JP2024149321A - Red light irradiation device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a red light irradiation device that can effectively irradiate red light (light with a wavelength in the range of 610 to 900 nm) toward the eye. [Solution] The red light irradiation device has a light source 11 that emits at least light with a wavelength in the range of 610 to 900 nm (red light 13) and is worn near the eyeball, and the light source 11 is arranged in a position that irradiates light in the eyeball direction D (see FIG. 4) when the red light irradiation device 10 is worn, and is also arranged at a position that is more than 0 mm and not more than 100 mm from the surface of the eyeball 20, thereby solving the above problem. In this case, the irradiance of light with a wavelength in the range of 610 to 900 nm can be configured to be less than 100 W/m2 on the eyeball surface when the eyeglass-type device 10A is worn. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a red light irradiation device that effectively and efficiently irradiates red light toward the eyes.

In recent years, the effects of light on the human body have been studied from various perspectives, and reports based on new findings have been published. For example, it has been reported that exposure to sunlight improves circadian rhythms (Non-Patent Document 1), that light emitted from LED lighting and liquid crystal displays using LEDs as backlights has a significant effect on the body and mind (Non-Patent Document 2), and that violet light prevents myopia and suppresses the onset of myopia (Patent Document 1). In particular, the present inventor has recently reported on the effects of violet light on myopia. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes that light of a specific wavelength has the effect of preventing or suppressing the progression of myopia, and in recent years, as the number of myopic people continues to increase worldwide, great expectations are being placed on this. The present inventor has also proposed a device that suppresses choroidal thinning by irradiating violet light with a wavelength in the range of 360 nm to 400 nm (Patent Document 2).

Meanwhile, Patent Document 3 proposes a method for increasing the blood flow and metabolic rate of the fundus by irradiating the fundus through the pupil with red or near-infrared light of a certain wavelength range, a certain energy density range, and a certain irradiation time. According to this method, the product generated through the pupil is said to increase the blood flow and metabolic rate of the fundus tissue that reaches it, improve the effect of repairing damage to ocular tissue, and repair the remodeling of scleral fibroblasts and visual function cells.

Megumi Hatori, Kazuo Tsubota, Anti-Aging Medicine - Journal of the Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine, Vol.11, No.3, 065(385)-072(392), (2015). Kazuo Tsubota, "Blue Light: A Threat to the Body Clock", Shueisha, published November 20, 2013.

WO2015/186723A1 JP 2022-49654 A U.S. Pat. No. 1,142,072

The object of the present invention is to provide a red light irradiation device that can effectively and efficiently irradiate the eyes with red light (light with a wavelength in the range of 610 to 900 nm).

The red light irradiation device according to the present invention has a light source that emits at least light with a wavelength in the range of 610 to 900 nm, and is worn near the eyeball, and is characterized in that the light source is positioned so that it irradiates light toward the eyeball when the red light irradiation device is worn, and is positioned at a position greater than 0 mm and less than 100 mm from the surface of the eyeball.

According to this invention, the eyeball can be appropriately irradiated with red light emitted from the light source. The light source emits at least light with a wavelength within the above range, and is positioned at a position greater than 0 mm and less than 100 mm from the surface of the eyeball, so that the irradiated light reaches the eyeball appropriately. As a result, the power of the light source required to deliver light of sufficient irradiance to the eyeball can be made relatively small. This allows effective and efficient irradiation toward the eyeball, making the red light irradiation effect effective.

In the red light irradiation device according to the present invention, the irradiance of light having a wavelength in the range of 610 to 900 nm can be configured to be less than 100 W/ ^m2 on the eye surface when the device is worn.

In the red light irradiation device according to the present invention, the device can be configured to be glasses, a hat, or an ear hook.

