Should You Use Glasses for Light Therapy?

Yes, you should or can use glasses for light therapy with proper eye protection. 

You might be wondering what they do. Well, here’s the scoop:

• Portable and convenient to use at home or anywhere
• Emit bright light exposure  around 10,000 lux
• Adjustable brightness level to suit your individual needs
• A built-in timer that automatically turns off the device after a set period
• Some models also block blue light

 

Understanding the role of glasses in light therapy should be your first step before you purchase them.

 

They’re trendy, futuristic wearable devices that’re gaining attention in clinical and self-help settings. They use specific wavelengths of light to help regulate biological rhythms and mood.

How do Light Therapy Glasses Work?

Light therapy glasses lighten your mood by helping the body make more serotonin. As we know, serotonin is the reason why we feel good. They also hold melatonin, the hormone that makes you sleepy. This way, you won’t feel tired all day. Even things like seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other mood problems, plus jet lag or sleep issues, can be sorted out.

Light Therapy Glasses vs. Lamps

There is no debate on the best: light therapy glasses or lamps. Both are effective in treating mood disorders and improving sleep quality. The difference between these two is their advantages and ideal applications. 

 

Let’s see what makes light therapy glasses or lamps different from each other: 

Features	Light therapy glasses	Light therapy lamps
Benefits	Deliver light directly to the photoreceptive cells Convenient and less disruptive	Emit full-spectrum light More traditional
Portability	Highly portable	Restrictive for certain scenarios
Cost	Generally more expensive	Comes at affordable prices
Effectiveness	Effective to most of the users	Maybe slightly more effective for some

 

In some situations, light therapy glasses come off as the best solution. Those are:

 

• People who are always on the move.
• It is easy to incorporate light therapy into your daily routine
• It can be worn while working, reading, or even commuting
• They give a more discreet look
• Allow you to continue with your usual activities while receiving light therapy.
• Easy to pack and take with you on trips
• Effortless to maintain your treatment regimen while traveling

Please Note: Light therapy glasses are safe and effective, but it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider first. The doctor can help you find the right light therapy for you.

4 Major Benefits of Using Light Therapy Glasses

Light therapy glasses come with several advantages. Even though they are centered around enhancing mental and emotional well-being, you can expect to get some more benefits from them. 

• Portability and Convenience

• Their compact size makes them ideal for travel, commutes, and use in various locations.
• You can wear them while working, reading, or engaging in other activities.
• They are less noticeable than a large lamp, making them suitable for use in public settings.

• Reduced Time Investment

• It will only take 20 to 30 minutes of your time every day
• You can easily add the therapy to your daily routine
• There will be no disturbance in your daily activity while taking the therapy

• Specific Use Cases

• Fix the jet lagging problem and maintain a regular sleep-wake cycle while traveling.
• You can use it discreetly at the office to improve alertness and focus.
• This benefits those who are experiencing fatigue or morning drowsiness.
• You will see improvement in increasing focus and productivity.

• Light Therapy Glasses for Depression

• It improves symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression.
• You will see differences in your overall mood and emotional stability.
• The therapy will reenergise you and reduce fatigue by regulating the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

Potential Drawbacks and Side Effects

You will witness numerous benefits, but you may also experience some potential downsides. We are just letting you know what to expect as side effects.

• Eye strain is pretty common, mainly during the initial adjustment period.
• Some have experienced mild headaches, particularly in the beginning.
• Few of the individuals find the intensity of the light to be overwhelming.
• Less common side effects may include irritability, nausea, and eye irritation.

Now, you may ask, who should avoid light therapy? We have an answer for that as well. 

• People with conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration
• People taking certain medications
• Light therapy can trigger manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder
• Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding

Please Note: Before using light therapy glasses, consult with your doctor if you have any of these issues or are experiencing any side effects.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Light Therapy Glasses

If you decide to buy light therapy glasses, consider factors like effectiveness, comfort, and safety. This way, you will get the therapeutic outcomes of light exposure and the overall user experience.

 

Factor	Description
Light Spectrum and Wavelength	The one with the Most therapeutic glasses uses blue light or bright white light Look for glasses emitting primarily in the blue-white spectrum (4oo-480 nanometers)
Lux Intensity	Higher lux levels generally mean more intense light exposure The recommended levels typically range from 1,000 to 10,000 lux
Portability and Design	Choose lightweight glasses that are easy to wear for a longer time Adjustable features such as temple length and nose pads can enhance comfort
Battery Life and Convenience	Good battery life to avoid interruptions during therapy sessions Quick charging to ensure regular usability
Price and Quality	It may vary significantly across models and brands Higher-priced glasses have more features, better materials, and proven efficacy
User Reviews and Recommendations	Research user reviews and seek recommendations from healthcare professionals.

Top Light Therapy Glasses in 2024

• Luminette 3

Price: Around $199 to $300

Review: Mostly known for its effectiveness and comfortable fit. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a reliable light therapy solution.

• AYO Light Therapy Glasses

Price: Around $299 to $370

Review: It comes with a long battery life. You can integrate it with a smartphone app for personalized settings. It’s a good option for tech-savvy users.

• Propeaq Light Therapy Glasses

Price: Around $330 to $400

Review: Perfect for athletes and biohackers. It provides a high-intensity light experience. Suitable for those seeking a powerful light therapy option.

Scientific Research and Evidence

• Two meta-analyses of eight studies with 703 participants showed that bright light therapy (BLT) is effective for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). [Source: Bright Light Therapy: Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beyond – PMC]
• In the Rosenthal et al. (1984) study, response rates were 75% for standard light therapy, 59% for 30-minute blue-enriched light, and 71% for 20-minute blue-enriched light. [Source: The effects of blue-enriched light treatment compared to standard light treatment in seasonal affective disorder – ScienceDirect]
• A study from MDPI looked into a meta-analysis of 21 different studies about how light can help shift workers feel less sleepy. [Source: Effects of Lighting Interventions to Improve Sleepiness in Night-Shift Workers: MDPI]

Practical Tips for Using Light Therapy Glasses

Frequently Asked Questions

Do light therapy glasses really work?

Yes, research and medical scholars support its effectiveness for SAD and some sleep disorders.

What are the side effects of light therapy glasses?

• Eye strain
• Headaches
• Light sensitivity
• Irritability

Is light therapy good for your eyes?

Red light therapy is safe and effective for your eyes, but if you have any concerns, talk to an eye doctor.

Can I wear glasses during light therapy?

Yes, you can wear your regular prescription glasses during light therapy.

Who Cannot use LED light therapy?

People with certain eye conditions, those on specific medications, and individuals with bipolar disorder may need to avoid it.

What to avoid when wearing glasses?

Do not look directly at the light source for a long time.

Is minus 1 eyesight bad?

It is considered to be mildly nearsighted but is not taken as a severe vision problem.

Is it OK to wear my glasses all day?

There is no problem. If you need them for clear vision, you can wear your glasses all day.

Why do I feel dizzy when I first wear glasses?

Your brain is adjusting to the new visual input.