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.
The use of light therapy glasses may be helpful to manage circadian mood and sleep disorders likeseasonal affective disorder (SAD),insomnia, andjet lag.They may offer a boost of energy on a winter morning. 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.
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What Is Light Therapy?
Light therapy, orphototherapy, is the use of light to treat a medical condition. It may be helpful to treat problems that occur when the internalcircadian rhythmis misaligned with the natural patterns of light and darkness. This misalignment may impact your ability to sleep, interfere with the release of hormones including melatonin, and cause fluctuations in your mood and energy levels.
There are certain medical conditions that respond extremely well to this treatment, which can be delivered in a couple of different ways.
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.
Re-Timer:Re-Timer delivers blue-green light into the eyes for the purposes of phototherapy. Designed to frame the eyes, these glasses were developed at a university, based on 25 years of research. It is recommended that the glasses be used for 60 minutes daily, which is the longest recommended usage of the three models.
Conditions That Respond to Light
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.
In some cases, the following side effects may occur:
Importantly, there is no ultraviolet (UV) light exposure with the use of light therapy glasses. Therefore, the risks associated with this—such as damage to the eye or cancer—would not be present.
A Word From Verywell
9 Sources
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Mcclung CA.How might circadian rhythms control mood? Let me count the ways.Biol Psychiatry. 2013;74(4):242-9. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.02.019
Harvard Health Publishing.Seasonal affective disorder: bring on the light.
Tähkämö L, Partonen T, Pesonen AK.Systematic review of light exposure impact on human circadian rhythm.Chronobiol Int. 2019;36(2):151–170. doi:10.1080/07420528.2018.1527773
National Institute of Mental Health.Seasonal affective disorder.
Nesbitt AD.Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder.J Thorac Dis. 2018;10(Suppl 1):S103-S111. doi:10.21037/jtd.2018.01.11
Scientific American.How to prevent jet lag.
Bin YS, Postnova S, Cistulli PA.What works for jetlag? A systematic review of non-pharmacological interventions.Sleep Med Rev. 2019;43:47-59. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2018.09.005
Cleveland Clinic.Seasonal depression: management and treatment.
Peters, BR.Irregular bedtimes and awakenings.Evaluation of Sleep Complaints. Sleep Med Clinic. 9(2014)481-489. doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2014.08.001
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