A thin film electroluminescent (TFEL) phototherapy device based on
high field electroluminescence (HFEL) or from organic light emitting devices (
OLED), consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention has a battery and a charging circuit coupled to the battery, so that when connected to a source of current acts to charge the battery. A TFEL panel produces light when
voltage from the power source (battery or AC source) is applied. A processor such as a
microprocessor is used to control the application of
voltage from the power source to the TFEL panel under control of a control program. A housing is used to contain the battery, the charging circuit and the processor and carry the TFEL panel on an outer surface thereof. In one embodiment, the housing incorporates a removable cover that uncovers a household electrical plug useful for supplying charging current to the charger. In use, a method of carrying out phototherapy, consistent with certain embodiments of the invention involves diagnosing a condition of an affected area of tissue that can be treated with phototherapy. A
treatment protocol is determined including, for example, a treatment
light intensity, a
treatment time, a
light modulation characteristic and a treatment light
wavelength suitable for treating the condition. The affected area is then irradiated with light from the TFEL panel in accord with the
treatment protocol.