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Light therapy glasses have revolutionised light therapy, which is used to treat sleep disturbances, jet lag, and winter blues. These devices allow you to have your light therapy treatment on the go. With these devices, the days of sitting by a light box or lamp for light therapy sessions are over.
Re-Timer and Luminette 3 are two of the most well-known light therapy glasses. Each brand offers a unique set of features, raising the question of which one is better for you.
This light therapy glasses comparison will answer that question. We’ll compare Re-Timer and Luminette 3 (based on effectiveness, comfort, design, and more) to help you choose the best light therapy glasses for your needs.
Overview of light therapy glasses
Light therapy glasses are wearable devices that allow you to receive your daily dose of light therapy while you perform your normal activities.
Light therapy glasses may look futuristic, as they cast a special kind of light into your eyes. However, the science behind them (using bright light for therapeutic purposes) is as old as time.
The idea of using light for therapeutic purposes goes back to ancient civilisation. Hippocrates, often called the father of medicine, wrote about the healing effect of sunlight in the 5th century BCE. In early Greece, Rome, and Egypt, exposure to sunlight was often prescribed as a treatment for various ailments.
Fast forward to the late 19th century, and light therapy technology took a significant leap forward. Around 1895, Faroese physician Niels Finsen developed the first light box in an effort to make light therapy more accessible and controlled. His invention used artificial bright light to mimic sunlight, delivering the same therapeutic benefits to those who couldn’t access natural sunlight regularly. Finsen’s groundbreaking work even earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1903, highlighting the importance of light therapy in medical advancements.
Since then, light therapy tools have continued to evolve. The early light boxes, though effective, were large and stationary, making them less convenient for everyday use. Over time, these boxes became more compact, eventually leading to the development of light therapy lamps. These lamps emit bright light at a specific intensity designed to mimic natural sunlight, making them effective for treating conditions caused by limited sun exposure, such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sleep disorders, and disruptions to the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm).
Light therapy glasses were developed to address this shortcoming of light therapy lamps. Light therapy glasses work the same way as the lamps because they are specialised eyewear with a light source that sends carefully calibrated bright light into your eyes for light therapy treatment.
Since you wear the light therapy glasses over your eyes (just as regular eyeglasses), they’ll remain at the same distance from your eyes, even when you move. This ensures they cast the same amount of light into your eyes at all times.
Thus, you don’t have to sit by a sun-mimicking light source and limit head movement during light therapy sessions. With light therapy glasses, you can have light therapy while brushing your teeth, reading a book, working on a computer, doing light exercises, and more.
Importance of choosing the right light therapy device
Effectiveness in treatment: Light therapy glasses come with different light intensities and wavelengths. However, you need specific intensities and wavelengths to activate the body’s response to light and effectively treat certain conditions. For this reason, choosing the wrong light glasses (like a lower light intensity) might not have the desired therapeutic effect.
Safety: Prolonged exposure to certain types of light can harm the eyes. Thus, you must choose light glasses that deliver the right intensities and wavelengths for effective treatment without hurting your eyes.
Comfort: Light therapy glasses come with varying levels of comfort. You should aim for one that is portable, lightweight, and has a comfortable nose rest. When your light therapy glasses are comfortable, you’re more likely to use them longer.
Durability: You don’t want light therapy glasses that will break down quickly, so choose one with a high-quality, durable build, especially one backed by a reliable warranty.
Personalisation of therapy: Some conditions require specific light intensities. Therefore, choose light glasses with adjustable light intensity settings so that you can adjust the therapy to suit your needs.
Light therapy by Luminette 3
Luminette 3 is the third generation light therapy glasses from Belgian health tech company Lucimed.
Luminette made history in 2006 when its first version was released to the market, becoming the first ever light therapy glasses. The device was developed after four years of research at the University of Liège (Belgium). It combined the worlds of sleep medicine and optical physics to create a “wearable lightbox” to provide relief from winter blues, sleep inconsistencies, and jet lag.
