If you suffer from SAD, light visors are especially beneficial for the on-the-go person who does not have time to sit thirty minutes by a SAD light every morning. One of the main problems in complying with light therapy treatments is the amount of time required that you have to spend sitting next to a SAD light. For most people, it is generally agreed that mornings shortly after awakening are the best time for light therapy treatment.
Currently, there are only two SAD light visors on the market. One is the Biobrite Deluxe Light Visor 881100, and the other one is Northern Technologies Feel Bright Light Visor. Unless you want to spend alot of time researching, choosing the best SAD light product can be difficult. Based on currently available information and Amazon customer reviews, in this post, I have researched it for you so you can spend your valuable time doing something more enjoyable. In this way, rather than just taking my word for it, you can make your own decision on what is best for your needs.
Best SAD Light Visor
| Biobrite Deluxe Light Visor | Feel Bright Light Visor | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8 ounces | 2 ounces |
| Lux Rating | 500 to 3,000 lux in increments of 500 lux | Two settings of either 8,000 or 12,000 lux |
| Type of Light | LED white light | LED Blue-green light |
| Length of Battery Charge | 1.5 hours | 120 minutes @ 8,000 lux or 90 minutes @ 12,000 lux |
| Type of Battery | Nickel Cadmium | Lithium Polymer |
| Battery Recharger | Yes - Recharges in 12 hours | Yes - Recharges in 24 hours |
| Automatic Shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Timer | Yes | Yes |
| 30-day money back guarantee | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2-years | 2-years |
| Amazon Customer Rating | 4 1/2 | No reviews on Amazon |
| Price as of 4-26-11 | $299.00 | $209.99 |
Visible Light Spectrum
- Type of light/wavelength: There have been several research studies done on the efficacy of different wavelengths in treating SAD. Initially, 10,000 lux of full-spectrum light was found just as effective as antidepressants in treating SAD. Later researchers did experiments with blue light and green light. From the availiable research, it appears that overall, blue light is more effective than either full-spectrum light or green light. However, if you are older, have diabetes, a pre-existing eye disease, or a family history of eye disease, I would recommend seeing your physician or opthamologist before beginning any light therapy treatment.
- Light intensity/luxe - In addition to the wavelength used, the light intensity is also important. Light intensity is measured by luxe. When using full-spectrum light, the higher the lux, the less time you need to spend sitting by the light. In clinical trials, the standard full-spectrum light treatment is 10,000 lux for thirty minutes. Consequently, the Biobrite Light Visor falls below the mark since its maximum lux setting is only 3,000 lux. To get the same effect of 10,000 luxe of full-spectrum light for 30 minutes, you would need to use the Biobrite Light Visor for over 1 1/2 hours. However, when comparing the Biobrite Light Visor to the Feel Brite Light Visor, you have to consider that blue and green wavelengths don't require the same amount of luxe to get the same effect. In different reearch studies on sad light therapy, blue and green light required a lower luxe setting to have the same effect as 10,000 luxe of white light in suppressing melatonin and resetting the circadian rythym. Consequently, 8,000 or 12,000 luxe of blue-green light is an overkill. However, even if the Feel Brite Light Visor used white light, the length of the treatment time would be significantly shorter since it has a much higher luxe setting available.
- Longevity - Equally important to how effective the light is, longevity is also is important. While the Biobrite Light Visor has rechargeable nickel cadmium batteries, the Feel Bright Light has rechargeable lithium polymer batteries. Lithium polymer batteries are superior. They have several benefits over nickel cadmium batteries. They are 40 to 50% smaller, and it takes the voltage of three nickel cadmium batteries to equal one lithium polymer battery. However, even more importantly, unlike lithium polymer batteries, each time they're recharged they take a smaller charge until they eventually won't recharge at all. Consequently, the lithium polymer batteries will last significantly longer.
- Comfort - Whereas the Biobright Light Visor weighs 8 ounces, the Feel Bright Light Visor weighs 2 ounces.
Since both wavelength and luxe is crucial to the success of light therapy treatment, the Feel Brite Light is a better choice because it's not only more effective, but it's $11.00 cheaper. Regardless of which SAD Light Visor
