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Eye Care (Expert Forum)

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light therapy and eye damage

Answered by

John C Hagan III, MD, FACS - Ophthalmology

Discover Vision Centers Kansas City - MO

Our Ask A Doctor Ophthalmology Forum is where you can post your question and receive a personal answer from physicians affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

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MedHelp Member's Question

light therapy and eye damage

by midnight222, Jan 23, 2008 08:40AM

Tags: light therapy, eye damage

I am considering purchasing a light therapy box to treat SAD. I am completely confused about which product to choose since there are so many on the market. Also, I have been reading that ther is some evidence that blue light, in particular, may contribute to macular degeneration. Is light therapy safe? If so, what type of light is best and at what level (how many lux, how much time, etc.)? Should blue light boxes be avoided?

Thank you.

Doctor's Answer

by John C Hagan III, MD, FACS

, Jan 24, 2008 12:21AM

To: FROM EYE MD

The commercial lights sold for season affect disorder SAD will not damage the eye. If you find the light uncomfortable you can shut your eyes. There may be papers on which light, how bright, etc is most effective but if so it falls outside my area of expertise.

JCH III MD

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