of one or more wavelengths of insufficient intensity to counteract (e.g., enhance, worsen, etc.) the symptoms of one or more movement-related neurological diseases. Wavelengths that worsen symptoms include visible red wavelengths and may also be considered to include light of one or more visible orange and amber wavelengths. In some embodiments, such a light emitting device may emit therapeutic light while emitting light of symptom-exacerbating wavelengths of insufficient intensity. In other embodiments, such a light emitting device may emit therapeutic light without emitting or substantially without emitting light of one or more symptom-exacerbating wavelengths. In some embodiments, the insufficient intensity may be light of a symptom-exacerbating wavelength that is below ambient or ambient intensity. In other embodiments, even light of a symptom-exacerbating wavelength that is above ambient intensity may still be insufficient to worsen the symptoms of the movement-related neurological disease. This may be the case where light of a symptom-exacerbating wavelength constitutes only a small portion of the total light emitted by the light emitting device or the light to which the subject is exposed (e.g., less than one-third of the total light intensity, etc.).

In some embodiments where the light emitting device is configured to emit light of one or more therapeutic wavelengths at levels above ambient, the light emitting device may emit ambient amounts of light, emit subambient amounts of light, or emit substantially no light outside the range of therapeutic wavelengths. In some embodiments, the light source may be configured to emit light of one or more symptom-exacerbating wavelengths at ambient or subambient levels. In other embodiments, the light emitting device may emit therapeutic light of one or more wavelengths at levels above ambient while emitting substantially no light of at least one symptom-improving wavelength or emitting substantially no light of at least one symptom-improving wavelength. Thus, the light source may be configured to emit light that substantially includes, or even consists of, light of one or more wavelengths that address at least one movement-related neurological disease and light of one or more wavelengths that do not improve or worsen the symptoms of at least one movement-related neurological disease.

On the other hand, the light emitting device of the present invention can be configured to facilitate early diagnosis of movement-related neurological diseases. Various embodiments of such devices can emit amber, orange, and/or red light at a level intensity higher than the ambient, or at a level or intensity sufficient to worsen the symptoms of movement-related neurological diseases. In some embodiments, light of one or more symptom-exacerbating wavelengths at a higher intensity than the ambient can be administered to a subject that exhibits some symptoms (including early symptoms) that may indicate movement-related neurological diseases but cannot provide a definitive diagnosis of movement-related neurological diseases. In other embodiments, the sufficient intensity for worsening the symptoms of movement-related neurological diseases can be lower than the ambient or ambient intensity of the symptom-exacerbating wavelengths, such as when light of the symptom-exacerbating wavelengths constitutes a sufficient amount (e.g., more than one-third, a majority, etc.) of the total light emitted by the light emitting device or the light to which the subject is exposed. When administered to such a subject, the symptom-exacerbating wavelengths of one or more sufficient intensity can make the subject's symptoms more pronounced, or can cause the subject to temporarily exhibit symptoms that were not previously exhibited, which can make early diagnosis of movement-related neurological diseases possible. When light of one or more symptom-exacerbating wavelengths of sufficient intensity is administered to a subject susceptible to one or more movement-related neurological disorders, at least one symptom of the movement-related neurological disorder may be manifested, which may enable the diagnosis of the movement-related neurological disorder in an asymptomatic subject.

In embodiments where the light emitting device is configured for diagnostic purposes, for example, to emit one or more wavelengths that cause a subject susceptible to or believed to have at least one movement-related neurological disorder to exhibit symptoms of at least one movement-related neurological disorder, the light source of the diagnostic device can be configured to emit light that substantially includes, or even consists of, the one or more symptom-modifying wavelengths of light and wavelengths of light that do not counteract the symptom-modifying wavelengths. Such a diagnostic device can emit no light of any wavelength that is therapeutic for the at least one movement-related neurological disorder, emit substantially no light of any wavelength that is therapeutic for the at least one movement-related neurological disorder, or even emit subambient amounts of light of any wavelength that is therapeutic for the at least one movement-related neurological disorder.

Other features and advantages of various aspects of the present invention, as well as other aspects of the present invention, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following description, drawings, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the figure:

FIG1 is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of a light emitting device according to the present invention, wherein the light emitting device is configured to deliver light of at least one wavelength to provide a therapeutic effect to a subject suffering from at least one motor-related neurological disorder;

2A to 2C illustrate light sources with different arrangements of light emitting elements having different colors or bandwidths;

FIG3 depicts an embodiment of a light emitting device including a light source emitting polychromatic light; and

4 through 6 illustrate some embodiments of filters that may be used to control the amount of one or more wavelengths of light to which a subject is exposed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG1 provides a schematic representation of a light emitting device 10 incorporating the teachings of the present invention. Generally, the light emitting device 10 of the present invention includes a light source 30 and one or more controllers associated with the light source 30. The light source 30 may include one or more light emitting elements 32, each of which may include any suitable type of light emitting device known in the art (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), a fluorescent lamp, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), etc.). In general, the light emitting elements 32 of the light source 30 may be configured to each emit light of one or more desired wavelengths at an intensity or photon density greater than the ambient light.

