Selecting the proper light box to treat seasonal affective disorder can be a daunting task in today's marketplace. Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that follows a regular pattern with the changing seasons often showing up in the fall months when the days start to get shorter and people are exposed to less and less natural sunlight. Women are typically more prone to suffering from the debilitating effects of full blown SAD, but a fair percentage of the entire population in higher latitudes suffers from the less severe symptoms of the winter blues or winter depression on an annual basis. Symptoms of winter depression and SAD typically include a lack of concentration, general anxiety, increased lethargy, and an increased appetite and carbohydrate cravings. The most popular prescribed treatment is increased exposure to natural sunlight or in most cases a light therapy device such as a light box. Other treatments can include counseling and in some extreme cases prescription medications.

There are several different designs for light therapy products available to individuals looking to treat the winter blues. The most common of these are specially designed table top light boxes that are capable of producing a light output of 5,000-10,000 lux at a given distance, usually 12 inches. There are also specialty desk and floor lamps that are designed for light therapy and can also be used as general task or reading lamps. These lamps produce a pleasant full spectrum light similar to natural daylight and allow patients to receive light therapy treatment while at work or home without others realizing that they are suffering from SAD. Less popular options include LED light devices, visors that can clip on to a hat, and halogen light sources. In the case of using LED or halogen lamps one must pay particular attention to the possibility of causing permanent damage to the eyes from exposure to intense point-source lights. To date, none of the LED or halogen therapy devices have underwent long term testing for occular damage. In tests using similar devices on test animals retinal damage has occurred in as little as 30 minutes of exposure to blue LED lights. A properly designed light box should not create side effects to the user or long term occular damage. If discomfort of any kind is experienced during use, the therapy session should be ended or a dimmable light box should be used to adjust lighting levels downward. In all cases, a visit to a properly licensed medical doctor or other professional practitioner should be sought before starting any light therapy treatments.

For more information on light boxes and specialty light therapy products please see www.fullspectrumsolutions.com