Saga of the light visor:
 

The visor came yesterday. I did not have a chance to study it after work,
so today, I am charging it up. It takes 20-24 hrs for the first charge.

It is really SMALL.
I am off for 3 days, so tomorrow will be the first test. I will try 30 min to
start at the lower 8000 lux reading. Don't want to be bouncing off any walls, now!:trampoline: LOL

Use some suncreen....:D

Hope it works brilliantly

Great Mrs. D
 

I'm watching this one. Finally figured out how to get the computer working. :D

Billye

glad you fixed your computer issue, Billye.
 

First treatment (I am doing this first thing in the morning) for 1/2 hr. It has a
timer, so goes off automatically.

The lights are very "stunning", bright, and peculiar. They are greenish, so the computer screen becomes pink. I did not have any after image issues (there is a warning that severe after images indicate you should see an eye doctor).

However I felt rather uncomfortable, a little headachey, and a bit nauseous at first. It has been 10 minutes off the light, and those feelings have gone away.
I am going to do 8000 level for 1/2 hour all this week. I hope to see some
improvements in my sleep addiction (I have been sleeping an awful lot lately), by then. At this point I cannot imagine doing 12,000 to start with! Also they do not interfere with my glasses at all..that was something I wondered about.

But they are green and somewhat weird. My husband suggests laughingly I should go out at night and walk...he thinks people will stare, and think I am an alien or the equiv. LOLOL http://bestsmileys.com/aliens/2.gif

The unit itself when attached to the brim of the visor, is very light weight, and you really cannot feel it.

Questions?
 

Do you keep your eyes open during this treatment?

Dumb question I know..

Billye

Try shorter into's?
 

I mean, if you're headacey or the like now.... why not slow down the intro to progression phase?

Hugs and good positive thoughts about it all! Who knows? Quirky CAN work at times! - j

UMM Silly Question?
 

Are your glass lenses 'coated' in any way? Mite be worth a phone call or 3 to ask, find out and then see....? - j

no.. but they are transition type ..
 

The lenses did not darken. There is no UV emitted from this light source.

It was just BRIGHT...and first thing in the morning, BRIGHT is not so
comfortable. The 30 min went by quickly, however.

And yes, you do keep your eyes open!:yikes:

One is supposed to move the eyes around at times so all of the retina
gets exposed. There are melatonin receptors in the retina that respond to
light, and these are the main target.

I think those terrible shifts I did in late fall, the very late night ones, set me
up this winter for the major doldrums. I always get somewhat less active in winter, but this year it was much worse. And I finally had to refuse those
shifts at my job... I just think they blew my rhythms to smithereens!
Working some late nights, getting to bed at 3am, and then suddenly shifting to 8am shifts...blech blech... I guess I am just too old for this.:o

Well Phooie!
 

I can't leave my eyes open in bright sunlight or light without sunglasses and sometimes sunglasses and a visor. My eyes are too photosensitive now. Not much I can do about it either. Guess this will keep me from even considering one of these.:cool:

Thanks for posting tho.

Billye

today went better...
 

The brightness was not so overwhelming. It was also lighter in the room,
since I slept later.

I think it seems really bright in lower light conditions.

I feel more awake today, and have not even had breakfast yet!

You know, Billye, there are light boxes to put on the table etc that work too.
The visor type is just newer and more "personal" and flexible, and very portable.

http://www.apollolight.com/new_conte...ad_lights.html

This is the newest version... I almost bought IT.
http://www.apollolight.com/golite_m2.html

There is even one version of the GoLite at Costco online!

The visor light does not have any UV in it (like outdoor light does). And I don't feel anything in my eyes really. But yesterday it seemed to be bright-- you know that sinus bright feeling? Today I didn't have that, at all. No nausea either.

You know? I had....
 

'secretly' considered such devices...but I, too, have light sensitivity issues... been affected by 'light blindness' going from dark to light or reverse situations forever....Basically too cheap to try as the research 'odds' were lower than I would have liked... BUT, this winter, those 'doldrums' were having me really consider a 'tanning salon' if only for the supposed high?

