What Are the Dangers of Bright Light Therapy?

By mimicking natural, outdoor light, bright light therapy resets your body's circadian rhythms and treats sleeplessness, jet lag and seasonal depression. Although it often is effective, bright light therapy is not without its dangers.

Significance

• Bright light therapy has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Nonetheless, many mental health providers consider it the principal treatment for seasonal depression, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Effects

• Bright light therapy can damage your skin and eyes. However, most effects of bright light therapy, such as eye soreness and headaches, are mild.

Considerations

• Some medications make your skin sensitive to light, especially bright light. These medications include benzoyl peroxide for acne, diphenhydramine for allergies and amoxapine for depression.

Warning

• Eye therapy can cause mania if you have bipolar disorder and suicidal thoughts if you have severe depression. Check with your doctor before starting bright light therapy.

Expert Insight

• The Mayo Clinic advises you to monitor your conditions carefully while on bright light therapy. If your conditions worsen, contact your doctor.