Luminette is not just a pioneer of light therapy glasses. It remains the leading light therapy glasses on the market. In the years that have followed the first Luminette release, the device has been progressively refined, such that the latest version (the Luminette 3) is a robust and comfortable light therapy wearable with guaranteed therapeutic outcomes.
Luminette 3 benefits are well-documented. There is an impressive list of clinical studies that have demonstrated the effectiveness of Luminette 3 in treating various conditions, including improving sleep quality, improving mood, increasing energy levels, reducing fatigue, and improving attention.
With so many scientific studies and clinical trials backing Luminette 3, it’s not surprising that over 200,000 units of the wearable light therapy device have been sold.
What is light therapy by Luminette 3?
Luminette 3 delivers bright light into your eyes, triggering the body’s positive response to natural light. This compensates for a lack of light, helping you get all the incredible benefits of sunlight when the season or your lifestyle prevents you from sufficient exposure to natural sunlight.
The Luminette 3 releases therapeutic light into your eyes in the most natural way.
First, Luminette 3 has a patented optical system that mimics how sunlight hits your eyes. The device directs light towards the eyes from top to bottom, just as the sun naturally does.
Secondly, Luminette uses a blue-enriched white light, which peaks at 468 nm. It has been proven that this wavelength is the best for triggering the body’s response to natural light.
An independent trial found that the light emitted by Luminette 3 has comparable beneficial effects as a 10,000-lux light therapy lamp. 10,000 lux is the intensity of bright, ambient daylight. It’s the light intensity you would experience on a clear day shortly after sunrise or just before sunset. So, it is the light intensity used in light therapy devices to mimic natural sunlight.Using the light glasses as recommended can help you correct disruption to your body clock (or circadian rhythm) in 4 - 5 days, treat winter blues in 5 - 10 days, feel a boost in energy and cognitive performance in 5 - 10 days, and treat delayed sleep phase syndrome (that leads to difficulty falling asleep at night or waking up in the morning) in one month.
Key features of Luminette 3
Blue-enriched white light
Luminette 3 has eight LEDs that emit white light, which is the same light that comes from the sun. However, Luinette’s light is not normal white light but blue-enriched white light.
White light comprises a spectrum of colours (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet). However, it is the blue part of the light spectrum that triggers biological processes. Because of these blue light benefits, some light therapy devices use only blue light.
While pure blue light triggers your body’s natural response to light, it can sometimes feel harsh or uncomfortable, especially when exposed to it for extended periods.
Luminette’s blue-enriched white light is white light that contains a higher proportion of blue light within its spectrum. This means the light still appears white but has been adjusted to have more blue wavelengths compared to typical natural white light.
Thus, you get sufficient blue light for optimal light therapy treatment, but the other wavelengths in the light make it less intense and more comfortable for more prolonged exposure.
Patented optical system (hologram)
Unlike other light therapy glasses, Luminette does not release its light directly into your eyes. Instead, it projects the light onto a hologram, which acts as a special optical filter to distribute the light more evenly and efficiently across your eyes.
When the LEDs inside Luminette 3 emit blue-enriched white light, it passes through the hologram. The hologram manipulates the light and spreads it evenly across the eyes, preventing areas of intense brightness or hotspots.
Expertly diffusing the light in this way reduces harsh glare, reducing the likelihood of eye strain or discomfort that can sometimes occur with other light therapy devices.
Three light intensity settings
The Luminette 3 features three light-intensity selections (brightness settings).
This feature allows you to adjust the intensity of the light the glasses emit to match your specific needs. Not everyone needs the same level of light exposure. While one person may need a gentle dose of light to boost their mood, another may need a more powerful dose to help with sleep disorders.
Also, people have different light sensitivities. Some people may find high-intensity light therapy too bright. Being able to adjust the light intensity helps them switch to a more tolerable brightness level, making it easier to wear the glasses without feeling strained.