In various embodiments, the light source 30 of the light emitting device 10 is configured to emit light of one or more wavelengths that are higher than the ambient level or intensity, photon density, or irradiance, and that are tailored to address one or more movement-related neurological disorders. In some embodiments, the light emitted by the light source 30 can be tailored to address one or more primary symptoms of the movement-related neurological disorder. The light emitted by the light source 30 can also be tailored to address one or more secondary symptoms of the movement-related neurological disorder (e.g., anxiety, depression, insomnia, drowsiness, etc.). In addition, the light emitted by the light source 30 can be tailored to exclude or at least include wavelengths of light that are lower than the ambient level or intensity and that may worsen one or more primary or secondary symptoms of the movement-related neurological disorder. In some embodiments, the lower level or intensity can be light of wavelengths that are lower than the ambient level or intensity and that worsen the symptoms. In other embodiments, for example, when light of wavelengths that worsen the symptoms constitutes only a small portion of the total light emitted by the light emitting device or the light to which the subject is exposed (e.g., less than one-third of the total light intensity, etc.), even light of wavelengths that worsen the symptoms above the ambient level or intensity may still be insufficient to worsen the symptoms of the movement-related neurological disorder.

For purposes of this disclosure, as a reference, levels of various wavelengths of light are considered "above ambient" when they exceed the same levels of light of the same wavelengths present in standard indoor lighting. Conversely, for purposes of this disclosure, levels of various wavelengths of light are considered "below ambient" when they are below the same levels of light of the same wavelengths present in standard indoor lighting. Standard indoor lighting is often referred to as "white light," or more precisely, as "polychromatic light," which has an intensity of 50 to 500 lux. When used in the context of levels of light of one or more wavelengths, the term "ambient" may refer to the levels of various wavelengths of light present in a particular type of polychromatic light at one ambient intensity (e.g., 50 lux, 500 lux, an intensity between 50 and 500 lux, etc.), or the average levels of various wavelengths present in one or more types of polychromatic light at two or more ambient intensities, or the higher or lower levels of one or more wavelengths of light at the upper or lower end of the ambient intensity range for polychromatic light from one or more light sources.

At approximately 50 lux, standard indoor lighting (incandescent and/or fluorescent) has a total photon density of 3.70 × 10 ¹³ photons/cm ² /s and a total irradiance of 13.2 μW/cm ² (or 1.32 × 10 ^-5 W/cm ² ). The blue to green portion of the spectrum of standard indoor lighting at approximately 50 lux (e.g., 460 nm to 570 nm, etc.) has a photon density of 1.35 × 10 ¹³ photons/cm ² /s and an irradiance of 5.1 μW/cm ^2. These values, as well as the photon density and irradiance for a narrower wavelength range in the blue to green range for standard indoor lighting at an intensity of approximately 50 lux, are included in the table below:

Table 1

The amber to red portion of the spectrum of approximately 50 lux standard indoor lighting (e.g., above 570 nm to 640 nm, etc.) has an intensity of approximately 24 lux, a photon density of 2.04×10 ¹³ photons/cm ² /s, and an irradiance of 6.7 μW/cm ^2. The irradiance of the amber to red light of the spectrum of approximately 50 lux standard indoor lighting exceeds the irradiance of the blue to green "useful" spectrum of approximately 50 lux standard indoor lighting.

At approximately 500 lux, the total photon density of standard indoor lighting is 3.69×10 ¹⁴ photons/cm ² /s, and the total irradiance of standard indoor lighting is 133.5 μW/cm ^2. At approximately 500 lux, the blue to green portion of the standard indoor lighting spectrum has a photon density of 1.53×10 ¹⁴ photons/cm ² /s and an irradiance of 58.4 μW/cm ^2. These values, as well as the photon density and irradiance for a narrower wavelength range in the blue to green range of standard indoor lighting with an intensity of approximately 500 lux, are included in the table below:

Table 2

The amber to red portion of the spectrum of about 500 lux standard room lighting has an intensity of about 225 lux, a photon density of 1.85×10 ¹⁴ photons/cm ² /s, and an irradiance of 60.4 μW/cm ^2. The irradiance of the amber to red light in about 500 lux standard room lighting exceeds the irradiance of the blue to green "useful" spectrum of about 500 lux standard room lighting.

Based on the above, when "environment" includes the average level of one or more bandwidths of light in polychromatic light of approximately 50 lux and the level of one or more same bandwidths of light in polychromatic light of approximately 500 lux, the ambient levels of the bandwidths shown in Tables 1 and 2 may include the ambient values for standard indoor lighting determined in Table 3.

Table 3

The amber to red portion of the spectrum of ambient standard room lighting has an intensity of approximately 125 lux, a photon density of 1.03×10 ¹⁴ photons/cm ² /s, and an irradiance of 33.6 μW/cm ^2. The irradiance of the amber to red light of the spectrum of standard room lighting of average intensity exceeds the irradiance of the blue to green "effective" spectrum of standard room lighting of average intensity.

