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Does Light Therapy Work?

Light therapy is widely accepted by both traditional and complementary medicine to be effective in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Light treatment for Psoriasis has been given since the 1920's and has continually been developed. Light therapy is the frontline treatment for neonatal jaundice. There are ongoing research studies into the use of light therapy on dementia.

Before Starting Light Therapy

Light therapy should not be self medicated but be prescribed by a medical professional who will be able to counsel you on whether you need to take any special precuations. Anyone with an existing eye condition should consult their ophthalmolgist on a regular basis while undergoing treatement. Likewise, those who take any photo-sensitizing medications should consult their medical advise before commencing treatment.

Types Of Light Therapy Boxes

There are different types of light boxes which fulfill different functions. These include, full spectrum which includes all wavelengths of light found in natural light, including UV rays. Bright Light which emits non-UV white light. Dawn Simulators which turn on gradually from dim to bright sunlight to simulate the sunrise.

How To Administer Light Therapy

Light Therapy can be administered at home by use of either a wall mounted light box or a portable light box which sits on a table. The light boxes provide light ranging from 2,500-10,000 lux. This compares to the average indoor lighting which is 300-500 lux and a sunny summer day which is around 10,000 lux. To use light therapy the patient must be within and looking to the light source without staring directly into the light.