Effectiveness

EFFECTIVENESS

There are four important factors when considering the effectiveness of a light box: (1) Has the product been clinically tested? (2) Does it provide 10,000 lux of light, a brightness equivalent to being outside on a clear spring day shortly after sunrise? (3) Does it deliver the light in a downward angle? and (4) Is the light diffused evenly over the entire surface of the lamp?

Clinical Testing

As mentioned elsewhere The SunBox Company has been supplying light boxes to the National Institute of Mental Health since 1984. Since then, we've been the exclusive supplier of these devices to NIMH. Our light boxes have also been used in clinical studies at research centers worldwide, including: Rush Presbyterian Hospital at St. Luke's Medical Center, Stanford University, Yale University, Johns Hopkins University, University of British Columbia (Canada), University of California-San Diego, University of Alberta (Canada), Korea University (Korea), University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinic, SUNY-Syracuse, University of Washington, Northwestern University, Uniformed Health Services, and NASA.

10,000 Lux Brightness

Since the early 1980s, bright light therapy has come a long way. Initial studies had patients using light boxes that delivered 2,500 lux of light (about 5-10 times brighter than a well lit office) at a specific distance, approximately 30 inches from the surface of the light box. The patients were instructed to use the light boxes for 2-4 hours daily.

In 1990, a study was published which showed that 10,000 lux delivered for a much shorter duration produces similar results. Since then, numerous other studies have replicated this finding, and 10,000 lux has become the standard for light therapy equipment. It decreases treatment time to usually under a half hour per day, which, researchers believe, increases compliance and therefore efficacy - after all, it's much easier for busy people (and we're all busy these days!) to plan to sit still for 20-30 minutes each day, instead of 2-4 hours.

We are unaware of any research that supports the use of light brighter than 10,000 lux for bright light treatment, either in terms of efficacy or safety.

Downward Angle

The downward angle recommended by researchers and incorporated into most SunBox designs allows more light to enter your eyes, increasing the effectiveness of the light box (vs. upright units). As a bonus, the apparent brightness is decreased, which makes it more comfortable to use by reducing glare.

Diffusion

The acrylic diffuser is an important safety measure, as mentioned above, by filtering out UV rays. It also spreads the light out over the surface of the fixture, removing any "bright" and "dark" spots, creating an even field of light. This increases efficacy, as it won't matter whether your eyes are moved 1 inch to the left over a dark spot, or 1 inch down over a bright spot - the light intensity will be even in front of any part of the light's surface.