Posted by noa on February 27, 2003, at 17:46:16
In reply to Re: lightboxes - anybody using them? « hok » Dr. Bob, posted by Ilene on February 27, 2003, at 15:54:55
Two thoughts. First, some of the companies have very liberal return policies so you can try out the light therapy for a month or two to see if it works for you.
2--from what I've read, studies show that best results are from at least 25-30 minutes per day of light at strength of 10,000 lux for help with depression. Many of the light boxes provide 10,000 lux at about 20-24 inches distance from your eyes. Light has to be able to shine into your eyes, although you don't have to stare directly at it. Some lights are stronger and you can sit a bit further away, though not much. My main light box provides 10,000 lux at 27 inches. The smaller lights, like the portable ones, you have to sit closer, like 12-15 inches, which you can do, or you can just sit in front of them for a longer period of time ( I have one of these at my desk at work, in my windowless office). I think the visors provide much less light power so you'd have to wear them many more minutes per day.
I believe the lights are effective if they are full spectrum, like outside (correct me if I'm getting any of these points wrong, please). I think most of the therapy lights also have UV protection as well, which is needed to protect our eyes. I thing that most of the light boxes are covered in front with screens that diffuse the light somewhat.
I am sure that as with other treatments, light therapy works for some people and not others, so if one is concerned about the investment, try to find a light box dealer or manufacturer with a liberal return policy.
poster:noa
thread:203624
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030224/msgs/204434.html