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• Is light Therapy for SAD safe?
• Posted: 2008-01-15 13:41:43 By Sally T
• I have myopic degeneration and have been treated successfully with Avastin. I also suffer from Seasonal Affect Disorder, which last a long time each year here in Minneapolis! From what I've read online, blue light is suspected to cause retinal damage, so I purchased a common light box that uses white fluorescent bulbs. I have used it twice and notice that my eyes feel "sore" for hours after use. Does anyone have information about the safety of using a light box for those of us who already have retinal damage?

• Re: Is light Therapy for SAD safe?
• Posted: 2008-01-22 12:55:54 By Mary S
• Sally, I do not know the answer to this.
  you sure have a dilema going on,
  (1) we know that blue light is not good for our eyes.
  and mostbright lights affect us in some way making our eyes uncomfortable.
  
  (2) we also know that anyone suffering from SAD or from a form of depression, may need treatment of sorts be it light therapy or medication.
  we know that sometimes either one of these could affect vision.
  
  I realy think that you may want to discuss all your possibilities with both your retinal specialist and your docotor who is treating you for SAD.
  Ask if it would be possible to wear blue blockers on your eyes, or some sort of protective sunglasses, or will this diminish the effect of the light box?
  
  best wishes to you, let us knowwhat you find out from your physicians.
  mar

• Re: Re: Is light Therapy for SAD safe?
• Posted: 2008-01-22 14:17:10 By Sally T
• Thanks, Mar,
  I did call the Retinal Clinic and a nurse asked one of the physicians.He said it was safe as long as I wore the goggles that came with the light. That tells me that he thought I was asking about tanning lights. I asked the nurse to see if any of the other doctors had information about the SAD lights, and I never heard back. Online I found a study that showed no short term or long term damage using SAD lights, so I'm using the light box. I haven't had any discomfort since moving it slightly farther away. Sally

• Re: Re: Re: Is light Therapy for SAD safe?
• Posted: 2008-01-22 21:51:21 By Mary S
• Sally, oh good, I am glad that you found the answer for yourself.
  I myself have a problem with stairing at lights, so If I ever had to use that box, I would be wearing my shades.but then I wear them all the time when there is bright sun light or glare outside from snow or car lights.
  we each have to find our own comfort level.
  mar