What to consider

Here are some questions to think about when buying a light box for seasonal affective disorder:

• Is it made specifically to treat SAD? If not, it may not help your depression. Some light therapy lamps are designed for skin disorders — not for SAD. Lamps used for skin disorders mainly produce ultraviolet (UV) light and could damage your eyes if used incorrectly.
• How bright is it? Light boxes produce different intensities of light. Brighter boxes will require less time to use each day, compared with dimmer boxes, to achieve the same effect. Usually, the recommended intensity of light is 10,000 lux.
• How much UV light does it release? Light boxes for SAD should be designed to filter out most or all UV light. Contact the manufacturer for safety information if you have questions.
• Can it cause eye damage? Some light boxes include features designed to protect the eyes. Make sure the light box filters out most or all UV light to avoid damaging your eyes. Ask your eye specialist for advice on choosing a light box if you have eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts or eye damage from diabetes.
• Is it the style you need? Light boxes come in different shapes and sizes, with varied features. Some look like upright lamps, while others are small and rectangular. Smaller light boxes are more portable and easier to pack if you're traveling during fall and winter. The effectiveness of a light box depends on daily use, so buy one that's convenient for you.
• Can you put it in the right location? Think about where you'll want to place your light box and what you might do during its use, such as reading, doing a craft or watching TV. Check the manufacturer's instructions, so you receive the right amount of light at the proper distance.

Talk to your health care provider about light box options and recommendations, so you get one that's best suited to your needs.