As another definition of "ambient," in the average case, "ambient" light can include polychromatic light within a range of intensities, photon densities, and/or irradiances or energies, and levels of light in various bandwidths of polychromatic light within that range. A level can be considered "above ambient" when the level of light of various wavelengths exceeds the same level of light of the same wavelength in the ambient range. Conversely, a level can be considered "below ambient" when the level of light of various wavelengths is below the same level of light of the same wavelength appearing in the ambient range. For the purposes of the present invention, the lower end of the "ambient" level can include the level of each wavelength range present in polychromatic light at approximately 50 lux, while the higher end of the "ambient" level can include the levels of the various wavelength ranges present in polychromatic light at approximately 500 lux. With this definition of ambient, levels below ambient can include levels below approximately 50 lux, while levels above ambient can include levels above approximately 500 lux.

For reference, incandescent indoor lighting, with a total ambient intensity of approximately 50 to 500 lux, is primarily composed of amber and red wavelengths, along with some green. Green light only constitutes a small portion of the spectrum output by incandescent indoor lighting. Consequently, the intensity of green wavelengths present in incandescent indoor lighting is significantly less than 200 lux. Fluorescent indoor lighting has the identifying characteristic of mercury, with three intensity peaks: a primary peak in the cyan-dark blue range (435 nm-436 nm), a secondary peak in the green-yellow range (540 nm-560 nm), and a third peak in red wavelengths between 580 nm and 640 nm. Relative to incandescent indoor lighting, the intensity of fluorescent indoor lighting is only approximately 50 lux to approximately 500 lux. Naturally, the deep blue and green-yellow peaks of this light are lower than the total intensity of the fluorescent indoor lighting's output.

As an option to characterizing light according to its level and intensity relative to ambient levels, light administered to a subject for diagnosis or treatment of a motor-related neurological disorder (or for any other purpose) can be characterized according to the relative proportions or ratios of specific wavelengths, bandwidths, and/or intensity peaks. Without limitation, when light emitted by a light source has a particular effect, the intensity or irradiance of the wavelength(s) responsible for that effect can constitute a particular proportion or ratio (e.g., greater than one-third, greater than one-half, greater than two-thirds, greater than 95%, etc.) of the total light emitted by the light source. The following table compares the ratios of red to non-red visible light for five (5) available light sources (BRITE LITE 6, LITEBOOK ELITE, CRI LITE, BRITE LITE 3, and NORTHSTART) relative to two light sources (SPECTRAMAX) that have been configured to incorporate the teachings of the present disclosure.

Table 4

The data from Table 4 indicates that, of the total intensity of visible light emitted by the first SPECTRAMAX sample that provides a therapeutic effect for motor-related neurological disorders, the amount of red light emitted is only 11.6% of the amount of all other wavelengths of visible light emitted, and the level of red light emitted is only 40% of the level of blue-green light emitted. The second SPECTRAMAX also provides effective therapy for motor-related neurological disorders, emitting red light equivalent to 33% of all other wavelengths of visible light and 94% of the amount of blue-green light. When the amount of red light emitted by a light source is at most 33% of the amount of all other wavelengths of visible light emitted by the light source and/or the amount of red light emitted by the light source is at most 95% of the amount of blue-green light emitted by the light source, the light source may be useful for treating motor-related neurological disorders.

Light in the range of blue wavelengths (e.g., a minimum wavelength of 460 nm, etc.) to blue-green wavelengths (e.g., a minimum wavelength of 490 nm, etc.) to green wavelengths (e.g., a maximum wavelength of 570 nm, etc.) has a positive or beneficial effect on motor-related neurological diseases and their symptoms (including major and minor symptoms) when light is administered to the subject's eye (i.e., visually) above ambient levels. See, for example, International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2012/002553, filed December 3, 2012, entitled “METHODS FOR PREVENTING AND TREATING MOTOR-RALATED NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS” (“the '553 PCT Application”), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Administration of light comprising an intensity peak above ambient centered anywhere within the blue-green to green wavelength range is believed to provide benefits to subjects suffering from motor-related neurological diseases.

Visual administration of light of any of these wavelengths above ambient levels can stimulate a dopaminergic response in a subject, which in some instances can alter the level or activity of one or more monoamines (e.g., melatonin, serotonin, dopamine, derivatives thereof, and/or analogs thereof, etc.), re-establishing a chemical balance in the subject's brain (e.g., stabilizing (e.g., decreasing, etc.) the subject's production of melatonin, stabilizing (e.g., increasing, etc.) the subject's production of dopamine and/or serotonin, etc.), the degree of re-establishment and/or stabilization being based on the wavelength and/or level of light administered to the subject. Light therapy using a device incorporating the teachings of the present invention stimulates a dopaminergic response that can restore or provide a balance in the level of one or more monoamines (e.g., melatonin, serotonin, dopamine, etc.) in the subject's brain. For simplicity, the terms "melatonin," "serotonin," and "dopamine" as used herein include melatonin and analogs or derivatives of melatonin, serotonin and analogs of serotonin, and dopamine and analogs or derivatives of dopamine, respectively. The amount or level of one or more monoamines in a subject can be adjusted in a manner that addresses a movement-related neurological disorder. Modulation of monoamine levels in a subject includes, but is not necessarily limited to, adjusting or balancing melatonin or serotonin levels at specific times of the day (e.g., late afternoon, early evening, etc.).