It is recommended to use Luminette 3 light therapy glasses once a day for 20 - 60 minutes, depending on your light intensity preference, as follows:
At the highest light intensity setting: 20 minutes a day
At the medium light intensity setting: 30 minutes a day
At the lowest light intensity setting: 60 minutes
Automatic timer
Luminette 3 features an automatic timer that automatically shuts off the device after a set period (60 minutes, 30 minutes, or 20 minutes, depending on your light-intensity setting). If you use the highest light setting, the device will automatically go off after 20 minutes.
This makes Luminette 3 easy to use. You switch on the device, choose a light intensity setting, and wait for the session to finish. You do not need to monitor the time or set an external timer. The automatic time also ensures you are exposed to the correct amount of light therapy, preventing under- or overexposure.
Adjustable nose rest
Luminette 3 has an ergonomic nose rest with a three-position adjustment. You can put the nose piece in three different positions to ensure it holds the device in the right place to direct light at the eyes effectively.
The Luminette 3 works best if it sits above your eyes. The adjustable nose piece lets you adjust the device to this position, whatever the size of your nose.
Also, the Luminette 3’s nose piece is designed for comfort. While it securely holds the device in place, it is soft, flexible, and contoured to fit the natural curve of the nose. This ensures it sits comfortably on the nose without causing any discomfort, even during extended therapy sessions.
Battery indicator
Luminette 3 has a three-LED battery indicator inside the visor section, providing users with a clear visual cue regarding the battery's status.
This feature enhances convenience as you don’t need to guess when to recharge. You’ll know when the battery is running low and needs recharging. This also helps prevent your light therapy session from being disrupted by a sudden shutdown due to a low battery.
How Luminette 3 helps with sleep and mood regulation
Regulates melatonin
When it’s dark, ganglion cells in your eyes recognise that light is reduced and send this information to your brain. This triggers the production of melatonin, a hormone that prepares your body for sleep. At sunrise, the ganglion cells detect light and send this information to the brain. This cuts off melatonin production to promote wakefulness.
However, when the level of light outside is reduced (especially in Autumn and Winter), the light may not be strong enough to signal the brain to completely cut off melatonin production. As a result, the level of melatonin in the body may remain high (when it should be low), causing sleepiness and unusual tiredness.
Luminette 3 helps regulate melatonin production, offering effective light therapy for sleep. Exposure to Luminette light therapy in the morning (immediately after waking up) cuts off melatonin production, promoting wakefulness. You’ll be alert and agile throughout the day, and this makes it easier to fall asleep at night.
Regulates serotonin
Light also signals the brain to increase the production of serotonin, a feel-good hormone. Conversely, reduced natural light reduces the production of serotonin, and low levels of this hormone can result in low mood and energy.
Luminette 3 helps with low mood by regulating serotonin production. When you feel down, a dose of Luminette 3’s light therapy can make your body produce more serotonin, lifting your mood and energy levels. Thus, the Luminette 3 mood improvement glasses also offer effective light therapy for energy for tackling fatigue.
Benefits of using Luminette 3 for light therapy
Clinically proven effectiveness
Scientific research and clinical trials have demonstrated the Luminette 3 light therapy glasses effectiveness . This makes Luminette 3 a trusted device for light therapy. It delivers effective results for individuals struggling with disruptions to the body cock (such as jet lag) and those with winter blues, low mood, low energy, and general sleep disorders.
Comfortable light exposure
Luminette 3’s patented optical system includes a hologram that spreads the right amount of light across the eyes without being harsh. This maximises the benefits of light therapy while avoiding discomfort.
Therapy customisation
Luminette 3 has three brightness settings, allowing you to personalise your light therapy experience based on your preference. You may choose a more intense light for quicker results. But if that feels too bright, you can choose a softer setting for a more gradual effect.
