When we talk about a light therapy lamp, we most often refer to fixed light therapy lamps which you must position yourself in front of (generally seated) at a determined distance (30-50cm). However, lots of other light therapy lamps exist, of different styles and forms.
“Panel” style light therapy lamp
This type of lamp is in the form of a vertical panel which emits a white light of 10’000 lux at a given distance. This distance varies according to the lamp, going from 50cm for the most powerful lamps, to 20cm for the weaker lamps. If you opt for this type of lamp, it is recommended to choose a lamp offering 10’000 lux at a comfortable distance, minimum 30cm.
Advantages of a “panel” style light therapy lamp :
- Can light up numerous people at the same time
- Can serve as a lighting device for a room
- Important feeling of a “light bath”
Disadvantages of a “panel” style light therapy lamp:
- Necessary to remain immobile during the full duration of the treatment
- Can be inconvenient
- Difficult to transport
- May spoil the surroundings
- Can be overly bright
Compact light therapy lamp
These lamps are a lot smaller than the light therapy panels and are more easily transported. Due to their small size, the light capacity is weaker and the blue part of the spectrum is often enriched in order to reach the same effectivity as white light lamps.
Advantages of a compact light therapy lamp:
- Less disturbance of surroundings
- Compact and transportable
- More convenient
Disadvantages of compact light therapy lamps:
- Necessary to remain immobile during the full duration of the treatment
- Gives the impression of a more focused light. May be bothersome.
- Smaller light section so freedom of movement is reduced.
- No “light bath” effect
Light therapy glasses or visors
These portable light therapy lamps have appeared more recently and are still relatively unrecognized by the public. The main advantage to these lamps is that they enable mobile use. These often use a blue-enriched light and allow a more calibrated treatment. Indeed, except for closing one’s eyes, the treatment conditions remain identical throughout the treatment given that the device remains at the same distance from the eyes and always at the same angle of incidence. To conclude, this type of lamp is made for active people who do not have time to stay immobile in front of a lamp for 30 minutes.
Advantages of light therapy glasses :
- Portable so they allow mobile use
- Compact and transportable
- No not effect surroundings
Disadvantages of light therapy glasses:
- “Light bath” sensations does not exist
- Can not be used by multiple people
- Contact with the skin which may be cumbersome
