Trans-Orbital Infrared Light Therapy

Abstract

A method comprising:a) placing a light-emitting portion of a device comprising a near infrared LED against an eyelid of a person having a brain in a location between an upper portion of an eye and a corresponding eye socket of the person,b) moving the device posteriorly so that at least a portion thereof sits within a portion of an outer region of the eye socket, andc) actuating the LED to deliver near infrared light to an orbitofrontal cortex of the person.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 a) placing a light-emitting portion of a device comprising a near infrared LED against an eyelid of a person having a brain in a location between an upper portion of an eye and a corresponding eye socket of the person,   b) moving the device posteriorly so that at least a portion thereof sits within a portion of an outer region of the eye socket, and   c) actuating the LED to deliver near infrared light to an orbitofrontal cortex of the person.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the light is emitted on a side of the device opposing the eye. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the light-emitting portion comprises a proximal near infrared LED and a distal light transmitting portion. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the device has a distal end portion that is substantially concavo-convex. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the device further comprises electronics adapted to provide a substantially constant current. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the device is carried on a mask. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the LED is carried on a hinge.