Light Therapy as Treatment

for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Is it Safe to Use With Diabetes?

Light therapy (also called phototherapy) is a first-line treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, it is generally contraindicated for people with diabetes. Let's see why.

What Is Light Therapy?

Light therapy is a type of treatment that uses light. It is reported to be effective in 60% of people with SAD1. It consists of a pre-determined exposure time to white light emitted by a lamp specifically designed for this purpose. White light is a type of light that contains the full visible spectrum, excluding ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Exposure to this light regulates biological rhythms and the production of hormones that stabilize mood and the sleep-wake cycle.

Is It Compatible With Diabetes?

Light therapy is not recommended for people with diabetes, with or without eye problems, as the effects of exposure to bright white light are not yet well understood in people with diabetes, including those with diabetic retinopathy. Manufacturers therefore warn users about the known potentially harmful effects of light. In fact, prolonged or intense exposure to certain blue light wavelengths, contained within the visible spectrum of white light, could be damaging to the eye. However, there are currently no studies on the adverse effects of light therapy lamps on the eyes. It is important to know that light therapy is contraindicated for people using photosensitizing medication.

If you experience seasonal affective disorder, talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about other options. If you still want to give light therapy a try, consult your optometrist before starting treatment and follow up regularly throughout treatment to ensure that light therapy is not negatively affecting your eye health.

Watch Out!

Some companies promote light therapy for treatment of diabetic retinopathy. To date, science has not proven that light therapy can treat this complication of diabetes.

We would like to thank Dr. Marie-Carole Boucher, ophthalmologist, retina specialist, and researcher at the Université de Montréal university ophthalmology centre, and Dr. Langis Michaud, optometrist, full professor, and director of the School of Optometry at the Université de Montréal, for the information they have generously provided on this topic, as well as the contribution of their work on the eye and its diseases and treatments.

Marilyne Richard, M.Sc. in Nursing Nurse Clinician Diabetes Québec

Questions about diabetes?

Diabetes Québec offers the free InfoDiabetes service (available in French and English) to people living with diabetes, loved ones and healthcare professionals.

Our health professionals answer questions by phone, email, or chat.

514 259-3422 or 1 800 361-3504 infodiabete@diabete.qc.ca diabete.qc.ca