Light therapy glasses look a little futuristic, casting a blue light over the eyes and onto the face.
In some ways, they are.
But light therapy delivered via glasses also relies on science that is as old as time.
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How do light therapy glasses work and are they right for you?
Learn about phototherapy, circadian rhythms, and the usefulness of artificial light delivered via glasses for several conditions.
What Is Light Therapy?
Light therapy, orphototherapy, is the use of light to treat a medical condition.
Light therapy may be accomplished by properly timed exposure to sunlight.
Unfortunately, living at northern latitudes may make this more difficult in the winter months.
In some cases, an artificial source of light may be needed.
Light Boxes vs. Light Glasses
Historically,lightboxeswere used to artificially deliver phototherapy.
Initially quite large, the technology has become more portable.
In fact, there are now several brands of light glasses that are capable of performing the task.
The light intensity, timing, and duration of treatment vary based on the mode and purpose.
There is some built-in flexibility in the timing of their use.
The glasses are comfortable, with a sleek visor-like design that is unobtrusive.
Luminette:For a lower price point, consider the light therapy glasses offered by Luminette.
Similar technology to a lightbox is used to deliver light therapy directly into the eyes.
The glasses themselves are larger, broadly situated above the eyes.
It is recommended that they are used for 30 minutes daily for the best effect.
Re-Timer:Re-Timer delivers blue-green light into the eyes for the purposes of phototherapy.
It can also be isolated and delivered at a lower intensity with equivalent effectiveness.
Certain conditions can improve with light therapy delivered via light glasses.
Cautions and Side Effects
Phototherapy is generally well tolerated.
If it is bothersome, it should be discontinued.
Any perceivedside effectsshould resolve once the light glasses are no longer being used.
Therefore, the risks associated with thissuch as damage to the eye or cancerwould not be present.
In some cases, consultation with this specialist may optimize your response to the light therapy glasses.
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