HEY! It's a seemingly low cost solution, and claims/seems to do wonders for self-image...I'm not proud...I'll take any fuzzies in any quarters I can get! Beats DRUGS! We All know what they are and DO!

I've had an Ott lite that I've lived under for a few years...Somehow...I can't help but feel like I should be a HEALTHY plant? Good thing no fungus has developed?

Pain free moments any which way we can get them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - j

Thanks for the info
 

Thanks Mrs D,
I'll put one of these on my list for the Valentine Gift. :D

I think it might benefit my husband as well as myself and maybe if the light wasn't just centered over my eyes it wouldn't bother my eyes so much. Sure wish I could try one to see before I buy tho.

Billye

day 3... getting better! :-)
 

Yesterday was the first day in several weeks, that I did not need a nap.
I also stayed awake until 11pm! (instead of going to bed around 9pm)
on my day off.

Today will be a work day... a good test to see how my stamina really is.
It is a night shift too. Sunday I have a day shift..another good test.

This day/night shift work is what seems to be messing me up. (in the past I have tried to keep my shifts more stable..all days or all nights) I can't control that factor now, at this job the same way.

I am also having somewhat less pain in my neck and head. I've had a low grade headache neckache for several weeks too.

I didn't expect any effects until after a week at least. So now I am going to
have to guard against being TOO energized, I guess!:rolleyes:

I suppose...
 

you should write on the palm of your hand: Pace Yourself. ???

Something that actually works...worth a double think on my part -

Pain free moments and may they become more frequent - j

day 4--- amazing!
 

Well, people at work, remarked on my changed mental state (said I looked better)... And 3 of them
want to try the visor, or at least see it. So I am taking it in on Sunday.

I won't be there much more, so it is sort of "now or never" for them.

I got thru my work night with less fatigue/pain. So it is working. My driving was
better too.

It was such a slow decline, I could kick myself for letting it sneak up on
me this way. I am sure now, that this job triggered it. So even tho I feel
better, I have to let the job go (I might do a few weekends here or there),
since it is so unhealthy at that place, as there are other stressors too to consider.

Mrs. D. About 20 years ago, Alan and I went to a health fair in New York City. We stopped at one of the booths and they had these glasses with green lights (at least I think they were green), I think they changed color.

You could change the intensity on them. Now I have absolutely no idea why they were invented, what they were supposed to do etc, after all I'm almost 60 and completely senile at times.

But I will never forget what happened when I put the glasses on. You put them on for 5 minutes. I think I lasted 2 minutes.

I DID NOT LIKE IT ONE BIT. I took them off and said out loud. This is not for me, no thank you. What on earth were these glasses supposed to do? I wish i could remember.


Also, at the same health fair they had this table that, when you lay down flat on it, the table had a mechanism that rolled slowly up and down your back (really hard) giving you some kind of deep tissue massage. I did not know I had scoliosis at the time. Well, I got off that table so fast you would not believe it. From that time, I never liked anything going up and down my upper back. Maybe because it was too hard.

Now, if I go for a pedicure, and I sit in their chairs, they know not to push a button which turns the back of the chair into the same kind of massage thing, that rolls up and down my back. I say "do not put this thing on, I can't stand it".

Now you could put Alan on these tables and chairs and the man would be in heaven. Me, don't come near me with anything that rolls up and down my back.

I have no idea why I didn't like the glasses (they gave me a headache, that much I remember), they hurt my eyes, (that I do remember).

Maybe I didn't do it right, and perhaps 20 years later, they have improved on the technique??????

Melody

another kind of "light"...
 

There is another kind of "light" therapy... It has to do with color.
Chiros typically use that type.
I have heard of this, but don't know much about it:
http://www.colourtherapyhealing.com/

These SAD light visors were designed to provide light in the proper wavelength,
and with NO UV...and at certain strength (LUX) to stimulate the receptors
in the retina for melatonin. This resets your biological clock. The one I have was made by Physician Engineered Products (designed by doctors).

You know I used to use BlueBlocker sunglasses.. they turn everything orange.
Now those were weird, but they really helped with glare, and they sharpened
images while driving. Really nearsighted people, like having the blue removed.
Now I use Eagle Eyes type, and the color distortion is less. I have to drive ALOT...so I don't like arriving at work, to a visual task job, tired already!

