The Lucimed Luminette Light Therapy Glasses are an effective and portable solution for combating symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). They are ideal for individuals who want to integrate light therapy into their morning routine without being tethered to a stationary light box. Their portability and ease of use make them a practical choice for daily light therapy.
Lucimed is a company that manufactures light therapy glasses, specifically known as the Luminette. Light therapy glasses are designed to expose the eyes to a certain spectrum of light that can help regulate the body’s internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. They are primarily used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other conditions related to irregularities in the circadian rhythm. Here’s an overview of Lucimed’s light therapy glasses and their uses:
Design and Functionality:
- The Luminette glasses by Lucimed have a unique design that allows the user to receive light therapy while still being able to go about their daily tasks. The light shines downward, mimicking the natural position of the sun.
- The glasses have different intensity levels, allowing users to adjust based on their needs and comfort.
Uses:
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): As the name suggests, SAD is a type of depression that is related to changes in the seasons. It usually begins and ends at the same times every year. Light therapy can help by simulating the sunlight that some people miss during the shorter days of winter.
- Jet Lag: Travelers moving across time zones might experience jet lag. Light therapy can help reset their internal clock faster.
- Shift Work: For those who work irregular hours, especially night shifts, light therapy can help regulate their sleep patterns.
- Sleep Disorders: Certain sleep disorders related to circadian rhythm can be improved with light therapy.
Benefits:
- Portable and Convenient: Unlike traditional light boxes, these glasses are wearable and hands-free, making it convenient for users.
- Safe: The light emitted is UV-free, so it’s safe for the eyes. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with an eye specialist if there are concerns.
How to Use:
- The glasses should be used in the morning to help reset the internal clock. Depending on the intensity and the individual’s needs, sessions can last between 20 to 45 minutes.
- Users should keep their eyes open and can go about their daily routine like reading, working on a computer, or having breakfast.
Precautions:
- While the Luminette glasses are generally safe, users with certain eye conditions or who are taking specific medications that make them sensitive to light should consult with a healthcare provider before using.
- The glasses should not be used in the evening close to bedtime as they can interfere with sleep.
It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional when considering light therapy or any other treatments to ensure it’s a good fit for individual needs and conditions.
If you have SAD (seasonal affective disorder) or just crave sunlight in the depths of winter, you’re not alone. An effective way to combat the symptoms of SAD is through light therapy. Sitting in front of a full spectrum light when you wake up has been shown to alleviate some of the symptoms of SAD because it simulates day light and can help reset your circadian rhythm. A new company called Luminette has a portable light therapy solution that in my opinion is one of the best in the market.
According to the Mayo Clinic, these are the following symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder:
- Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Having low energy
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Having problems with sleeping
- Experiencing changes in your appetite or weight
- Feeling sluggish or agitated
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Having frequent thoughts of death or suicideThe Mayo Clinic has further broken down SAD symptoms by particular season as it doesn’t just occur in the Winter. Below are the particular symptoms for SAD during the Fall and Winter months:
- Irritability
- Tiredness or low energy
- Problems getting along with other people
- Hypersensitivity to rejection
- Heavy, “leaden” feeling in the arms or legs
- Oversleeping
- Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
- Weight gainSpring and Summer Seasonal Affective disorder is associated with the following symptoms:
- Depression
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Agitation or anxiety
I recently received a set of Lucimed Luminette light therapy glasses to help combat the symptoms of SAD. I received them in January and they couldn’t have come at a better time as we are now in the depths of winter in Minnesota and there is very little daylight.
I have reviewed other light therapy glasses in the past and really like the concept of them as glasses as opposed to a light because it frees you up to do other tasks around the house instead of being tied to a particular location.
Below is a video unboxing of the Luminette glasses.
Here’s what you get with the glasses. A nice carrying case to protect them from getting damaged, the glasses themselves, a micro usb cable and charger as well as a microfiber cloth cleaner.
Here’s another shot on my dining room table.
To charge the glasses you just plug the micro usb cable directly into the back of the glasses then to an outlet with the included charger.
Here’s a close up shot of the connection and the lights.
Below is a picture of the glasses turned on. As you can see there is a mirror on the glasses that reflect the light. There is a thin piece of plastic film that protects the mirror which you can remove, just make sure you don’t remove the mirror itself.
Specifications
Here are the details of the glasses according to their Amazon listing:
Findings
So how did the Luminette glasses work? They are easy to operate and effective for me too! I keep them by my nightstand so that I can put them on in the morning. I make sure to charge them every night but if I skip a day it doesn’t matter as the battery will last. I like that I can go about my tasks in the morning without having to be parked near a dedicated light. You don’t need to wear them for long. About 20-30 minutes is plenty to get you the benefits. I also appreciate the space saving aspect. They fit in my nightstand and don’t stand out like a normal light therapy lamp would.
Living so far north in Minneapolis, we experience not only extremes in temperatures but also in daylight. People really slow down over the winter months and it’s hard to find the energy to get outside or even visit friends. During the summer months it’s the opposite where everyone is out and we maximize our daylight.
Having the luminette at the ready helps even out the ups and downs that the seasons in Minnesota bring.
You can try out the Luminette to see if it is right for you via their rental program. You can rent the glasses for a month for $39. If you decide you don’t like them you can let the company know and they will allow you to ship it back to them. If you decide you like them and want to keep them, you just pay the cost of the glasses minus the $39 you already paid for the rental.
The Luminette glasses can be purchased on Amazon and retail for $199. Expect to get many years of use out of these glasses and keep them in mind as the season change to keep you on an even keel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lucimed Luminette Light Therapy Glasses
Is the Lucimed Luminette Light Therapy Glasses worth it for combating SAD?
Yes, the article suggests the Lucimed Luminette Light Therapy Glasses are an effective and convenient solution for combating symptoms of SAD due to their portability and ability to free up the user to do other tasks while receiving light therapy. The reviewer found them particularly timely and useful during the winter months when natural daylight is scarce.
Who are the Luminette light therapy glasses best for?
The Luminette light therapy glasses are best for individuals who are active in the morning and do not have time to sit in front of a traditional light therapy box. Their design allows users to wear them while continuing with their daily routines, making them ideal for those with busy schedules.
How do the Luminette glasses compare to traditional light therapy lamps?
The Luminette glasses offer a significant advantage over traditional light therapy lamps by allowing users to move freely instead of being tied to a specific location. An independent clinical trial has shown the Luminette, with its blue-enriched white light across 3 intensities, to be equivalent to a 10,000 lux lamp, providing comparable therapeutic benefits in a more portable format.
What are the downsides of the Lucimed Luminette Light Therapy Glasses?
The article does not specifically detail downsides, but it does mention that charging requires a micro USB cable and an outlet. One could infer that some users might find the need to remember to charge them a minor inconvenience.
Can I use the Luminette glasses if I wear prescription glasses?
Yes, Luminette glasses are designed to be used comfortably by individuals who wear prescription glasses or contact lenses without impacting their vision or comfort. This feature enhances their accessibility for a wider range of users seeking light therapy.
Where can I try light therapy products in person, like the Luminette glasses?
While the article focuses on the Luminette glasses as a review, potential customers in the San Diego area might look for light therapy solutions at retailers like Yawnder, which has a showroom in Encinitas, CA, though specifics about Luminette availability would need to be confirmed directly with the store.
Want to test this in person? Visit our Encinitas showroom or call 858-232-5760.