The red light irradiation device of the present invention allows the irradiated light to reach the eyeball appropriately, so the power of the light source required to deliver light of sufficient irradiance to the eyeball can be relatively small. This allows effective and efficient irradiation toward the eyeball, making the red light irradiation effect effective.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an example (glasses type) of a red light irradiation device according to the present invention in which a red light source is provided on a lower rim. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example (glasses type) of a red light irradiation device according to the present invention in which a red light source is provided in an endpiece. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example (glasses type) of a red light irradiation device according to the present invention in which a red light source is provided on an upper rim. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a manner in which red light is irradiated toward the eye. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a goggle-type red light irradiation device used for pollen and dust prevention, work, sports, and for AR, VR, or MR in games. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ear-hook type red light irradiation device. 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the spectral irradiance and wavelength of red light used in Experiment 1.

The red light irradiation device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As long as the gist of the present invention is included, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and examples, and can be modified in various ways.

[Red light irradiation device]
As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the red light irradiation device 10 of the present invention has a light source 11 that emits at least light (red light 13) with a wavelength in the range of 610 to 900 nm, and is a red light irradiation device to be worn near the eyeball, with the light source 11 being positioned so as to irradiate in the eyeball direction D (see Figure 4) when the red light irradiation device 10 is worn, and is positioned at a position more than 0 mm and not more than 100 mm from the surface of the eyeball 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, such a red light irradiation device 10 can appropriately irradiate the eyeball 20 with red light 13 emitted from the light source 11. The light source 11 emits at least red light 13 with a wavelength within the above range, and is positioned at a position greater than 0 mm and less than 100 mm from the surface of the eyeball, so that the irradiated light reaches the eyeball appropriately. As a result, the power of the light source required to deliver light of sufficient irradiance to the eyeball can be made relatively small. This allows accurate, effective, and efficient irradiation toward the eyeball, making the irradiation effect of the red light 13 effective.

[Each component]
Each component will be described in detail.

In the following embodiments, the symbol X is the left-right direction (horizontal direction) in the embodiment in which the eyeglass-type red light irradiation device 10A is worn, and the symbol Y is the up-down direction (vertical direction) in the embodiment in which the eyeglass-type red light irradiation device 10A is worn. In the following, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, "position A below the front of the eyeball" means a position below the imaginary line Z1 that extends horizontally in the front direction of the eyeball 20 when the body and head are facing forward and the eyeball is looking forward, and "position B from the front below to the side of the eyeball" means a position on the imaginary line Z2 that extends horizontally from position A to the left and right to the side at the above-mentioned "front below" position A. "Side position B of the eyeball" is slightly different from the above-mentioned "position B from the front below to the side of the eyeball" and means a position on a virtual line that extends horizontally in the side of the eyeball 20 in the left and right direction (in other words, "directly across"). For the sake of convenience, the same symbol B as above is used for "lateral position B of the eyeball." Furthermore, when referring to "upper," "lower," "upper," and "lower," the vertical direction Y is used as the reference, and when referring to "horizontal," "right," "left," and "lateral," the horizontal direction X is used as the reference. Furthermore, the word "light" is used in the sense of electromagnetic waves, so replacing "light" with "electromagnetic waves" has the same meaning.

(Glasses-type red light irradiation device)
A glasses-type red light irradiation device 10A (hereinafter referred to as "glasses-type device 10A") is an irradiation device that has a light source 11 that emits at least red light 13 with a wavelength in the range of 610 to 900 nm, and is worn near the eyeball, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. This glasses-type device 10A is a pair of glasses that can be used in daily life and work, and the basic structure of such glasses-type device 10A is generally basically composed of a transparent lens 2, a rim 3 (a part that fixes the lens), a joint 4 (both ends of the glasses that connect the rim 3 to the temple 6), a hinge 5 (an opening and closing part that connects the rim 3 and the temple 6), a temple 6 (a part that supports the glasses), an end piece 7 (a part at the end of the temple 6 that rests on the ears), a nose pad 8 (a part that holds the glasses by pinching them from both sides of the nose), and a bridge 9 (a part that connects the left and right lenses), as described in Figure 1. The shape of the eyeglasses-type device 10A is not limited to these, and any of these parts may be omitted or the shape may vary in size depending on the fashion or unique eyeglasses shape, etc. For example, the eyeglasses-type device 10A usually has a hinge 5, but if the protruding portion 3a is large as shown in Figure 1, it may be difficult to fold the temple 6 at the hinge 5, so the hinge 5 may not be provided.