I have not had any problems with the weird green, since the first day. The first day was a "shock" I have to admit.

Also I bumped up my B-complex to 100mg 3 times a week, in addition to
my P-5-P once a day. You need the B's for making neurotransmitters, esp
B6. This I am sure is helping with rapid responses. Perhaps it would be slower without the vitamins. (there is no mention of vitamin support in the directions---I thought that up myself).

The green does set off a complimentary pink reaction, so when wearing the visor, white fields look pinkish. But you know, the 1/2 hr goes by really
quickly...I just log on here, and poof...they shut off in no time!
The horrible stiff neck/upper back I was having, seems to be melting away as well...this low grade pain was very wearing for me..and discouraging.

This being old all of a sudden is a bummer... truly a bummer!:Crazy 2:
At least my sense of humor is returning! :Dancing-Chilli:
And my husband OFFERED to come with me shopping and then go to
a nice gourmet lunch too...how rare is that? Help me shop? :thud:

Great stuff
 

Mrs. D,
This light visor is really a great thing for you I'm thinking! Also the getting rid of the horrible job is another great thing. You are going to feel so much better. Thanks so much for all the info on this visor.

Billye

hehehe mrsd...maybe hubby is getting some cast off glow from you visor. :D

did you buy it on the internet? if so...could you pm me the link? i really like that idea of the visor. and for freaking out my neighbors on nightly walks. :p jk.

i have looked into the light boxes. i think they would really help my mom.

duh?
 

I thought I put the link on here? :Doh: didn't I?

Maybe it is on the depression forum?

Anyway, I don't see any harm in putting it here...

http://www.feelbrightlight.com/Feel_...ight.48.0.html

It has a 30 day no questions asked guarantee which I saw on a forum that
a fellow posted that he used. You can send it back.

This and the Apollo lights were the most favorable, with positive responses, in
my searches.

I was using the B-complex anyway...so I know that wasn't the main factor.
Only I am not sure the speed of my response is not totally due to the combined vitamin use. I have a B-100 I got at Puritan's a short time ago...it was a nice formula ( and not expensive) but rather strong for me. So I don't use it everyday.

Right now, it is the pain relief that is surprising for me.
You know it is frightfully cold, here, and dark most of the day. This is really bad for pain issues. I've had a low grade headache and neck ache for a month now.... blech blech.

The visor does turn you green however..but for 1/2 hr a day...who cares? (my husband got a kick out of teasing me about this) LOL
I am doing it first thing in the morning. But if you consult the Apollo site I put up here earlier there are "tests" to take to determine your problems.
I can't vouch for them, however.

I read about the visors in this book --Beyond Prozac by Dr. Michael Norden MD
This book had a whole chapter on light therapy.
I picked it up last spring at a library book sale for a whopping 50 cents:wink:
There are other very good ideas in that book as well, if you want to buy if off Amazon...lots of used book sellers there.-- I can't recommend it enough.

I am very leary of anti-depressant drugs...I know too much, I guess about them. I have seen years of consequences regarding them..etc., sadly.

really enjoying following this mrsD

and how cool to see you :Dancing-Chilli:

:D

Mrsd do you think someone with Lupus can use that light therapy?

most can use it..
 

except for people with retinal diseases..

The only warning regarding the eyes, is that if you see alot of after images
when using, you should consult a doctor.

If you use Plaquenil for lupus, it might be a good idea to ask your eye doctor
if the light visors are safe for you. If you have other visual pathologies, it would be a good idea to clear it with your doctor as well. There is a 30 day
no questions asked return policy. You could take the visor to the doctor even...I don't expect many doctors to be familiar with them at all.

There is no UV emitted from these lights. They have been designed to
be easy on the eyes. But everyone is different.

Today, is day 5... and I have much less pain, and more stamina (at work). I am not sleeping as much (I was really having hypersomnia)...but I am having some very
unusual dreams, esp last night. I have alot of chronic pain, from my feet, knees, injured left leg and lately stiff neck/headaches. These are very
minimal today. I did not expect the pain reductions at all.