Stable and comfortable fit
Thanks to its expertly crafted nose piece, the Luminette 3 feels stable and well-planted on your nose. Unlike many light glasses, it will not slide down your nose, even if you whip your head around or bend over so you’re facing the ground.
The soft and flexible nose rest ensures that the Luminette device is comfortable. You can wear it for extended periods without hurting your nose.
Improved durability
Luminette 3 is a solid light therapy wearable with impressive build quality and engineering. The plastic is high-quality, and the hinges at the foldable temples feel solid. It is a durable light therapy device you will use for many years.
Simple one-click operation
If you’re checking out two or more light therapy glasses, Luminette 3 will be one you’ll first figure out how to use. This is thanks to its simple one-click operation, which is designed to make using the device as easy and intuitive as possible.
You don’t need to navigate complicated settings or multiple buttons. Luminette has a single button. Once you click the button, the device comes on.
When on, Luminette 3 starts at its lowest light intensity level. Clicking the “On” button again will switch the device to the medium light intensity level, and clicking it a third time will switch it to the highest light intensity level.
Automatic timer for convenience
You don’t need to manually monitor your therapy time using a clock or a separate timer. Luminette 3 comes with an automatic timer that shuts off the device after the optimal therapy session time.
Long battery life
Luminette 3 is equipped with a long-lasting battery that allows you to use the device for up to 10 - 12 hours after a single full charge. This makes it more reliable for daily use than other light therapy devices that may require more frequent charging.
Re-Timer light therapy glasses
Re-Timer is a light therapy wearable from Adelaide-based company Re-Timer Pty Ltd.
The device was created by a team led by world-renowned sleep researchers Prof Leon Lack and Dr Helen Wright. After over a decade of working on prototype light therapy glasses, they released the original Re-Timer to the market in 2013.
Re-Timer is now in its third generation. However, while the device has seen many refinements, it has retained most of its distinguishing features.
Key features of Re-Timer glasses
Blue-green light
One thing that separates Re-Timer from other light therapy glasses is that it uses blue-green light.
The light glasses have 4 LEDs that emit a blue-green light that peaks at 500 nm (instead of the more commonly used shorter wavelength light of around 468 - 470 nm). Re-Timer says it uses green light because the wavelength balances the safety concerns of blue light.
Under-eye light delivery
Like its predecessors, the latest Re-Timer version (Re-Timer 3) delivers its light to the eye from the bottom of the eye. This is unlike every other light wearable in the market that delivers light from the top down.
Re-Timer says it uses this under-eye delivery because its research finds that doing that avoids blockage by the eyelashes when light is delivered from the top.
Lower-rim-only design
While the first version of Re-Timer had a somewhat unconventional look, the second leaned heavily into a scuba mask design. Re-Timer 3 is a notable improvement in terms of design, but its lower-rim-only structure still gives it a somewhat unconventional appearance.
One brightness setting
While Re-Timer 2 has two brightness settings, Re-Timer 3 goes with one brightness setting. The company explains that this makes the device easier to use. You don’t have to worry about which brightness setting to use or how to switch to your preferred setting.
However, it means you cannot customise the light according to your preference. However, the light is a bit diffused, so you won’t have areas that are too bright.
Mobile App
Re-Timer has an app that lets you schedule the usage of the device. It has calculators that specifically help you with:
Phase advancing (to fall asleep earlier in the evening and wake up earlier in the morning).
Phase delaying (to wake up later in the morning).
Transitioning to a new timezone (to treat jet lag and take control of your sleep patterns).
Managing the odd hours of shift work.
You can use it to maintain your sleep diary or integrate it with Apple or Google Health if you use these circadian calculators.
How Re-Timer helps with sleep and energy levels
Re-Timer light therapy glasses help improve sleep, mood, and energy levels by triggering the body’s response to natural light.
The light the device delivers to your eyes suppresses the production of the sleep hormone. This makes it easier to fall asleep at night and gives you a restful sleep that will cause you to wake up refreshed the next morning.