There are special eyeglasses used only in treatment rooms in hospitals for eye treatment, such as closed-type goggle-type eyeglasses that prevent gaps between the eyeglasses and the face, and eyeglasses for treatment only for eye treatment. However, this eyeglasses-type device 10A is preferably not such special eyeglasses, but an open-type eyeglasses-type device 10A that is generally used and can be worn daily, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. By applying the features of the present invention to such eyeglasses-type device 10A of a general structure or a similar structure, it can be used in various situations such as daily life and work, and can also be used as an eye treatment device in the medical field. Therefore, whether you wear eyeglasses daily or not, you can use it as a new medical device that can treat your eyes while you are working or going about your daily life, and more people can enjoy the effect of the present invention (making the irradiation effect of red light 13 effective).

Lens 2 may be a glass lens or a plastic lens, so long as it is transparent. We say "transparent" to make it clear that it does not impede vision, as with conventional glasses for specialized medical treatment or treatment. It is also to make it clear that it can be used in everyday life. It may also be a lens that can cut out desired wavelengths, or it may be a lens that corrects for myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, etc., or it may simply be glass with no correction, or it may be a colored lens like sunglasses.

The materials of each part of the eyeglass-type device 10A, such as the rim 3, end piece 4, hinge 5, temple 6, end piece 7, and nose pad 8, are not particularly limited and may be resin, metal, or other materials. Also, the eyeglasses may be made of different materials for each part. Resin materials have good moldability and workability and are preferably used. They may be transparent (including colorless transparent or colored transparent), or colored opaque or translucent. The area of each of these parts varies depending on the design of the eyeglasses, so when applying the components of the present invention to such eyeglasses, the light source 11 can be provided in parts with ample installation area (such as the end piece 4 and temple 6) rather than the rim 3, which has a small installation area, and the eyeglasses as a whole can be slimmed down.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, this eyeglasses-type device 10A is configured by attaching a light source 11 to the components of eyeglasses used daily and integrating them. On the other hand, the components of eyeglasses used daily may be left as they are, and the light source 11 may be attached to the eyeglasses as a removable part (also called an attachment part). Specifically, for example, it may be an attachment eyeglasses-type device (not shown) that can be attached and detached to eyeglasses used normally, or it may be a device in which only the light source 11 provided at the tip of the ear-hook type red light irradiation device 10B shown in Fig. 5 is attached as a removable part to the lower rim 3b or the side rim 3d of eyeglasses used normally (not shown). In this way, when it is desired to irradiate the eyeball 20 with red light 13, it can be easily attached and detached to eyeglasses used normally, and the same effect as the eyeglasses-type device 10A can be achieved. Note that the term "attachment" is used to mean that it is attached and detached to eyeglasses used normally.

(light source)
The light source 11 is disposed at a position where it irradiates red light 13 in the eyeball direction D when the eyeglass-type device 10A is worn by a person. The position where the light source 11 is disposed varies depending on the form of the eyeglass-type device 10A. For example, in the eyeglass-type device 10A shown in FIG. 1, the light source 11 can be disposed at the lower rim 3b. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the light source 11 is disposed at two positions each on the right eye side and the left eye side (total of four positions) with a space between them. The position where the light source 11 is disposed is not particularly limited, and it may be disposed at the side rim 3d or the end piece 4 as shown in FIG. 2, or at the upper rim 3c as shown in FIG. 3, or at one or more positions of the lower rim 3b, the upper rim 3c, the side rim 3d, or the end piece 4.

The red light 13 emitted from the light source 11 is light with a wavelength in the range of 610 to 900 nm. Red light 13 with a wavelength in this range can be irradiated onto the eyeball 20, making the irradiation effect of red light effective. "Light with a wavelength in the range of 610 to 900 nm" may be light with a wavelength in the range of 610 to 900 nm. For example, it may be light of 610 to 750 nm. For example, it may be light of 650 to 900 nm. For example, it may be light of 750 to 900 nm.

