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Q. How helpful is the Light Visor(tm) for winter blues?
A. It is now generally accepted that light therapy is a viable treatment for winter blues. Clinical trials demonstrate that the response rates to Light Visor(tm) light treatment are at least as good as those for other light devices. In addition, at least 95% of customers who purchased the Light Visor(tm) under BioBrite's 30-day money back trial period found it very helpful.
Q. What advantages does the Light Visor(tm) offer?
A. The Light Visor(tm) is a breakthrough in light use convenience and efficiency. It weighs only 8 ounces and fits comfortably on your head. Because it is powered by a rechargeable battery pack, the user is free to move about. The Light Visor(tm) delivers light from above the eyes, so it doesn't obscure vision or interfere with normal activities. It is portable and convenient for travel.
Q. How much light is optimal?
A. Because the Light Visor(tm) lamps are fixed close to the eyes, it is more efficient than a light box. Many people have found that 20 to 40 minutes of Light Visor(tm) use in the morning is ideal as a seasonal light supplement. However, there is considerable individual variation in effective light doses. The light intensity of the Light Visor(tm) can be adjusted up to 3000 lux to meet a wide range of needs.
Q. Can Light Visor(tm) light be harmful to the eyes?
A. All of the clinical trials using the Light Visor(tm) received Institutional Review Board approval for human subjects. Safety is a major factor in receiving such approval. Furthermore, BioBrite commissioned a "hazard analysis" conducted by independent experts. It concluded that the energy emitted by the Light Visor(tm) is far below the threshold limit values recommended in national standards for photobiological safety of lamps and lighting systems. To our knowledge, BioBrite is the only is the only manufacturer of light therapy equipment that has undertaken this type of analysis. Nevertheless, anyone with a known or suspected eye disease should consult an ophthalmologist.
Q. What about full spectrum light?
A. Early researchers in light therapy thought it was necessary to use "full spectrum" light (light that imitates the color spectrum of natural sunlight, including UV). However, controlled clinical trials using white light (like that of most light bulbs) have shown that as long as the light is bright enough it can be effective. Full spectrum lights may emit UV light may which can be damaging to the eyes and skin. The Light Visor(tm) emits white light with no UV
Q. Are side effects a problem?
A. In clinical trials, the frequency of minor side effects such as eye strain, fatigue, feeling "wire", headache and insomnia were reported as extremely low, and are quickly alleviated by reducing light intensity and/or time of use.
Q. Is the Light Visor(tm) covered by medical insurance?
A. Approximately 50% of those who have applied for third party coverage of therapeutic light have been successful in obtaining some amount of reimbursement. A letter from a prescribing physician or qualified therapist is generally necessary.
Q. What clinical trials have been conducted?
A. Large controlled clinical trials, involving six institutions, and more than 200 patients with SAD, were conducted over three fall/winter seasons beginning 1989. One of these trials which involved 105 patients and six institutions (National Institute of Mental Health, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, University of Utah, University of British Columbia, university of Toronto) was the single largest controlled trial ever done on the use of light treatment for SAD (Joffe, R., et. Al., Psych Research, 1993, 46:29-39). Results of another trial involving 55 patients have also been published. (Rosenthal, N.E., et. Al., Neuropsychopharmacology, 1993, Vol 8, No. 2). Clinical efficacy was demonstrated in all three trials.
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