Question about "blue light" (and it's potential effects)

Okay, I was reading up on light therapy...

I saw a sight called "Apollo Health". They sell light boxes AND they also sell blue light therapy devices. I contacted them to see what the difference was. They told me that regular light boxes have white light AND blue light in them, but it was discovered that blue light is what works in these boxes. So, they made device with blue light only.

Then I started reading about how blue lights can "potentially" cause macular degeneration and need to be further studied. I read some things that said to "stick to white light boxes until further testing is done".

BUT - That doesn't make sense, at least not according to what Apollo Health told me. They had said that all white light boxes have blue light in them as well.

My question is: What's the truth?

I have the apollo go lite and love it. I find it a lot easier to cope with than some of the white lights, which are really bright first thing in the morning!

Hope this helps guys, it is a totally independent study by a SAD sufferer who did this on behalf of the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association.

At the end of the day it is personal choice, I know PurpleIvy has had great success with her go-lite, I am not sure how many other people use the blue light. I did consider purchasing the go-lite but due to problems with my eyes I decided to stay with the white light for now until further research has been done.......

Further developments have led to several clinical trials being carried out on the use of both blue and white LED's in the suppression of melatonin. The results of such trials suggested that the light therapy using blue and white LED's showed promise as an effective treatment for SAD.

It is these findings that led to the recent appearance on the market of the small and sometimes hand-held therapy devices incorporating either blue or white LEDs'. These products are advertised as effective in the treatment of SAD and are claimed to have a number of advantages compared to traditional light boxes such as the fact that they are more portable, use less power and do not require replacement bulbs.

The manufacturers of such devises claim that Lux is an inappropriate unit of measurement for melatonin suppression suggesting that it is the wavelength of light not the intensity that is most significant. In other words, the hypothesis of such manufacturers is that as long as the right wavelength of light is used, a lesser intensity is equally effective.

It is here that the situation becomes more complicated. It is indeed true that there have been studies which have indicated that melatonin supression is under the control of specific wavelengths of light, and that blue or white LEDs may be effective in the treatment of SAD. However, (and this is a big but) there does not yet appear to be enough scientific evidence to be sure of the effectiveness and/or any long term side effects of such blue or white LED devices in the treatment of SAD.

The first disadvantage of the clinical trials which have been carried out to date is that most of them have been to small to give conclusive results, with often less than 30 subjects participating. The results of small sample trials indicate that larger trials are now required in order to provide more definative information about the efficacy and safety of LED devices.

The second problem is with regard to the safety of such devices and the potential long term effects of using LED products. It is now widely accepted that traditional 10,000 lux bright white light is safe. However, questions have been raised about the blue light safety and the use of white and blue LEDs both of which emit light with peaks in the blue end of the spectrum. Light-induced photochemical damage to the eyes is particularly related to light at the blue wavelength. This type of damage to the retina is known as "blue light hazard"

Some manufacturers of LED products state that their devices have been approved by leading medical physicists, and that they have been certified as not exceeding the threshold levels for damage from blue light exposure set by international guidlines. The problem with this is that the percentage of blue light entering the eye that reaches the retina may vary highly from one individual to another. For these reasons, it may be difficult to calibrate a level of blue light that is both effective and safe for a wide range of individuals.

It should also be remembered that recent studies most certainly do not establish blue light or LED products as uniquely effective for SAD.

Due to the uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness and safety of blue light and LED products, SADA does not currently recommend that members use such devices in the treatment of SAD until further research has been carried out.

The SLTBR are a non profit making organisation and are the worlds leading body for light research. It's members include scientists from all over the world. It is dedicated to fostering research, development and clinical applications in the fields of light therapy and biological rhythms.

The message that came across from them about LEDs is as follows:

The message which came across loud and clear in this respect, is that we simply do not know at the moment what the answers are or what the future may hold. There is undoubtedly an agreement that blue of LED light is potentially at least as effective as bright white light in the treatment of SAD, but there is also agreement that without further research we cannot be sure of this or indeed of any potential disadvantages or side effects of such treatment.

Experts at the conference pointed out that more, longer and larger scale trials are desperately needed and that we should be cautious of rapid attempts to convert from traditional white light treatment to blue of LED light treatment. The warning not to underestimate possible blue light damage to the eyes was also driven home. It was explained that another factor which should be taken into account is that we do not yet know whether light in the blue wavelength has any effect on medication. In addition, we were reminded that light works on the brain in many different ways and circadian rhythm is probably not the only mechanism to be considered.

It is therefore invaluable to remember if considering any alternative light treatment device, that although the manufacturers may quote scientific proof of the safeness efficacy of such devices, the scientists are still clearly reserving judgement.

Okay, then I guess my question is this: What light boxes have 10,000 lux and do not emit blue wave light or LED?

I found a 10,000 LUX lightbox on Amazon that seems really neat, but sure enough, it emits some blue wave light.
http://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Plus-Light-Therapy/dp/B000JO9440/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1199602747&sr=1-9

Are there any that JUST emit bright white light, or would that make it ineffective? Any input or info is greatly appreciated!

Does anyone know the answer to my other question?

What light boxes have 10,000 lux and do not emit blue wave light or LED?

I found a 10,000 LUX lightbox on Amazon that seems really neat, but sure enough, it emits some blue wave light.
http://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Plus-Light-Therapy/dp/B000JO9440/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1199602747&sr=1-9

Are there any that JUST emit bright white light, or would that make it ineffective? Any input or info is greatly appreciated!

It says it has blue wave light in it, BUT it also says "Tested and certified by the Age-related Macular Degeneration Center at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences University of Texas Medical Branch"

Does that mean that the blue wave light is not harmful when mixed in with other types of light, as long as it's at a certain brightness?

I really want to try out light therapy with a bright white light box, but before I plunk down money on one, I definitely want to do all the research possible!

StayinAlive I am sure if you contact admin on the Lumie page they will be able to help with your question.

It's not just about a light having 10,000 lux. It depends on the distance you are from it and length of time you use the box. I have a Britespark light box, this has 10,000 lux and depending on how far away you are from it assertains how long you need to use it for. I have used it for 3/4 winters and have found it to be very useful. I have problems with my eyes and have regular check ups at the hospital. My eyesight hasn't changed for the worse at all in the time I have used the light box.

Additional post - AFAIK (and I failed physics O level!) white light is made up of all other colours so yes it will include blue in it.