Furthermore, such red light 13 may include at least light with a wavelength in the range of 610 to 900 nm. For example, it may be light with an optical spectrum that has a peak in the wavelength range of 610 to 900 nm. For example, it may be light with an optical spectrum that does not have a peak in the wavelength range of 610 to 900 nm.

The red light 13 may only be light with a wavelength in the range of 610 to 900 nm. In this case, it may contain a small amount of light outside the wavelength range of 610 to 900 nm (light with a wavelength less than 610 nm or light longer than 900 nm). "A small amount" may refer to a state in which the light is contained as noise that is significantly smaller than the irradiance described below, or a state in which the light is contained slightly as the base of the optical spectrum. There is no particular limit to the extent to which the light is contained, but it is light that does not contribute to preventing myopia (suppressing its occurrence) or suppressing the progression of myopia, and can be said to be less than 10% of the amount of light in the range of 610 to 900 nm.

In the present invention, when the light source 11 is attached at a predetermined position 100 mm or less from the surface of the eyeball 20, the irradiance on the surface of the eyeball 20 is preferably 0.02 W/m ² or more in the integrated value of the wavelength range of 610 to 900 nm. More preferably, the irradiance is 0.25 W/m ² or more, and even more preferably, 0.5 W/m ² or more. Also, the integrated value of the wavelength range of 610 to 900 nm is preferably less than 100 W/m ^2. More preferably, the irradiance is 10 W/m ² or less, and even more preferably, 1 W/m ² or less. By irradiating the surface of the eye with red light 13 of such irradiance, the unique action of the red light 13 can be made effective. Note that 100 W/m ² is converted to 0.01 W/cm ² .

As the light source 11 with such irradiance, a commercially available LED or the like can be selected and used. In addition, the irradiance can be controlled by using a filter or the like that can control light transmittance. The spectral irradiance can be measured by a spectroscope, and the integrated value (irradiance) can be calculated by integrating the spectral irradiance in the wavelength range for which it is desired to find it. The spectral irradiance is measured as a value on the surface of the eyeball 20 when the eyeglass-type device 10A is worn. Therefore, as described below, the light source 11 worn on the eyeglass-type device 10A is placed at a position between 0 mm and 100 mm from the surface of the eyeball 20, and the evaluation is performed at the position where the red light 13 from the light source 11 placed within that range reaches the position of the eyeball 20.

(Light in other wavelength ranges)
The red light 13 emitted from the light source 11 only needs to have a wavelength of at least 610 to 900 nm, and may be only light with a wavelength of 610 to 900 nm, or may include light in other wavelength ranges. In the case of only light with a wavelength of 610 to 900 nm, an LED that emits only light in that range may be used, or a filter (light absorbing filter) that does not transmit light other than light with a wavelength of 610 to 900 nm from light including light in other wavelength ranges may be used.

In addition, the light source 11 may emit one or more types of light selected from near-infrared light and far-infrared light other than red light, or may further include another light source that emits one or more types of light selected from near-infrared light and far-infrared light. Near-infrared light is light with a wavelength of about 900 nm to about 3000 to 4000 nm, and far-infrared light is light with a wavelength of more than that but not exceeding 1000 μm. In the field of chemical analysis, the concepts of mid-infrared light and ultra-far-infrared light are further added, and near-infrared light is light with a wavelength of about 900 nm to about 1500 nm, mid-infrared light is light with a wavelength of about 1500 nm to about 5600 nm, far-infrared light is light with a wavelength of about 5600 nm to about 25000 nm, and ultra-far-infrared light is light with a wavelength of about 25000 nm to about 1000 μm. Furthermore, for example, the light source 11 may further emit white light as needed, or may further include another light source that emits white light.

