Lysterapi falder ind under kategorien mild og ikke-invasiv medicin. Det argumenteres derfor sjældent imod. Der er dog nogle tilfælde, hvor det er at foretrække ikke at udføre en lysterapibehandling uden en lægeerklæring. Her er de:
Modargumenter for lysterapi
Nethindeskader
- Retinopati
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Diabetisk retinopati
- Macula degeneration
- Grøn stær
Det er dog nødvendigt at huske på, at det medicinske område mangler kliniske data til definitivt at fastslå, at der er tale om et reelt modargument, og som snarere kræver forsigtighed med hensyn til lysterapibehandling. Hvis du er bekymret over en af de ovennævnte patologier, anbefaler vi under alle omstændigheder at søge en lægeerklæring, før du tænker på lysterapi.
Bipolær depression
Videnskabelig litteratur anbefaler generelt, at bipolære mennesker undgår lysterapi i deres maniske fase. Der er faktisk en risiko for at forstærke symptomerne.
På den anden side kan lysterapi have en livreddende antidepressiv effekt i patientens depressive fase. Det anbefales derfor at udføre en lysterapisession ved middagstid i stedet for om morgenen, for at undgå at falde i den maniske fase.
Under alle omstændigheder anbefales det at bruge en stemningsstabilisator for at undgå at svaje fra den ene tilstand til den anden.
Side Effects of Light Therapy
Light therapy, which excludes infrareds and ultra-violets, generally presents minimal side effects for users. However, some may experience mild adverse effects, necessitating adjustments in treatment. In certain situations, discontinuing therapy might be advisable.
Common Side Effects Include:
- Headaches: Often mild, headaches can occur as the body adjusts to increased light exposure. They generally diminish after the first few days of treatment.
- Eye Fatigue: This involves a feeling of tiredness or strain in the eyes, especially after prolonged exposure to bright light. It usually improves as the eyes adapt.
- Eye Dryness: Increased light exposure can lead to dryness, causing discomfort or a gritty sensation in the eyes. Using artificial tears can help alleviate this symptom.
- Nausea: Some individuals may experience mild nausea as the brain acclimates to the new light conditions. Staying hydrated and taking breaks from the light source can aid in reducing this.
These side effects are typically mild and occur primarily during the initial days of treatment. They stem from the brain and body needing time to adjust to greater light exposure than usual, and these symptoms often resolve as the body adapts.
Steps to Mitigate or Prevent These Side Effects:
- Always operate the device in a well-lit room to minimize the risk of eye strain or discomfort. Adequate lighting helps your eyes adjust better to the additional light source.
- If you experience these reactions, such as headaches or eye irritation, consider reducing the light intensity to a more comfortable level. Alternatively, increase your distance from the device to lessen exposure while still receiving its benefits.
- Pause the use of the device for a few days if symptoms occur, allowing any reactions to subside. Once symptoms have alleviated, you may attempt therapy again, starting with shorter sessions and gradually increasing duration as tolerated.
- If side effects persist despite these measures, light therapy may not be suitable for you. In such cases, discontinuation is recommended, and you might want to explore alternative therapeutic options or consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.