LIGHT THERAPY
Meaning
Light therapy sometimes called phototherapy involves
exposing the patient to an artificial
light source during winter months to relieve seasonal depression.The
light source must be very bright, full spectrum light
Mechanism
·
Blood levels of hormone melatonin is high during
certain parts of day. This can be reduced by exposure to light
·
When bright light is presented, body's internal
clock which controls daily rhythm will shift ahead or delayed when stimulated
by light.
·
This physiological time shift may be basis for
therapeutic response.
Process of therapy
·
Simply sitting close to light box, with lights
on and eyes open.
·
Looking at lights is not necessary, can engage
in activities like reading, writing.
·
Session can last from 15 min to 2 hours, usually
one day. Can be split into sessions.
Indications
·
Bulimia
·
Sleep maintenance insomnia
·
Seasonal depression
Contraindications
·
Glaucoma
·
Cataract
·
Use of photosensitizing medications
Nurse's role
The patient is instructed to sit in front of the light at a
distance of about 3 feet, engaging in a variety of other activities, but
glancing directly in to the light every few minutes The duration of
administration is 1-2 hours
COMMENTS