When visually administered to a subject at sufficient levels, light in the range of amber wavelengths (e.g., wavelengths greater than 570 nm, etc.) to red wavelengths (e.g., maximum wavelengths of 650 nm, 750 nm, etc.) can exacerbate any movement-related neurological disease or at least one of any symptoms of a movement-related neurological disease that the subject may have. See, for example, PCT Application '553. In particular, exposure to amber, orange, and red wavelengths of light can cause a subject susceptible to a movement-related neurological disease and/or a subject suffering from, but not clearly exhibiting, one or more symptoms of a movement-related neurological disease to exhibit one or more symptoms of a movement-related neurological disease. Further, when a subject's eyes are exposed to sufficient levels of amber to red wavelengths of light (e.g., light having wavelengths greater than 570 nm to 650 nm, greater than 570 nm to 750 nm, etc.), the subject's body's dopamine activity can be temporarily suppressed (e.g., the subject's melatonin production can be increased, the subject's dopamine production can be suppressed, etc.). Light of symptom-exacerbating wavelengths above ambient levels or intensities can be sufficient to exacerbate the symptoms of a movement-related neurological disease. In some embodiments, such as when light of the symptom-exacerbating wavelength constitutes a sufficient amount (e.g., more than one-third, a majority) of the total light emitted by the light emitting device to which the subject is exposed, the sufficient level or intensity can be lower than the ambient level or intensity of the ambient or symptom-exacerbating wavelength light.

Wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation above 650 nm (including visible light and infrared radiation) can promote or stimulate mitochondrial repair. In the eye, promotion or stimulation of mitochondrial repair may help repair damaged retinal cells, which damage may be at least partially responsible for movement-related neurological diseases, and thus, at least partially avoid and/or reverse movement-related neurological diseases. In the substantia nigra, enhancement or stimulation of mitochondrial repair may help repair damaged nerve cells responsible for movement-related neurological diseases, and thus, at least partially reverse movement-related neurological diseases.

As previously noted, the light source 30 of the light-emitting device 10 can be configured to emit light having one or more predetermined, relatively narrow bandwidths or wavelength ranges. The light source 30 can be configured to address a motor-related neurological disorder, or at least one or more primary and/or secondary symptoms of such a disorder. The light source 30 can be configured to emit light that elicits a neurological or neuroendocrine response from the subject. The light emitted by the light source 30 can have a therapeutic effect on one or more motor-related neurological disorders or their symptoms. The light-emitting device 10 of the present invention can be configured to stimulate a dopaminergic response, which can stabilize the levels of one or more monoamines in the subject's body (e.g., by affecting the subject's production of melatonin, serotonin, and/or dopamine). A decrease in the levels of a particular monoamine can be due to stimulation of the subject's body to reduce the production of that monoamine or by any other means. Similarly, an increase in the levels of other monoamines can be due to stimulation of the subject's body to increase the production of that monoamine. For example, light of a particular wavelength can stimulate dopamine, serotonin, etc., while simultaneously suppressing or reducing the production of melatonin. Thus, in some embodiments, the light source 30 of the light emitting device 10 can be configured to emit light that provides a desired change in the monoamine level of a subject.

In some embodiments, the light source 30 can be configured to emit light that actively addresses a movement-related neurological disease or any symptoms of such a disease at a level higher than ambient (e.g., light having at least one bandwidth having at least one intensity peak centered around a range of 460 nm to 570 nm (inclusive), a range of 490 nm to 570 nm (inclusive), a range of 520 nm to 570 nm (inclusive), etc.). The desired therapeutic effect can be achieved by visually exposing the subject to at least one bandwidth of light at a level higher than ambient, the light having at least one intensity peak centered around a range of blue to green light (e.g., 460 nm to 570 nm, inclusive), blue-green to green light (e.g., 490 nm to 570 nm, inclusive), or green light (e.g., 520 nm to 570 nm, inclusive). The at least one intensity peak can include the strongest peak of visible light to which the subject is exposed. Alternatively, the majority of the light to which the subject is exposed may be within one or more of the blue to green, blue-green to green, or green light ranges, and thus may be considered to be one or more "boosts" of visible light of these colors. As a non-limiting example, a light therapy device may be configured to expose a subject to light tailored to stimulate a dopaminergic response, which may result in a change in the level or balance of one or more monoamines in the subject (e.g., a decrease in melatonin levels, an increase in dopamine levels, and/or an increase in serotonin levels, etc.).

These embodiments of light source 30 can also be configured to emit ambient levels of light, subambient levels of light, or substantially no light outside of a therapeutic range. In a more specific embodiment, light source 30 can be configured to emit ambient or subambient levels of light that may exacerbate a movement-related neurological disorder or one or more symptoms thereof. As a further more specific example, light source 30 can be configured to emit ambient or subambient levels of light that may suppress dopaminergic activity in a subject's body. Even more specifically, light source 30 can be configured to emit ambient or subambient levels of light that may increase melatonin levels or decrease dopamine or serotonin levels in a subject's body. Light with a bandwidth above ambient dose, with an intensity peak centered above 570 nm to 650 nm, above 570 nm to 750 nm, etc., is known to exacerbate movement-related neurological disorders or symptoms thereof, as well as suppress dopaminergic activity, and is believed to increase melatonin levels or decrease dopamine or serotonin levels.

