There are so many different causes for depression. It could be anything from insurmountable childhood trauma to to a lack of good old fashioned sunshine. That’s right. While a lack of sun may not seem like enough to completely transform a mood and mindset, yet it is. Statistics suggest that up to 20 percent of adults in the United State suffer from some form of Seasonal Affective Disorder or as it’s known under it’s almost poetic acronym SAD.
Of course, SAD isn’t the only possible negative effect of a lack of sunlight. Others may experience difficulty falling asleep due to jet lag or working odd shifts. In all instances, a lack of sunshine exposure not only affects sleep cycles, but can also lead to depression, general fatigue, or mood swings. It’s not fun. In fact, it’s downright devastating and something that desperately needs to be addressed. There are numerous treatments to Seasonal Affective Disorder that have been created and explored over the years. In fact, it’s one of the conditions that led to pioneering scientists, doctors, and therapists embracing the healing power of light.
Traditionally, the treatment for SAD and similar disorders involved taking OTC or prescription medications or sitting in front of phototherapy lamps or light boxes. The devices are engineered to emit light at frequencies thought to mimic sunlight. When sitting in front of a phototherapy device, the light enters the eyes and travels to the photoreceptors in the retinas. Once the photoreceptors absorb the light, a signal travels to the optic nerve and onto to the pineal gland in the brain, which stops excretion of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.
 | AYO lite Light Therapy Glasses Editor's Choice | 10/10 | |
 | Luminette 2 | 9/10 | |
 | Pegasi | 9/10 |
The treatment leaves individuals feeling awake and energized as their circadian rhythm readjusts, which encourages normalized wake/sleep cycles. Unfortunately, medications do not work for all, and sitting in front of a phototherapy device is not only time-consuming, but also physically restricting. The devices rely on electrical outlets and must be appropriately positioned to ensure the light hits the eyes at the correct angle. It’s not a therapeutic option that will be compatible with all patients.
Innovative engineers developed portable eye wear, which has the same effect as traditional phototherapy devices, but enables users more freedom. The devices are equipped with specially designed LED bulbs, which emit light at the proper angle and wavelength into the eyes to produce the same biological therapeutic effects.
These light therapy glasses have revolutionized the industry and offered a means for patients to soak up the healing and therapeutic powers of light in a much more approachable a versatile manner. It’s a new solution that so many more people should explore, yet that hasn’t been the case in the past because light therapy glasses can feel a little intimidating to approach for inexperienced patients. Well, not anymore! Our experts have gone through all of the options and drew up this definitive list of the finest pairs of light therapy glasses on the market. So, if you’ve been curious about trying these remarkable devices but weren’t sure where to start, then you’ve come to the right place! By the end of this article, you’ll not only be prepared to dive into the world of light therapy glasses, but you’ll likely know which pair will work the best for your needs! So what are you waiting for? Read on to learn everything that you’ll need to know to start your light therapy glasses journey.
Table of Contents
1. Ayo
The Ayo Light Therapy Glasses are designed to correct the body’s natural circadian rhythm using gentle blue light. As a result, you will quickly get an energy boost, recover faster from jet lag, or normalize sleep cycles, simply by using these glasses.
Sleek Design
The futuristic-looking glasses are nothing more than a smart and sophisticated semi-circular band, which resembles the top frame and earpieces of traditional eyeglasses. Specially crafted extensions keep the frame elevated over the bridge of your nose. The glasses feature blue LED lights that are positioned in such a way as to ensure the light shines into the eyes and right into both retinas.
The minimalistic style enables you to continue working on any task at hand, as the Ayo eyewear was created for comfort and does not obstruct your vision. They work so effectively, that you may even forget that they are on your face at all. The unique design of the Ayo Light Therapy frame makes them suitable for anyone, as it is a one-size-fits-all design. The glasses weigh a little over one ounce. The protective travel case enables you to use the glasses at home, at the office. or on trips. You can also easily wear the glasses while wearing contact lenses or prescription glasses, if that is a necessity.