I am wondering if I will hit a plateau, and start to slip back. That is what happened with SAMe, until I reached 600mg/day.

One thing you need to monitor is mood enhancement. Over stimulation
with light can cause hypomania or mania in bipolar patients. Some people may
have bipolar tendencies, so starting slowly, each day is best.

Oh, and my "carb" cravings are going down. I always crave carbs in the winter!:rolleyes:

Thank you mrsD :)

you're Welcome...
 

Now I notice definite sleeping changes.

I am still doing 1/2 hr at the lower 8000 Lux setting, first thing in the
morning.

The past two days, I've noticed a big change in my sleeping.

Prior to the light experiment...I was falling asleep very easily..say with
reading, or attempting a nap. And HOW I felt before the light, and now,
are different somehow. Before--- I'd sink into a big well, sort of like falling.
And waking up was like clawing out of the well.

Now I seem to just lie there and one minute I am awake, then next, poof,
asleep! When I wake up I am just awake, no sensation of "trying" to wake up.

The dreaming is still there. I was having very lucid intense dreams before, like TV/movies. Now the dreaming is more objective, less intense, farther away psychologically somehow. I am not bringing the "dream" into my day, in the same way as before. So I am starting to wonder if I was stuck in REM too much before. And now I am going thru the stages more effectively, and that is why the pain issues are better? (this is like the issues Fibro people experience).

And I am still waiting for that "plateau"... there is ALWAYS a biological plateau...I just don't know when it will arrive! :p

Your LIGHT adventures...
 

are soo encouraging Mrs D., I am sure you didn't just JUMP in and try such a 'therapy' without a whole lot of thought and re-thought.

It's the type of thing I, right now am beginning to consider, consider, then consider....as, my pseudo 'non-aura' migraine has returned in the last few days...I'm really beginning to see a pattern in that it starts just as 'days are darkest' and then change. IF such a light 'enhancer', for lack of better phrasing could help reduce the stress such peculiar events result in...well. I'm willing to try, and share to almost anyone in my 'urbs' region. No need to be stingy w/this stuff as you don't really use it 24/7/365.

Also, normal wake/sleep/dream patterns sure would be nice to encounter now and then! I've realized LIGHT: it's types and quantities do play a number on our now sort of 'interior-ized' lives, but just reading your blow-by-blow reactions, is well...really getting/hitting home! And, here, I've always blamed the wake/sleep/dream stuff on the MEDS! Could be a horse of a totally different color!

For the meantime, Mrs. D., Brave Person: :You-Rock: ! - j

almost two weeks....
 

I am hitting a plateau...as I expected.

The mood/pain relief results are remaining stable, but my sleeping is
going back to the hypersomnia.

So yesterday, I did the light in the afternoon instead. Still at 8000 lux (the
lower setting).

I did sleep thru the night well with the afternoon time. So I am going to
keep it at this time to see what happens. (I was waking up in the night, and doing naps during the day).

It is amazing how the pain levels have dropped tho. Esp the neck/headache that was becoming chronic for me. I've been getting out more, even in this bitter
weather, and doing more. So I am pleased with that. My leg is better too, and I am walking better.

All in all I am quite pleased! :winner_first_h4h:

2 weeks plus...
 

Still doing 1/2 hr at 8000 lux ...

I skipped one day, when had a brief hyper reaction (maybe too much coffee that day--2 cups instead of 1 typically)...but I skipped the following day,
when I had trouble sleeping the night before.

My excessive sleeping is really going down, now. No naps needed anymore.
I am reading more and more engaged in general (I couldn't even read recreationally before).

My headache/neck pain is still gone. I am still taking the B-complex.

One thing that is interesting, is my appetite is really up... gotta watch that!

All in all my symptoms of "depression" are going away. And I am more stable on a day to day basis than when I started. I still have some leg pain...but it does not really intrude much.

I don't intend to increase the light strength or time period of 1/2 hr at this
point. I am very satisified so far:)

Wonderful!
 