On the other hand, the light emitting device 10 may include a light source 30 that is configured to worsen one or more movement-related neurological diseases or their symptoms experienced by the subject. Without limitation, the light source 30 may be configured to temporarily suppress the dopaminergic response of the subject (e.g., increasing the activity of melatonin in the subject, reducing the level of dopamine in the subject, reducing dopamine activity, etc.). One or more movement-related neurological diseases may be worsened by visually exposing the subject to light having at least one bandwidth with a peak centered in the range of 570nm to 750nm (including endpoints). This effect can also be achieved by an environment of light having at least one bandwidth with a peak in the range of 570nm to 750nm or light at a level lower than that of the environment, when the light is isolated from the range of 460nm to 570nm or produces light at a higher ratio than that of the range of 460nm to 570nm. In some embodiments, such a light source 30 may be configured not to emit light that may be therapeutically effective for any movement-related neurological disease or its symptoms above the level of the environment. In other embodiments, such light source 30 can be configured to emit light having a higher ratio of light from 570 nm to 750 nm than from 460 nm to 570 nm. Either of these conditions can be useful for stimulating the subject to produce melatonin, thereby increasing the subject's body's melatonin response.

In another embodiment, light source 30 can be configured to stabilize the level of one or more monoamines in the subject by selectively exposing the subject to light that may increase the level of one or more monoamines in the subject (while potentially decreasing the level of one or more other monoamines in the subject) or to light that may decrease the level of one or more monoamines in the subject (while potentially increasing or balancing the level of one or more other monoamines in the subject).

The light emitting device 10 may include a light source 30 capable of early detection of one or more movement-related neurological diseases. As described above, visual exposure of a subject to light of amber to red wavelengths (e.g., above 570nm to 650nm, above 570nm to 750nm, etc.) may cause a subject who is prone to a movement-related neurological disease or who already has a movement-related neurological disease but has not yet shown obvious symptoms to exhibit symptoms of the disease. By emitting such light at a level above the ambient level, the light source 30 may cause one or more symptoms of the subject's movement-related neurological disease to manifest. Thus, the light emitting device 10 of the present invention may include a light source 30 that is capable of early diagnosis of a movement-related neurological disease that a subject is prone to or a movement-related neurological disease that a subject already has but has not yet shown obvious symptoms.

The light source 30 of the light emitting device 10 incorporating the teachings of the present invention can be configured to emit light of one or more wavelengths that may stimulate mitochondrial repair. It is currently believed that the wavelengths of light emitted by the light emitting device 10 of the present invention can repair damaged retinal cells and/or damaged nerve cells by stimulating retinal repair. It is currently believed that by repairing damaged retinal cells, movement-related neurological diseases can be at least partially prevented and/or reversed. It is also currently believed that by repairing damaged nerve cells, for example, nerve cells of the substantia nigra, movement-related neurological diseases can be at least partially reversed. In some embodiments, such a light source 30 can be configured to emit light having a wavelength greater than 650 nm, which may include deep red (visible) light and some infrared radiation (e.g., wavelengths of infrared radiation below about 1400 nm, below about 900 nm, etc.).

The light emitting device 10 of the present invention may include a light source 30 that emits only light that will provide a single result (e.g., one of the above functions, etc.). Alternatively, the light source 30 may be configured to have a selection that allows the user to select a desired function from a plurality of functions (e.g., any combination of the above functions, etc.).

In embodiments where the light emitting device 10 is configured to provide a single result, the light source 30 can be configured to emit light of one or more wavelengths at sufficient levels to achieve the desired result. These wavelengths of light are referred to herein as "desired wavelengths." Additionally, the light source 30 can be configured not to emit light of any wavelengths above the ambient level that might offset the desired result (i.e., the light source 30 might emit such wavelengths at ambient levels or such wavelengths below ambient levels), such wavelengths of light being referred to herein as "undesirable wavelengths." In some embodiments, the only wavelength of light that can be emitted by the light source 30 at a level above the ambient level is the desired wavelength. In other embodiments, the light source 30 can be configured to emit only light of the desired wavelength.

The light emission characteristics of the light source 30 can be defined by one or more light emitting elements 32 of the light source 30. Various embodiments of light emitting elements 32 that emit one or more relatively narrow bandwidths of light can be used in the light source 30 of a light emitting device incorporating the teachings of the present invention. Without limiting the scope of the present invention, the light emitting element 32 may comprise a light emitting diode (LED). The LED can be configured to emit a predefined narrow bandwidth of light that includes a variety of desired wavelengths. The LED can also be configured to not emit light of unwanted wavelengths, to emit light of unwanted wavelengths at a level below the ambient, or to emit light of unwanted wavelengths at a level that does not exceed the ambient level of such wavelengths.

Alternatively, one or more light emitting elements 32 can emit light of a desired wavelength and light of one or more other wavelengths. Such light emitting elements 32 are referred to in the art as "polychromatic light sources". The light of other wavelengths emitted by one or more light emitting elements 32 can include unwanted wavelengths, or they can be composed of light of harmless and/or other useful wavelengths. In embodiments where one or more light emitting elements 32 produce light of one or more unwanted wavelengths at undesirably high levels (e.g., random emission of such wavelengths, ambient levels of such wavelengths, levels of such wavelengths above ambient, etc.), the light source 30 can include one or more filters 34 to attenuate the emission of one or more unwanted wavelengths from the light emitting device 10. As is known in the art, the filters 34 can be selected based on the wavelength of the light they attenuate.

