According to the Mayo Clinic, light therapy boxes are specially made lights used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, such as depression, and mood and sleep related disorders. Usually, they give out bright, intense, white light that mimics that of the sun. Since such a wide variety of light boxes are available in the market, it can be a confusing task to find one that suits your needs and price range.
Step 1
Seek the help of a medical professional to determine if you suffer from a condition that could be treated with therapeutic lighting. Once they have diagnosed you, they will tell exactly what type of light box you should get. There are major differences between the type and intensity of light let out by different boxes, and knowing what type you should acquire is essential.
Step 2
Choose between building your own box and buying a specially made one. According to Columbia University, the price range of medical light boxes is fairly expensive; ranging from $360 to $500. It is recommended that you buy a box because of the potential hazard that comes with high voltage electricity and the warmth produced by the boxes. Moreover, specially made boxes have been calibrated for medical purposes.
Step 3
Pick a box with appropriate output and size. Larger and more powerful boxes tend to be expensive, but they can make treatment sessions shorter. Moreover, Columbia University found that powerful boxes with an output of 10,000 lux were more efficient in treating patients than weaker boxes.
Step 4
Make sure the light therapy box you pick has an adequate filtering screen. Therapeutic light boxes are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and therefore have a chance of coming equipped with a poor filtering screen. When picking a box, make sure its screen blocks harmful ultraviolet, or UV, rays.
Tips and Warnings
- You might be able to save money if you buy your box online, but be sure to avoid retailers you don't trust.
- Never use your box if it is damaged. Light boxes use potentially dangerous electrical currents and release heat into their environment.
Things You'll Need
- Therapeutic light box
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