Light therapy is exposure to artificial bright light through a light therapy box. It gives off light that simulates natural light from outdoors. Light therapy is also called phototherapy. It is used for treatment of a variety of conditions.
Conditions
Light therapy is used to treat certain psychological conditions such as depression, seasonal affective disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, jet lag and sleep disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and postpartum depression. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved the use of light therapy for these conditions. However, the FDA has approved some types of light therapy for the treatment of acne and mild psoriasis.
Side Effects/Risks
There are some side effects and risks with the use of light therapy. You may experience eye strain, headache, nausea, vomiting, irritability or agitation, fatigue, dry mouth, sleep difficulties or mania in people with bipolar disorder. These conditions are typically mild and may go away after a few days of treatment. Changing the length of the treatment or taking breaks during treatment may help with these problems. For skin conditions, a common side effect is bruising that may last up to 10 days and a low risk of scarring.