(Distance from light source to eyeball)
In the present invention, it is preferable that the light source 11 attached to the eyeglass-type device 10A is disposed at a position more than 0 mm and not more than 100 mm from the surface of the eyeball 20. More than 0 mm from the surface of the eyeball 20 refers to, for example, a case where the light source does not directly contact the eyeball 20. By disposing the light source at such a position, it is possible to accurately, effectively, and efficiently irradiate the eyeball, and the action of the irradiated light can be made effective. The reason why the light source 11 is disposed at a position more than 100 mm away from the surface of the eyeball 20 is that the light source 11 is separated from the face or head, which reduces the accuracy of irradiation of the eyeball and may be a hindrance, and further reduces the range of selection of the light source 11. In addition, by disposing the light source at a position more than 100 mm away from the surface of the eyeball 20, the irradiated light reaches the eyeball appropriately. As a result, the power of the light source 11 required to deliver light of a necessary and sufficient irradiance to the eyeball can be relatively small. This makes it possible to make the irradiation device power-saving.

(others)
The light source 11 may be attached to the eyeglass-type device 10A with an adhesive, or may be attached mechanically with a screw or a rivet. A power source (not shown) for supplying power to the light source 11 may be a battery embedded or attached in the eyeglass-type device 10A, or may be a cable running to a battery attached in another position. If the light source 11 is fixed in one place, it may be connected to a household power source or the like.

The light source 11 may further include a controller and a timer function. Examples of the controller include a function for varying the irradiance and adjusting the angle of irradiation to the eyeball. Examples of the timer function include a function for setting the irradiance time of the light. Such a controller and timer function may be provided integrally with the eyeglass-type device 10A, or may be separate components.

The eyeglass-type device 10A may be provided with a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, etc. The mounting positions are not particularly limited, but it is preferable to select a position according to the type of sensor.

(Control device)
The control device 12 controls the output, irradiation time, irradiation interval, etc. of the light source 11. By controlling with the control device 12, the required amount of red light can be irradiated toward the eyeball. The control device 12 is a control circuit equipped with an electric circuit and controls the light source 11 based on the power supplied from the power source, and can be arbitrarily controlled by the voltage and current controlled by the electric circuit. The power source may be a small storage battery provided in the glasses (for example, the temples 6, etc.), or may be connected to the glasses by an electric wire to supply power. The control may be automatic or manual. In the case of manual control, a means for pressing multiple switches that output in stages may be used.

The control device 12 may be provided anywhere in the eyeglasses-type device 10A. If the eyeglasses-type device 10A has a wired communication element that controls the light source 11 by wire, the control device 12 may be preferably provided in a location other than the rim 3 (such as the temple 6), or may be connected by wire and attached to a pocket, the body, or a part of clothing. If the eyeglasses-type device 10A has a wireless communication element that controls the light source 11 wirelessly, the control device 12 may be provided somewhere other than the eyeglasses. Examples of a location other than the eyeglasses include a mobile terminal such as a smartphone on which control application software (also referred to as the control device 12 in this application) is installed, and the control is performed by running the application software.

When controlling the light source 11 with the control device 12, a specific example of the control device 12 is preferably one that can be used for ON/OFF control, such as increasing the output for only 5 minutes while working and then continuing to use stepwise control that reduces the output thereafter, or setting a timer to output for only 10 minutes and then turning it off.

[Other forms of red light irradiation devices]
The glasses-type irradiation device 10A has been described above, but here, an ear-hook type red light irradiation device 10B (ear-hook type device 10B) shown in Fig. 5 and a goggle type red light irradiation device 10C (goggle type device 10C) for functional, AR, VR and MR shown in Fig. 6 will be described. Note that an in-eye cover type red light irradiation device (not shown) will not be described, but is similar to the other red light irradiation devices 10 (10A, 10B, 10C).

(Ear-hook type red light irradiation device)
5 shows a typical form of the ear-hook type device 10B. The ear-hook type device 10B can be used as a simpler version of the red light irradiating device 10A. Reference numeral 41 denotes an ear-hook arm, the tip of which is attached with a light source 11, and the rear end of which is designed to be stably hung on the ear. This ear-hook type device 10B also has the same components as the eyeglass type device 10A. In particular, the direction and position of the light source 11 are also the same, and it is desirable to provide the light source 11 in a direction and position suitable for irradiating the eyeball 20 with red light 13.