Energy Boost
Many people feel a drop in energy levels sometime in the afternoon. Concentration wanes and you simply do not feel nearly as alert. However, without reaching for another cup of coffee, an energy drink or caffeine pills, you are able to feel rejuvenated by simply wearing the Ayo Light Therapy Glasses for a mere 20 minutes. The glasses can also elevate your mood and provide an energy boost if you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Prevent Jet Lag
Traveling from one time zone to another on a regular basis leaves you feeling out of sorts when trying to adjust to a different country’s time. Studies suggest you can adapt up to three times faster by bringing along and wearing your Ayo glasses. Simply visit the goAyo website and download the app. The program uses algorithms to determine the best time of day for you to wear the eyewear and avoid direct light depending on your travel profile. By doing so, you will minimize the stress on your body, feel awake when necessary, and guarantee that you will get a good night’s sleep.
Adjust Your Sleep Cycle
Employees who work afternoon or night shifts often have difficulty sleeping during the day. But, by wearing the glasses when feeling sluggish, you suppress melatonin levels that naturally enable your body to prepare for bed when your schedule demands. Within three to seven days, you will be able to sleep at the desired time. Best of all, your new and improved sleep will come naturally without any OTC pills or supplements.
Additional Features
The Ayo Glasses come with a wireless charging system, which is built right into the carrying case. The glasses feature rechargeable Li-on batteries that provide up to 10,000 hours of reliable use. The blue lights in the eyewear are perfectly safe and free from infrared or ultraviolet light waves. The downloadable mobile app enables all users to record their daily activities. Get tips on how to alter your lifestyle if needed to be assured of getting sufficient amount of restful sleep.
2. Luminette 2
If you are looking for a more convenient way to get daily light therapy, then Luinette 2 eye wear is an ideal option. The visor-like glasses serve as a completely portable means of treating SAD. At just 17 ounces in weight, the Luminette 2 therapy visor is lightweight and comfortable to wear. The device is approved for reducing the symptoms associated with jet lag, SAD, and draining shift work.
Simply push the little power button on and wear the visor for a mere 20 to 40 minutes a day. Continue doing any other activity while getting the treatment you need. Luminette 2 is designed to provide therapeutic light without obstructing your normal view. The elevated visor can also be worn over contact lenses or glasses without discomfort, as the nose piece easily adjusts for the proper fit.
There are four LED bulbs over each eye on the device, which emit light in one of three adjustable settings. Choose 500, 1,000 or 1,500 lux. The bulbs are chosen to emit white light enhanced with blue light at a wavelength of 468 nm. This particular wavelength was chosen to ensure avoidance of light below levels of 450 nm, which are known to worsen SAD symptoms. The combination of white and blue light has been shown to closely replicate sunlight. Hologram-refractory, mirror lenses beneath each light array ensure the light rays bend and travel to the bottom of each retina.
The My Luminette website also offers an app that users may download to establish a daily use pattern based on your particular condition and desired sleep/wake schedule. It’s important to find the right time and schedule to use these glasses so that you can maximize their effectiveness.
Clinical trials performed by independent laboratories indicated the Luminette 2 visor effectively delivered light intensity to each eye equivalent to sitting in front of a 10,000 lamp. When fully charged, the visor continues providing therapeutic light for a full 10 sessions. The micro-USB cable makes charging easy and convenient. These are easy and approachable light therapy glasses that anyone can use.
3. Pegasi
Anyone experiencing sleep disturbances secondary to jet lag, seasonal affective disorder, shift work or other reasons may find relief after wearing Pegasi Sleep Therapy Glasses. The technology behind the glasses is based on sleep studies performed at Brown University and the John Hopkins Center of Medicine. NASA astronauts use similar systems while assigned to the International Space Station. The Pegasi sleep system has been approved by the FDA and has been used and approved by Shaquille O’Neal and the Miami Heat basketball team amongst many others.