One or more filters 34 may also be used in conjunction with a light source 30 that produces one or more narrow bandwidth lights.

Some embodiments of light emitting devices 10 incorporating the teachings of the present invention are configured for multiple functions (eg, any combination of the above functions, etc.). The light source 30 of such light emitting devices 10 can be configured to allow a user to select a desired function from the multiple functions.

As a non-limiting example, the light-emitting device 10 may include a light source 30 having two or more groups 33a, 33b, etc. of light-emitting elements 32, as shown in FIG2A . Each group 33a, 33b, etc. may include light-emitting elements 32a, 32b, etc. that perform different functions than the light-emitting elements 32a, 32b, etc. of each of the other groups 33a, 33b, etc. (collectively, "light-emitting elements 32"). In the illustrated embodiment, the light-emitting elements 32 may be arranged in an array on the emitting surface 31 of the light source, with light-emitting elements 32a, 32b, etc. from different groups 33a, 33b, etc. interleaved or intermixed. Alternatively, as shown in FIG2B , the light-emitting elements 32 may be organized into alternating rows or columns, with each row or column including or primarily including a single type of light-emitting element 32a, 32b, etc. As another alternative, each different type of light-emitting element 32a, 32b may be combined, as shown in FIG2C .

In some embodiments, one group 33a of light emitting elements 32a can be configured to address a motor-related neurological disorder or one or more symptoms of such a disorder. Another group 33b of light emitting elements 32b can be configured to facilitate diagnosis of a motor-related neurological disorder. Another optional group 33c of light emitting elements 32c can be configured to repair cellular damage (e.g., mitochondrial damage, etc.) to retinal cells and/or nerve cells that may cause a motor-related neurological disorder. In specific embodiments, light source 30 can be configured to emit sufficient levels of light to address the motor-related neurological disorder (e.g., 490nm to 570nm, 520nm to 570nm, etc.) and light to repair cellular damage (e.g., above 650nm, etc.), while emitting insufficient levels of light to worsen the symptoms of the motor-related neurological disorder (e.g., greater than 570nm or less than 650nm, etc.).

As another example, the light emitting device 10 can be configured to stabilize the levels of one or more monoamines in a subject. Such a light emitting device 10 may include a light source 30 having a group 33a of light emitting elements 32a and another group 33b of light emitting elements 32b, wherein the light emitting elements 32a emit light that can treat movement-related neurological diseases or their symptoms, for example, by stimulating the subject's body to respond to dopaminergic responses (for example, resulting in a decrease in melatonin levels or melatonin activity (for example, by stimulating the subject's body to inhibit or delay the production of melatonin and/or increase the production of serotonin, etc.); resulting in an increase in dopamine levels (for example, by stimulating the subject's body to increase the production of dopamine, etc.); etc.); the other group 33b of light emitting elements 32b can worsen movement-related neurological diseases or their symptoms (for example, resulting in an increase in melatonin levels or melatonin activity, or a decrease in serotonin activity, etc. (for example, by stimulating the subject's body to produce more melatonin and/or less serotonin, etc.); resulting in a decrease in dopamine levels (for example, by stimulating the subject's body to stop or slow down the production of dopamine, etc.); etc.).

The light emitting device 10 can perform different functions at discrete points in time (e.g., diagnosing a motor-related neurological disorder/addressing a motor-related neurological disorder or its symptoms; inducing a neurological response; inducing a neuroendocrine response; increasing or decreasing the level of a specific neurochemical, such as a monoamine, etc.). Alternatively, at least some of the performance of two or more functions performed by the light emitting device 10 can be achieved simultaneously (e.g., addressing a motor-related neurological disorder/promoting cell repair, etc.).

The manner in which the different functions performed by such a light source 30 can be controlled by a processing element 36 (e.g., a microcontroller) of a type known in the art. The processing element 36 of the light source 30 can be preprogrammed to perform a defined set of functions. In some embodiments, the parameters defining the functions (e.g., duration of operation; intensity, photon density and/or irradiance, etc.) can be defined by programming the processing element 36. In other embodiments, the processing element 36 can be programmed with one or more parameters (e.g., duration of operation, intensity, photon density and/or irradiance, wavelength of emitted light, etc.) that control the manner in which the light source 30 emits light and, therefore, the functions performed by the light emitting device 10. In some embodiments, the processing element 36 and the light source 30 can be configured in a manner that enables the light emitting device 10 of the present invention to emit different spectra based on a plurality of different factors. As a non-limiting example, the processing element 36 and the light source 30 of the light emitting device 10 can be configured so that the light emitting device 10 emits light of different wavelengths at different intensities at different times of the day. Certain embodiments of such light emitting devices 10 can be configured to counteract the effects of natural light at different times of the day (e.g., generating and emitting blue-green and/or green light with increasing intensity as time progresses from afternoon to evening; generating and emitting amber, orange, and red light with decreasing intensity as time progresses from afternoon to evening, etc.). As another example, the processing element 36 and light source 30 of the light emitting device 10 can be configured so that the light emitting device 10 emits different light spectra based on one or more specific symptoms experienced by the subject and/or the severity of each symptom.