(Goggle-type red light irradiation device)
FIG. 6 shows a representative form of the goggle-type device 10C. The goggle-type device 10C can be used for pollen and dust prevention, for work, for sports such as skiing, and for AR, VR, or MR in games. Unlike the see-through AR and MR, the VR goggles have a closed front with no visibility, but all of the goggle-type devices 10C are used with the eyes open. The goggle-type device 10C has the same components as the eyeglass-type device 10A. In particular, the direction and position of the light source 11 are also the same, and it is desirable to provide the light source 11 in a direction and position suitable for irradiating the eyeball 20 with red light 13.

(Installation position of heating element)
The installation position of the light source 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In any of the above-mentioned forms of the red light irradiation device 1 (10A to 10C), the light source 11 is provided at position A below the front of the eyeball, at position B to the side of the front below the eyeball, or at position B to the side of each eyeball, and it is desirable that the distance from the eyeball 20 at any of positions A and B is more than 0 mm and 100 mm or less. Note that the position is not limited to below or to the side, and may be above or diagonally above.

"Position A below the front of the eyeball" refers to a position below the imaginary line Z1 that extends horizontally in the front direction of the eyeball 20 when the body and head are facing forward and the eyeball is looking forward, and preferably a position that is more than 10 mm and less than 60 mm away from the eyeball 20 in a direction that forms an angle θ1 of 5° to 45° downward from the horizontally extending imaginary line Z1. Also, "position B to the side from the front below the front of the eyeball" refers to a position on the imaginary line Z2 that extends horizontally in the left-right direction from position A in the "front below" position A described above, and preferably a position on the imaginary line Z2 that extends horizontally in the left-right direction from position A in a direction that forms an angle θ1 of 5° to 45° downward from the virtual line Z1, and a position on the virtual line Z2 that is more than 10 mm and less than 60 mm away from the eyeball 20.

In addition, "a lateral position of each eyeball" refers to a lateral position directly beside the eyeball, which is slightly different from the above-mentioned "lateral position B from the lower front of the eyeball" and refers to a position on an imaginary line extending horizontally in the left-right direction (in other words, "directly to the side") of the eyeball 20. Specifically, in the case of a glasses-type device, it is a position on the endpiece or a lateral rim on the endpiece side, which is more than 0 mm and not more than 100 mm away from the eyeball 20.

By providing the light source 11 at position A below the front of the eyeball 20, at position B to the side of the front below the eyeball, or at a position to the side of each eyeball, the light source 11 can be directed toward the eyeball 20 with good directionality. Furthermore, by positioning the light source 11 at a distance from the eyeball 20 that is more than 0 mm and not more than 100 mm, the light emitted from the light source 11 can be emitted with directionality toward the eyeball and can be delivered directly, effectively, and efficiently to the eyeball without being blocked by the eyelid. Note that, as long as the light source 11 can be directed toward the eyeball 20 with good directionality, the position of the light source 11 is not limited to below or to the side, but may be above or diagonally above.

As exemplified by the above-mentioned various forms of red light irradiation device 10 (10A to 10C), the red light irradiation device 10 of the present invention can be various types of devices and can be used as a new device that can be worn during daily life, work, or entertainment. In the case of the glasses-type device 10A that is equipped with glasses that are used daily, the glasses themselves for myopia, hyperopia, etc. can be used as a red light irradiation device. In the case of an attachment glasses-type device (not shown) that can be attached to glasses that are used daily, it can be separated from the glasses that are used daily and can be worn as attachment glasses only when it is desired to irradiate red light 13. In addition, the goggle-type device 10C for functional use, AR use, VR use, or MR use and the front-of-eye cover type device (not shown) can be worn while using it for, for example, pollen or dust prevention, work, sports, games, IT work, etc. In addition, the ear-hook type device 10B and the front-of-eye cover type device can be worn as a device with a simple structure that is easy to put on and take off.

