The United States of America as Represented by the Department of Health

Thomas A Wehr

Stephen B Leighton

Norman E Rosenthal

A device for delivering high intensity light to a patient's eyes for treating seasonal affective disorder and the like uses a point source of light such as a high intensity halogen or other incandescent bulb, and directs a large fraction of the light from the bulb directly into the patient's eyes without focusing the light in such a way as to cause damage to the eye or discomfort to the patient. This is accomplished by the use of a positive lens which focuses the light from the high intensity bulb directly in front of the patient's eyes. The light appears to the patient to be coming from an area much larger than the actual point source, and hence is more comfortable for the patient. The patient is assured of receiving a significant dosage of light no matter which way he is directing his gaze.

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Bethesda, MD, United States of America

Thomas A Wehr