Turning now to FIG. 3 , an embodiment of a light emitting device 10 is depicted that includes a light source 30 that generates polychromatic light. In some embodiments, the polychromatic light may include so-called "white" light emitted by one or more light emitting elements 32. In other embodiments, multiple different colors of light emitted simultaneously by multiple differently configured light emitting elements 32 may be mixed to provide the polychromatic light. In any case, the polychromatic light emitted by the light source 30 includes a variety of wavelengths and/or bandwidths to perform a variety of desired functions.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific characteristics of polychromatic light (e.g., the wavelengths of light included in the polychromatic light, the wavelength centered at the relative intensity peak of light of a particular color, etc.) depend on the light source of the polychromatic light (e.g., the light emitting element 32, etc.). The specific characteristics of polychromatic light from various light sources can be referred to as the "identification characteristics" of the polychromatic light.

The identifying characteristics of the polychromatic light emitted by the light source 30 of the light emitting device 10 can at least partially define the functions that the light emitting device 10 can perform. As an example, a light emitting device 10 including a light source 30 emitting polychromatic light peaking in blue, blue-green, and/or green light (i.e., the desired wavelengths in this example) may be useful for addressing a movement-related neurological disorder, for a movement-related neurological disorder or its symptoms, or for stimulating a dopamine response in a subject that may result in a change in the levels of one or more monoamines in the subject. This is particularly true when the magnitude of the peaks of one or more desired wavelengths exceeds the magnitude of the peaks of any undesirable wavelengths or colors (e.g., amber, orange, or red light) that may offset the effectiveness of the desired wavelengths (e.g., blue, blue-green, and/or green light), and particularly when the relative magnitudes of the peaks of the desired and undesirable wavelengths are such that the polychromatic light is delivered in a manner such that the desired wavelengths of light are provided at above-ambient levels while the undesirable wavelengths of light are provided at or below ambient levels. In some embodiments, the light source 30 of the light emitting device 10 of the present invention may be configured to emit unfiltered polychromatic light.

The one or more functions performed by the light source 30 having a light emitting element 32 that emits polychromatic light can also be defined by controlling the wavelength and/or bandwidth of the light emitted by the light source 30. Thus, the light source 30 of the light emitting device 10 of the present invention can include one or more filters 34 that can at least partially block or attenuate any wavelengths of light that may offset one or more desired functions, while allowing the transmission of light of a specific desired wavelength and amount (e.g., intensity, irradiance, etc.) of a therapeutic grade, and thus, allowing emission of light of such desired wavelengths from the light source 30. The use of different filters 34 can enable the light emitting device 10 to perform different functions.

Referring back to FIG. 1 , in addition to the light source 30, the light emitting device 10 of the present invention may further include a housing 20. The housing 20 carries the light source 30. Furthermore, the housing 20 may carry one or more components of the light emitting device 10, including, but not limited to, a controller for operating the light source 30 and the power source 50. The light emitting device 10 of the present invention may also include various other arbitrary features that may provide desired functionality (e.g., a light-spreading lens, features for diffusing the emitted light, features for converging the emitted light, features for determining the orientation of the housing 20, etc.).

The housing 20 of the light emitting device 10 incorporating the teachings of the present invention can have any suitable configuration. In embodiments where the light emitting device 10 is configured to emit light under controlled conditions (e.g., in a research facility, a medical clinic, etc.) or is intended to be reused in substantially the same location, the housing 20 can be relatively large (e.g., to accommodate a relatively large light source 30, etc.). Due to its size, such a light emitting device 10 may lack portability. Therefore, the power supply 50 of such a light emitting device 10 can include components that enable the light emitting device 10 to operate on AC power in a manner known in the art.

In other embodiments, a more portable light-emitting device 10 may be desired. The housing 20 of the light-emitting device 10 can be configured to at least partially impart portability to the light-emitting device 10 and, in some embodiments, enable the light-emitting device 10 to perform one or more of its desired functions while in the user's hand. In various embodiments, such a housing 20 can be easily transportable, occupying minimal space during transport and/or storage, and configured to enable the light-emitting device 10 to be used in a variety of settings or environments. In addition to including a small housing 20, a portable light-emitting device 10 can include a correspondingly small, even lightweight light source 30. In some embodiments, the power source 50 of the portable light-emitting device 10 can include one or more batteries, further enhancing the portability of the light-emitting device 10. Portable embodiments of the light-emitting device 10 of the present invention can be configured to sit on a surface (e.g., a tabletop, a subject's lap, etc.), be worn by a subject receiving light therapy (e.g., can be mounted on the head to direct light to the subject's eyes from above (e.g., as a mask or hat, etc.) or from below and/or around the subject's eyes (e.g., as glasses, etc.), or have any other suitable configuration.

In some embodiments, the light emitting device 10 may include a processing element (eg, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, etc.) and a light source 30 for emitting light.

In use, the light emitting device 10 of the present invention can be configured to direct light toward a subject's eyes and thereby provide visual light therapy. In some embodiments, the subject's eyes can be closed while the visual light therapy is provided. In other embodiments, the subject can open his or her eyes while the visual light therapy is provided. In yet other embodiments, the desired visual light therapy can be provided regardless of whether the subject's eyes are open or closed.