Mrs. D..this is such good news to hear. Maybe you were dealing with some fibro pain and the better quality sleep has helped the pain issues. I know fibro is miserable, I have some of this now and you absolutely hurt all over. Glad this is working for you and I really like reading this thread.

Billye

yes, Billye...
 

I think you are right. I don't know if "fibro" is the correct word tho.

There are studies showing that growth hormone requires certain sleep patterns in order to repair the body:
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/art...?artid=1188300

I know there is a theory that poor sleep leads to more pain.
So here is the Wikipedia entry on sleep and growth hormone:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep

I know my job stresses the neck/back of the head and eyes for me. So if they
were not getting restorative sleep.. that is why I felt so badly?

Definitely agree with those articles
 

I have had Fibro for many, many years. It actually went into remission shortly after the surgery. I'm not sure why. But I was free of that miserable stuff until we got to Mayo. And I have had it ever since. The only thing I can think of for the return of the disease is the stress and lack of sleep. I have been told many many times by my old doctor that quality sleep is the only way you can get rid of or keep ahead of fibro pain and perhaps that pertains to all pain.

Billye

I am sooo near to ....
 

ordering one of your 'lights' I'm almost vibrating? Cautious me, tho, I'm gonna 'sleep on it' one more night. Then GO for IT!

Some stuff is touchy-feely or hocus-pocus, and it either works or not...For Some. Like meds, some things take a 'while' to work. I am soo glad you've stuck it out and am finding any sort of relief!

NO matter how strange, there are things out there that can help us...it's all a trial-and-error approach, but your documentation HERE is to me, AMAZING?

Those 'plateaus' tho, aren't they a bit well, frustrating? How do you assess/determine when you are at that 'point'?

Hugs good person! - j

don't feel bad ..j...
 

It took me weeks to take the plunge.

My biggest concern was tipping into mania...because light therapy can do that to people. But that takes time, so I felt I could catch myself before it was
"too late" :rolleyes:

My feelings are very much seasonal too. I can't really extrapolate to someone
who is really clinically depressed compared to SAD people.

In the end, the guarantee (30 day no questions asked) did it for me.

But just to reset sleeping patterns, so your body can take over and help with healing...that is something this light is good for. This was my biggest and very obvious problem!

To me it is a better solution than oral drugs.

I hit a sleep plateau after the first week or so. But the excess sleeping has really been improved now. I would guess that it takes time to biochemically
change things. Especially when systems are sluggish or not used to functioning. I also think B6 is very critical for it all to work, since B6 is required for serotonin manufacture.
Here is a LEF article:
http://www.lef.org/protocols/emotion...isorder_01.htm

I am not trying to "sell" the light therapy...but I think some people could
benefit. You sort of have to "feel" it is right for you.

I guess it is time for an update: <wink>
 

The light visor has been a wonderful success.

Now I am very stable day to day.. I have not increased the intensity of the light or duration. I am still at 8000 lux for 1/2 hr in the early morning.

I have skipped a few days, here and there but not many (maybe 5 altogether).

I am no longer sleeping excessively, and no longer taking long naps. Many days I have no nap at all now. My pain, esp head/neck is enormously better. And my stamina is improved. I don't feel "ill" or tired anymore. I am also not hyper either, which was a worry of mine. I am not consuming caffeine to stay awake anymore, and have dropped coffee altogether and just have tea once in the morning. I have one Green tea at work, with lunch.

I have changed my work schedule (with much difficulty) so that I do not
work past 8pm. This is helping too, I believe.

During the adjustment phase, there were subjective feelings..of being a bit hyper. But they have passed. Right now I am much calmer than I have felt in a long time. I am thinking now that I was depressed for a LONG time, and only felt somewhat normal in the summer. This problem seemed to increase with aging..this year being the bottom of the barrel, so to speak.

I am still taking my Formula 100 Bcomplex with other vits...4 times a week.
It seems to help level me out.

All in all, I'd rate this experiment with light therapy a resounding success!
I am now starting back into my art work...which I have not been able to do when tired. I now seem to be getting my creative self back! ;)

Thanks for the Update
 

I was wondering how this experiment of yours was doing! Glad to hear all is much better. I know all about the depression of winter/aging/not feeling well.

