If your doctor has not recommended a specific brand of SAD light, the following tips will help you when choosing a SAD light.
Choose a SAD Light with a Wide Light Area. A wide screen allows more light to reach your eyes when set up in a variety of positions. You will have more options on where to place your SAD light if it has a larger light screen.
Choose a SAD Light that Uses Full Spectrum Light. Full spectrum light mimics the natural light of the sun. Since SAD is believed to be caused by lack of natural sunlight during colder months, a full spectrum SAD light is meant to provide what you are missing from the sun.
Choose a SAD Light with 10,000 LUX Available. 10,000 LUX is the most recommended illumination for light therapy treatment of SAD. If the SAD light you choose does not produce 10,000 LUX, you may have to spend more time in front of the light. It is not recommended that you use a lamp with more than 10,000 LUX, as there have been no benefits reported.
Choose a SAD Light with Maximum LUX Available at Furthest Distance. This means you should chose a SAD light that offers the maximum 10,000 LUX at the furthest distance possible. It is better to choose a SAD light that offers the maximum illumination at 24 inches rather than 12 inches for comfort and safety.
Choose a SAD Light that Can Be Placed Above Eye Level. It is believed that a SAD light will work best if the illumination can enter the eye area from above eye level, just as sunlight would enter the eye area.
Choose a SAD Light Specifically Designed for the Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Do not just choose a bright full spectrum light if your doctor recommends a SAD light for treatment of SAD. Your light therapy product should state that it is designed specifically for the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Choose a SAD Light with a UV Filter Block. A full spectrum light will emit UV radiation as the sun does. Most SAD lights come with a UV filter, but be sure to choose one that specifically mentions a UV filter.
If you are looking for a good SAD light for the best value, I have written an article discussing 5 SAD light options here at Associated Content. You can access this article by clicking here.
Other Considerations when Choosing a SAD Light. According to the Mayo Clinic2, the FDA has not officially approved the use of light therapy in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder. Studies have had mixed results in the effectiveness of light therapy.
Also, blue spectrum lights have not been shown to be more effective in the treatment of SAD, but give a greater risk of damaging the eyes even when used properly.
Always seek you doctor’s advice if you have questions regarding SAD lights, light therapy and your treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT REPLACE THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN. IF YOU THINK YOU SUFFER FROM SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER, SEE YOUR DOCTOR FOR TREATMENT OPTIONS.
SOURCES:
1) Jolynne M Hudnell; SAD Lights; Associated Content
2) Mayo Clinic; Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment: Choosing a Light Therapy Box; Mayo Clinic
