What is Effective? : Apollo Health

Researchers agree on several factors that make a light therapy device effective:

Intensity

10,000 lux is a measurement of the intensity of light, and it is a distance measurement, meaning that the farther away from a light box or device you are, the less light you are receiving. It is important to know the distance at which the light box produces 10,000 lux in order to receive the most effective therapy.

Field of light

Researchers recommend a light device that will produce a sufficient illumination or field to ensure that the patient is always receiving the correct intensity. Since light therapy users do not hold perfectly still, a larger treatment field is much more effective than a small one or one where the user must sit fairly close to the light device. In technical terms, a larger treatment field will produce a higher degree of spatial summation, which means that more of the photoreceptors in the epithelial pigment in the retina of the eye will become illuminated with light. The more photoreceptors that become exposed to light, the quicker the patient will respond. Recommended treatment distances are usually at least 18 - 20 inches or better. Those with severe symptoms or who are on antidepressant medications may consider even larger treatment distances. Children typically need a light box with larger treatment field because they are not as patient as adults and aren't usually stationary during treatment.

Specific Bandwidths

Conclusive evidence now shows that not only intensity of light, but also specific bandwidths of light are responsible for shifting circadian rhythms and regulating hormones. Light devices that include this technology will be more effective in eliciting a quicker and stronger response. Light in the range of 446 - 474 nm is responsible for suppressing melatonin and causing the needed circadian shift. The required intensity of this specific bandwidth is only 10% of standard full spectrum 10,000 lux. Light devices that produce this specific bandwidth of light can greatly reduce overall brightness and its associated side effects, while still yielding results as or more effective than standard technology.

Timing

The time of day one uses the light is as critical as the quality of the light device. Using the light at the wrong time of day will cause a non-response, and may aggravate symptoms. Part of Apollo's BRITEWAVE™ technology includes the Circadian Rhythm Test, which helps accurately identify when and how long the light should be used.

Portability

If a light box or device is not convenient to use, the patient will stop using it. Light devices that are too big or weigh more than 8 or 10 lbs are difficult to move around and adapt to one's routine. The best advice for getting a light is to find an effective one that the patient can use while doing other activities, such as getting ready in the bathroom, sitting at the kitchen counter while eating breakfast, or by exercise equipment. A bulky light or a stand light will require that the user dedicate special time to sit in front of the light. Most people don't have extra time to engage in light therapy that does not allow for convenient use.