Re-Timer also offers light therapy for fatigue because the light it delivers to your eyes also increases the production of serotonin. Increased levels of this feel-good hormone give a mood and energy boost.
Re-Timer vs. Luminette 3: Comparing features
Visual comfort
Luminette 3’s optical system includes a hologram that expertly diffuses its light to ensure there are no areas of intense brightness when the light hits your eyes.
Re-Timer 3 does not have this special diffuser, so it sends its light directly into the eyes. While its light is a bit diffused, it is less evenly distributed compared to Luminette 3, which may be discomforting for those more sensitive to bright light exposure.
Compatibility with prescription glasses
The Luminette 3’s light source sits above the eye, delivering its light from the top of the eye, just as the sun does. The position of the light source allows the beam of light to enter the eye unobstructed, even if you wear glasses.
The Re-Timer’s light source is at the bottom of the device, delivering light from under the eye to the top. This can be an issue for some people who wear glasses. With smaller-framed glasses, the bottom rim can obstruct the beam of light entering the eyes.
Effectiveness
One of the most significant Luminette 3 benefits is superior effectiveness. Luminette uses white light with an enriched blue component with maximum wavelengths of 468 nm, while Re-Timer uses blue-green light with maximum wavelengths of around 500 nm.
The shorter wavelength light of the Luminette is better at activating the circadian system, which means the Luminette light therapy wearable is more effective in managing sleep and mood disorders.
Natural-feeling
Light therapy devices are designed to mimic natural sunlight, and Luminette does a better job at this than many other light therapy wearables, including Re-Timer.
The blue-enriched white light that Luminette emits consists of all the spectrum of colours, just like natural light from the sun. By contrast, Re-Timer consists of just blue and green light. Thus, Luminette is a more natural-feeling light therapy glasses.
Session duration
Luminette is designed to be used for 20, 30, or 60 minutes every day, depending on the selected light intensity setting. For example, at the medium brightness level, using Lumiette 3 for 30 minutes a day will give optimal results.
In comparison, Re-Timer requires using it for 60 minutes daily to achieve the same level of effectiveness. The longer session time makes the Re-Timer less practical for people who may struggle to dedicate a full hour to light therapy every day. Thus, Luminette is better for those who seek a more time-efficient solution.
Battery life
The Luminette 3 has a longer-lasting battery. When fully charged, it can last for 10 -12 hours. In comparison, the Re-Timer’s battery lasts just 4 hours after a full charge. The extended battery life of the Luminette 3 makes it incredibly convenient for those who prefer not to worry about constantly charging their light therapy device.
Form factor
Luminette 3 may not be as sleek as some light therapy glasses on the market, but it holds its own when compared to Re-Timer.
Luminette 3 has a somewhat “boxy” front view and is front-heavy because it accommodates an extra element: The hologram mirror that runs the entire length of the inside of the visor.
Despite this, it just edges the Re-Timer 3 in the looks department. Though Re-Timer 3 has come a long way from its “scuba mask” predecessor, it still features a notably bulky frame. And with its lower-rim-only design, it’s like someone decided to give the light glasses a major “bottom-heavy” look. This makes the Re-Timer look awkward.
Portability
Luminette 3 is a lightweight and portable light therapy glasses. It measures 76mm x 230mm x 159mm (DxWxH) and weighs 50 g. Its portability ensures comfort during use. You won’t feel pain around your ears or nose.
While the Luminette is more portable than the bulky Re-Timer 2, it is slightly less so compared to the Re-Timer 3, which measures 25 x 174 x 166 mm (DxWxH) and weighs just 36 grams.
Ease of use
Luminette and Re-Timer are both easy to use with their one-button operation.
The single button of Luminette 3 is not just for switching the device on and off. It’s also used to cycle through the device’s three brightness settings. Therefore, Re-Timer’s single brightness setting seems to make it easier to use than the Luminette 3.