Turning now to Figures 4 to 6, various embodiments of light therapy devices employing filters are shown. Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which a filter 70 is configured to be positioned on a standard light source, such as a light bulb 72, and is used to limit the wavelength of light emitted outside of the light source 72. Figure 5 depicts an embodiment of a filter 80 that is configured to be placed on the eye of a subject to limit the wavelength or amount of each wavelength of light (e.g., natural light, artificial light, etc.) to which the subject's eye is exposed; for example, in the form of a lens or a pair of lenses. Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a filter 90 that includes a window that is tinted to limit the wavelength of light (e.g., natural light, artificial light, etc.) to which the subject can be exposed.

Each filter 70, 80, 90 can be configured to tailor the exposure of the subject to a specific wavelength of light and/or a specific amount of a specific wavelength of light. Without limitation, the filters 70, 80, 90 can be customized so that the subject is exposed to one or more therapeutic, diagnostic, or restorative wavelengths of light. As previously described, the filters 70, 80, 90 can be configured in such a way that the subject is exposed to one or more wavelengths of light above ambient levels, and one or more other wavelengths of light at ambient or subambient levels.

In a more specific embodiment, filters 70, 80, 90 can be used to reduce the amount of visible light having a wavelength greater than 570 nm, or at least a wavelength in the range of 575 nm to 640 nm, to below ambient levels. Filters that reduce wavelengths greater than 570 nm to below ambient levels can allow ambient or above ambient amounts of light having one or more wavelengths from 490 nm to 570 nm or from 520 nm to 570 nm to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, visible light having a wavelength less than 520 nm can also be filtered out, and eye light therapy can be limited to ambient or above ambient amounts of one or more wavelengths from 520 nm to 570 nm. Non-limiting examples of filters include those available from LEEFilters of Hampshire, UK; those available from GAM Products, Inc. of Los Angeles, California; and those available from Cotech Sensitising Ltd. of Tedegra, South Wales, UK.

Although the above description includes many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention or any of the appended claims, but only as providing information related to specific embodiments that may fall within the scope of one or more of the appended claims. Other embodiments of the invention that fall within the scope of one or more of the appended claims may also be modified. The scope of each claim is therefore limited only by the language used herein and the equivalents of the elements referenced thereby. All combinations, additions, deletions, and modifications that fall within the meaning and scope of the claims as disclosed herein are included.

Claims (11)

1. A system for a subject suffering from a motor-related neurological disorder, comprising: At least one light source for emitting light in a manner suitable for visual presentation to an object, said light comprising at least one first bandwidth of visible light with an intensity greater than 58.4 μW/ ^cm² above ambient intensity, the first bandwidth of visible light comprising a therapeutic bandwidth and having an intensity peak at a wavelength in the range of 460 nm to 570 nm that reduces the severity of at least one symptom of a motor-related neurological disorder, said light further comprising at least one second bandwidth of visible light with an intensity less than 33.6 μW/ ^cm² below ambient intensity, the second bandwidth of visible light having at least one wavelength greater than 570 nm capable of aggravating at least one symptom of at least one motor-related neurological disorder, the intensity of said at least one second bandwidth being insufficient to aggravate said at least one symptom of said at least one motor-related neurological disorder. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first bandwidth of visible light comprises at least one of blue-green wavelength visible light and green wavelength visible light. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one light source comprises: At least one light source that generates the intensity peak of the therapeutic bandwidth; and At least one filter is provided to limit the subject's eye exposure to visible light of irrelevant wavelengths generated by the light source outside the therapeutic bandwidth. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one filter restricts visible light of irrelevant wavelengths passing through it to an amount at or below ambient level. 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one filter substantially blocks visible light of irrelevant wavelengths from passing through it. 6. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one filter limits the intensity of visible light of an irrelevant wavelength emitted toward the object outside the at least one light source in such a way that the intensity of visible light of an irrelevant wavelength is less than the intensity of the treatment bandwidth. 7. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one light source emits visible light having an intensity peak at at least one wavelength of visible light capable of aggravating at least one symptom of the at least one motor-related neurological disease; and The at least one filter limits the intensity of the intensity peak at the at least one wavelength that can worsen at least one symptom of the at least one motor-related neurological disease. 8. The system according to claim 3, wherein the light source comprises a white light source. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source is further configured to emit visible light having an intensity peak at a wavelength capable of aggravating at least one symptom of the at least one motor-related neurological disorder at an intensity sufficient to worsen the at least one symptom of the at least one motor-related neurological disorder. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the light source is configured to emit visible light of insufficient intensity for treating the at least one peak of the at least one motor-related neurological disease when emitting at an intensity sufficient to aggravate the at least one symptom of the at least one motor-related neurological disease at a wavelength capable of aggravating the at least one symptom of the at least one motor-related neurological disease. 11. The system according to claim 9, further comprising: A control element for selectively causing the light source to emit only one of an intensity peak at a wavelength that treats the motor-related neurological disorder and an intensity peak at a wavelength that can worsen at least one symptom of the motor-related neurological disorder.