| Welcome to the CLA website, The CLA is the international association
of manufacturers who supply lights for 'circadian' applications
including SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and improving winter mood. The association was formed in 1993
with the aim of ensuring that the industry was well run and that
customers could feel confident in the products and services of all
CLA companies.
The Circadian Lighting association Code of Practice includes
the following:
- Customer trials. CLA companies offer 30 day a no-questions-asked
refund policy so that customers have time to determine for themselves
that the product is helpful to them.
- Intensity claims. CLA companies will submit products
to independent labs for intensity and UV measurements using
a standardized measurement procedure.
- Safety and quality procedures. CLA members follow relevant
safety and quality regulations and requirements.
News and concerns
Blue light
CLA companies believe it is premature and possibly unsafe to recommend monochromatic blue light therapy devices. Moreover, there is no need to take unnecessary risks, especially since blue light has not proven more effective for SAD treatment than more natural, broad spectrum white light. As Dr. Norman Rosenthal notes in his trail-blazing book 'Winter Blues' (2006 Edition):
"At the writing of this book, there is not one published study on the effctiveness of blue light for treating SAD. Nor is there a long track record of safety. On the contrary, there is long-standing concern about potential toxicity of blue light to the eyes. the bottom-line answer is, at this time stay with convential white-light fixtures."
Drs. Michael Terman and Jiuan Su Terman reach similar conclusions in a review article Ocular Safety, in CMS Spectrums (August 2005):
"Potentially damaging wavelengths above the UV range extend into the visible range up to 500nm (blue light). Alarmingly, one already sees manufacturers promoting blue light without considering that the interaction of blue with longer wavelengths in the white-light spectrum may be important both for efficacy and safety. At present, we recommend maintaining broad-spectrum white illumination."
20 minute treatment times
The CLA has noticed that claims
have begun to appear regarding 20 minute treatment times
for 15,000 lux lightboxes. We are not aware of any substantiating
research and therefore assume that this figure is a simple extrapolation
from the 30 minutes/10,000 lux accepted industry standard. Without
further research to show this shorter treatment time is equally
effective, we feel such claims are misleading and unjustified
and we do not support the marketing of products in this manner.
Choosing the right light therapy product
As interest in the field of light therapy has grown, so has the
industry that supplies specialty lighting products. There are
now more products to choose from than ever. Finding the right
product for you can get confusing, but it isn't that hard to master
if you shop carefully and follow some basic buying guidelines.
Which product is best?
No single product is best for everyone, so carefully consider your
own needs and the advantages of each product to decide which is
best for you. Start by learning about the four basic lighting technology
categories that are available today:
Bright lights - Light boxes are rectangular fixtures that house
several fluorescent tubes. They have been around for about 10 years
and have proven very effective. Light boxes come in different sizes
and styles. Most experts feel that a 10,000 lux box is best, but
smaller 5,000 lux light boxes can work too, although they require
more time to be beneficial.
The light visor is a head-mounted light source
that looks something like a tennis visor. The visor is designed
to give people mobility during light sessions and portability for
travel situations. The visor has been on the market for 6 years,
and has also proven very effective for many people. Because of its
efficient design, it requires only 3,000 lux to produce benefits
comparable to a 10,000 lux light box.
Dawn simulators- Dawn simulators, the newest light
technology, mimic a natural sun rise, gradually brightening a room
over a set period of time. Some can also produce an artificial sunset.
They appear to help people wake up more easily in the winter, and
studies indicate that they may have therapeutic value as well. Many
people use them as a supplement to a bright light program.
Each technology has pros and cons that you need to evaluate in
the context of your own unique situation. For example, if getting
started in the morning is your main challenge, you may do well
with a dawn simulator. A light box may be best if you like a regular
routine, or would like to use something while you're at a desk or computer. And the visor is a good choice if you need mobility
or you like to travel. Think carefully about your needs and consult
a heath care professional to get guidance on your choice.
Where to buy light therapy products?
It is important to choose a reputable company that can provide a
quality product at a good price, with reliable service over the
long term. Consumers can have confidence in companies who are members
of the industry trade group, the Circadian Lighting Association
(CLA) because all CLA member companies:
Have been in business for at least five years
Offer a 30 day, no-questions-asked money back guarantee
Make products to the highest quality standards, proven by independent
testing
Meet or exceed international safety standards
Support research and patient support organizations
Understand the needs of people who need supplementary light
and care
Buying guidelines
When you are considering buying a light therapy product, do your
home work and ask questions. To learn more about bright light, SAD and
"winter blues", consult a knowledgeable health professional and
get some library books on the topic (Dr. Norman Rosenthal's Winter
Blues is a good place to start). You can also contact the support
group for SAD sufferers, the National Association for Seasonal Affective
Disorder (NOSAD) at www.nosad.org.
When you are ready to start talking to companies, request an information
package and prepare a product comparison worksheet with answers
to some of the following questions:
- Is the company a member of the Circadian Lighting Association?
- What specific products do you recommend for me? (describe
your situation)
- Do you have a 30 day money back guarantee program? (stop
here if the answer is no)
- Does the product filter out UV? (many experts feel UV may
be unsafe)
- Has this product been tested for effectiveness in clinical
trials?
- What is its lux output at what distance? (ask for output
levels at a realistic usage distance, say 50cm or about arm's length)
- Has the product been tested by an independent test facility?
Is it UL approved?
- What is the warranty coverage? (a warranty of at least
one year is a must)
- How big is it? (size and weight)
- How much does it cost? How much for shipping? Cost of replacement
bulbs? Extra costs for accessories etc.?
This information was provided by the Circadian Lighting Association.
For more information about quality lighting products, contact
the Circadian Lighting Association member companies.
Accord,
Tokyo, Japan
+81 3 3299 6752
www.accord-intl.com |
JAPAN |
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Bio-Brite Inc.,
Bethesda, MD, USA
+1 (800) 621-LITE
www.biobrite.com |
USA |
Enviro-Med, Inc.,
Vancouver, WA, USA
+1 (800) 222-DAWN
www.bio-light.com |
USA |
SunBox Co.,
Gaithersburg, MD, USA
+1 (301) 869-5980
www.sunboxco.com |
USA |
Northern Light,
Quebec, Canada
(800)263-0066
www.northernlight-tech.com |
CANADA |
Lumie (formerly Outside In),
Cambridge, UK
+44 (0)1954 780 500
www.lumie.com |
UK & EUROPE |
Other good places to go:
The Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms (research
group) www.sltbr.org
United States National Association for Seasonal Affective Disorder
(NOSAD) www.nosad.org
Updated 26 August 2008
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