However, using Re-Timer light glasses with its mobile app may present some issues, especially for less tech-savvy people.
Price
Lumintte 3 is a more affordable option at just $199. In comparison, Re-timer 3 costs $320. Re-timer 2 costs $289, which is more than Luminette 3.
Thus, Luminette 3 provides a cost-effective light therapy solution without compromising quality.
Which light therapy glasses are best for you?
To make an informed decision, you should consider factors such as effectiveness, flexibility, comfort, and design. Interestingly, Luminette 3 outshines Re-Timer on virtually every point. For example:
Its shorter wavelengths make it more effective for light therapy.
Its three brightness settings make it more flexible (for personalising light therapy).
its hologram mirror enhances visual comfort.
Its ergonomic nose piece makes it very comfortable to wear, even for extended use.
Its above-the-eye light source sends light to the eye the way the sun does, making the experience feel more natural.
Also, while Re-Timer has some scientific studies supporting its effectiveness, Luminette 3 remains the most clinically proven light therapy glasses. So, if you’re looking for light glasses with the most guaranteed therapeutic outcomes, it has to be Lumintte 3.
Price and value for money
Luminette 3 definitely offers better value for money than Re-Timer. Despite being more effective, offering more flexible use, being more visually comfortable, and offering better battery performance, the Luminete 3 is still priced lower than the Re-Timer.
Thus, Luminette 3 is both a practical and budget-friendly light therapy solution.
Takeaway: Choose Luminette 3 for optimal light therapy results
The light therapy glasses you choose can affect the effectiveness of your treatment and your overall experience. This Re-Timer light therapy glasses review , Luminette 3 review, and Re-Timer vs Luminette 3 guide compares Luminette 3 and Re-Timer to help you make an informed decision.
Re-Timer 3 may be a better fit if you prefer a design with app integration. However, Luminette 3 is the clear leader, as it uses light that is more effective at activating the human’s circadian system, making it more effective for light therapy. Moreso, it is comfortable and budget-friendly.
Ready to take control of your body’s natural systems and have better sleep and mood? Order Luminette 3 light therapy glasses today!
FAQs
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about light therapy glasses, Re-Timer glasses review, Luminette 3 review, and Luminette 3 vs. Re-Timer comparison:
What are the main differences between Re-Timer and Luminette 3 light therapy glasses?
Luminette uses a blue-enriched white light (468 nm), while Re-Timer uses blue-green light (500 nm), which is slightly less effective at regulating the body’s natural rhythm. Also, Luminette 3’s light source sits at the top of the eyes and delivers the light to the eyes from top to bottom just as the sun does, but Re-Timer’s light source is at the bottom of the device and delivers its light to the eye from the bottom to the top.
How long should I wear Luminette 3 for effective light therapy?
You should wear Luminette 3 for 20 - 60 minutes daily, depending on your light intensity setting. The number of days you wear it depends on the condition you want to treat. For example, correcting disruption to your body clock will take 4 - 5 days, but treating delayed sleep syndrome can take 1 month.
Which light therapy glasses are better for improving sleep quality?
Since it emits bright light with shorter wavelengths, Luminette 3 is the best light therapy glasses for treating sleeping issues and improving sleep quality.
Can Re-Timer light therapy glasses help with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?
While it is not the most effective, Re-Timer can trigger the body’s natural response to light, increasing the body’s production of serotonin, which helps with seasonal affective disorders during the dark winter months.
Are there any side effects of using Luminette 3 for light therapy?
Luminette 3 is safe. However, some people may experience side effects such as headaches, eye tiredness, and nausea. But these side effects are temporary.
Which light therapy glasses are more comfortable for long-term use, Re-Timer or Luminette 3?
Luminette 3 is more comfortable for long-term use because its hologram mirror spreads its bright light more evenly across the eye. This reduces areas of intense brightness that can cause discomfort during extended use.