Spring had sprung here in Toledo, at least for a couple of days with highs in the upper 70's. Of course, it could not stay - today barely 50 and NO SUN.

Stay better, friend. :Good-Luck:

Wonderful news
 

Mrs D,
This is all such wonderful news. I was wondering also, how the experiment was going. Hated to bug you tho. :winky:

I'll be looking into one of these things in the future.

Billye

so i went to that site and the price is $199. is this how much u paid for it mrsD? I was wondering cuz it seems a bit expensive. another question is when did u use it? u said in the morning so im gonna assume thats when u used it since most people suggest using it when u first get up, to adjust ur sleep/wake cycle.

regarding your questions...
 

I did not think the price was too high. The Apollo lights which are less convenient are about the same. $199 is about 6 copays for me, if I were to have an antidepressant prescribed by a doctor. I wanted to avoid that at all costs, I don't think they would agree with me in general. That option is LAST in my book. I would be interested in the new NK family that is being developed, but they are at least 2 yrs away.

I used it daily for 1/2 hr first thing in the morning. In late May I started skipping days, and if I felt
"it" creeping back I used it for 1 hr every few days or so. For much of the spring it was still dark out in the early morning. I used to work 7am-3:30..so was up around 4:30am. There is a site by Apollo lights with a questionaire, to help you determine when and for how long to use light stimulation.
http://www.apollolight.com/apps/circ_assess_survey.html

I did not take it on vacation, since we sit outdoors except when it rains.
I never feel SAD on vacation.

I haven't started it up yet, but I think, I will in early Oct...that is when I started to go downhill last year.

This visor has a 30 day no questions asked guarantee...so I liked that. If it didn't work for me I was going to send it back.
It now came with a card, saying it is guaranteed for life, if the rechargable battery malfunctions, it will be replaced. Can't beat that.

Using light however, can put bipolars into mania..so anyone who thinks they might be an undiagnosed bipolar (has had mood swings) should be careful.

Question about the light visor
 

Hi Mrs. D.

Many years ago, Alan and I went to a health fair in New York City. This was about 15 years ago.
There were massage tables, pyramids to put on your head. There were organic food tables. And the whole place was all about green tea extracts, spirulina shakes, potions, green algae, etc. etc.

and then there was the light visor thing.

I will never forget it. I had never seen such a device (I am trying to ascertain as to whether this device is similar to your light visor thingee).

Okay, here's what happened. There was a booth at this health fair and the guy was holding some kind of visor thing that you put up to your eyes. There were red lights and green lights. He told me to put it up to my eyes for a bit and see how I felt. I DID NOT LIKE HOW I FELT while I was doing it.

It made me extremely uncomfortable and the lights bothered my eyes. I immediately took it off and told the guy "I do not like this". The guy seemed surprised and told me "but everybody else says they like it". I was turned off by the whole experience.

Now this is just ME we are talking about. I have no idea about anyone else's experience with this gadget because I didn't stick around.

It look like a big pair of goggles, it was black, you put it on and you wore it on your face.


Is this anything like your light visor thingee???

Thanks,
Melody

Nope....
 

Well, Mel, there are many greedy people who'd like to cash in on a new thing.

My visor is a visor cap (a baseball cap with an open top), with a tiny 2x4 inch attachable plastic thing...
go to the site to see it... that delivers light at certain LUX (strength) that is blue/green and UV removed...to stimulate just the melatonin receptors in the retina.

No color therapy. The wavelength is chosen for safety and response.
My husband however thinks it is "funny" and wants me to walk around the neighborhood with it and spook everyone! I choose to just work on the computer as usual, just wearing it. It tends to make white areas pink because of the blue/green wavelength but it is not for anything else.

The color people (some are chiropractors) make other "claims" about it.

If you google "light therapy depression" you will see that it is very different.

There are no goggles...it is just a regular visor cap. The lights are on the back of the thing that is inside the rim... Go to the website at the beginning of this thread and look at it. It is simple, small, etc. Just makes you look a bit green to observers! LOL
It looks like the simple visors people wear when they exercise...or play poker! LOL