The glasses feature a lensless 13-ounce frame equipped with LED bulbs that emit light in the blue wavelength range. You simply don the glasses and tap the power button twice to trigger the light display.
The lights are positioned in such a way as to shine into the eye and be absorbed by special cells in the retina known as ipRGC. The retina then sends signals to the hypothalamus to inhibit melatonin, which is the chemical compound that regulates the body’s circadian rhythm and sleep/wake cycles. However, approximately 14 to 15 hours after therapy, the hypothalamus releases melatonin, which enables you to feel tired and ready for a night of sleep.
Therapy simply entails wearing the glasses upon awakening in the morning for 20 to 25 minutes. During that time, you can carry on with your normal morning routine, as the glasses do not obstruct your vision. The light emitted is soft and also does not interfere with your field of vision. The frame and specially designed nose piece fit comfortably over prescription glasses for eyeglass wearers.
Some people begin feeling fatigued in the afternoon due to early melatonin production and release. In this case, merely wear the glasses for approximately 10 to 15 minutes to feel rejuvenated until your actual bedtime.
In 98 percent of cases, the Pegasi Sleep Therapy Glasses reverse the effects of Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders and other commonly reported sleep problems.
By downloading the Pegasi app on a mobile device, you are able to record your sleep pattern data and monitor your improvement. The app additionally analyzes your sleep cycles and provides you with the information you need to customize treatment sessions.
Pegasi comes with a lithium battery that reaches full capacity after charging for one hour. A full charge provides you with up to three treatment sessions.
4. ReTimer Gen 2
The ReTimer Generation 2 sleep therapy device resembles something you might imagine in a science fiction movie. The ergonomically-designed white frame almost looks like a pair of goggles without the lens. The bottom of the frame around the nose area is also open. However, there is an adjustable nose piece extending from the top of the frame. This design makes them seem a bit intimidating at first glance, appearing like some sort of incredibly advanced technology that requires a specialized certificate to learn how to operate. Don’t allow yourself to fall into that traps. Despite appearances, these light therapy glasses are every bit as easy to operate as the other options on this list.
Beneath each eye location is two blue/green LED bulbs, which emit light at wavelengths between 450 and 550 nm and 500 lux. The lights are strategically positioned to shine upward into the eyes, which ensures the rays travel to the retinal photoreceptors. The light intensity emitted is also adjustable via the power button on the inside of one of the folding earpieces.
The light therapy device weighs a mere 14 ounces, which is no more than a pair of sunglasses. The lightweight design ensures the device is comfortable to wear for the recommended 30-minute sessions. The phototherapeutic frame is also created to be worn with contact lenses or conventional prescription glasses (they will truly work for anyone in need). The unique, open-frame design prevents obstructed vision. So, you can wear the ReTimer device and carry on with any type of daily activity desired.
The Generation 2 is completely portable and functions via an internal battery. Once charged using the accompanying micro-USB cable, the device continues emitting light for up to four hours. The package also includes a convenient, protective carrying case and a user manual. ReTimer also comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. The website offers a ReTimer app, which enables device owners to calculate the optimal time to wear the device according to their desired sleep/wake schedule.
The ReTimer Generation 2 light therapy device developed as a result of 25 years of research performed by a group of sleep psychologists from Flinders University in Australia. Studies testing the glasses indicated they were as effective as light boxes for treating SAD and other sleep disorders. These glasses may look a little different than competing light therapy glasses, but don’t be distracted by appearances. They are expertly crafted pieces of equipment that were designed and tested by longtime experts in the field. You can trust them.
Great information about the devices! Thank you.
What was the scoring criteria? It would be interesting to know the wavelengths emitted by all the devices or at least how they vary, and whether that is a preset or adjustable setting. Looks as if only the luminette offers 3 different lux settings. It would be interesting to know the significance of varying lux and how that affects the product performance.
ReTimer Gen 2.
14 ounces!!! Really! Thats almost a pound in weight, couldn’t wear 14 ounces on my face for more than a couple of seconds if it would stay on.
HEAVY!!!