[Experiment 1]
Three LEDs (L850-40M00: AlGaAs LED, manufactured by epitex) with a peak wavelength of 850 nm in the spectrum shown in FIG. 7 were used and attached to the upper part of the eyeglass frame in the manner shown in FIG. 3. The three LEDs were connected in series so that the passing current value was 75 mA. The spectral irradiance on the surface of the mannequin's eye was measured. The irradiance at 700-1000 nm was 132 W/ ^m2 . Note that the IEC62471 safety standard is evaluated in the 780-3500 nm range, so the integral from 780-1000 nm is 131 W/ ^m2 . The IEC safety condition is a maximum of 100 W/ ^m2 , so in this experiment, it exceeded 30%. This can be solved by reducing the number of LEDs or using them at a lower power.

[Evaluation and Consideration of Experiment 1]
The output power of three 850 nm LEDs was 132 W/m ² (=0.0132 W/cm ² ) per unit area (integral wavelength range was 700-1000 nm). The output energy per unit area mentioned in Patent Document 3 (US Pat. No. 1,142,072) is 0.5-25 J/cm ² or 0.5-15 J/cm ² , and the time is 150-210 s or 180 s. Here, if we calculate in a typical case of 15 J/cm ² for 180 s, we get 15/180 = 0.0833 W/cm ^2. Compared to the power of the above experimental results, this is 0.0833/0.0132 = 6.3 times larger. In Patent Document 3, the minimum combination is 0.5 J/ ^cm2 and 210 s, which is 0.5/210 = 0.0024 W/ ^cm2 , which is smaller than the power of the above experimental result, and is 0.0132/0.0024 = 5.5 times. In other words, the three 850 nm LED units in the above experiment can output a part of the power required from the combination of energy and irradiation time specified in Patent Document 3, and it is also easy to reduce the power to less than 0.01 W/ ^cm2 by performing power down etc. in consideration of safety. It can be seen that the power required from the combination of energy and irradiation time specified in Patent Document 3 exceeds the safety conditions of the above IEC in part.

The three 850 nm LED units in the above experiment consisted of three LEDs connected in series, which were further connected directly to a 5.1 Ω resistor. 5 V was applied to the entire set, and a current of 75 mA was flowing (total power: 5 V x 0.075 A = 0.375 W). The input power of the unit in the above experiment, 0.375 W, is 1/80 of the value of 30 W (24 VDC, 1.25 A) given in the device in Patent Document 3 (Eyerising International's device manual (see p. 20)).

For these reasons, according to the red light irradiation device of the present invention, a light source that emits light with a wavelength within the above range is positioned at a position greater than 0 mm and less than 100 mm from the surface of the eyeball, so that the irradiated light can be appropriately delivered to the eyeball. As a result, the power of the light source required to deliver light of sufficient irradiance to the eyeball can be made relatively small. This allows effective and efficient irradiation toward the eyeball, making the red light irradiation effect effective.

1. Glasses (equipment)
2 Lens 3 Rim 3a Projecting portion 3b Lower rim 3c Upper rim 3d Side rim 4 End piece 5 Hinge 6 Temple 7 Earpiece 8 Nose pad 9 Bridge 10 Red light emitting device 10A Glasses-type device included in everyday glasses 10B Goggle-type device for functional, AR, VR or MR 10C Ear-hook type device 11 Light source 12 Control device 13 Red light 14 Sensor 14a Red light beam 20 Eyeball 31 Fixed part to glasses for normal use 41 Ear-hook arm A Position below the front of each eyeball B Position to the side from the below the front of each eyeball, position to the side of each eyeball C Virtual line when viewed from the front D Direction from light source to eyeball L Distance from light source to eyeball X Left-right direction (horizontal direction)
Y Up/Down (Vertical)
Z1: A virtual line extending horizontally in the front direction Z2: A virtual line extending horizontally in the left-right direction θ1: Angle downward from the horizontal coordinate axis

Claims (3)

A red light irradiation device that has a light source that emits at least light with a wavelength in the range of 610 to 900 nm and is worn near the eyeball, the light source is positioned so that it irradiates light toward the eyeball when the red light irradiation device is worn, and is positioned at a position greater than 0 mm and less than 100 mm from the surface of the eyeball. The red light irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the irradiance of light having a wavelength in the range of 610 to 900 nm is less than 100 W/ ^m2 on the surface of the eye when the device is worn. The red light irradiation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the appliance is a pair of glasses, a hat or an ear hook.