Light boxes are used to view and compare negatives and slides.
Light boxes are used to treat a variety of medical disorders, including seasonal affective disorder, Parkinson's disease and neonatal jaundice. The efficacy of using light boxes as a medical treatment varies. Prescription light therapy may be issued by medical professionals and performed at a hospital. However, if you are using light boxes at home or for photography, consider the intensity of the light and how you want to use the box to determine your best options.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder is a mental health condition in which episodes of depression occur during the winter months due to lack of ambient light, a reduction in body temperature and hormone shifts. Light boxes are often used to treat these seasonal instances of depression by providing ambient light that mimics sunlight in order to improve the effected person's mood. When choosing a light box for treating SAD, the Mayo Clinic recommends selecting light boxes that are specifically for treating that disorder. Consider the intensity of the light and the amount of time you need to spend in front of it when purchasing. For instance, if you want to spend less time in front of the light box, purchase a box that has a higher lux rating.
Other Medical Uses
Therapeutic light boxes are also used to treat certain medical conditions, such as acne, chronic circadian rhythm sleep disorders, neonatal jaundice and Parkinson's disease. The way light boxes help treat these disorders varies based on the condition. For instance, neonatal jaundice is treated by exposing the infant to blue light which breaks down the bilirubin, causing the jaundice to be excreted in the infant's urine. Light therapy treatments for Parkinson's disease can help reduce the severity of tremors. Light boxes to treat medical conditions should be recommended by your doctor, as the type of light and brightness can change the effectiveness of the treatment.
Photography
Two different types of light boxes are also used in photography. A tabletop light box is commonly used to view negatives and slides. These light boxes allow a controlled amount of light to pass through the negative or slide, so that the image is illuminated. The second type of light box is also referred to as a light tent. These light tents are used to diffuse the light of the photographer's flash or standing lights in order to create a softer effect in the photograph. The best light box choices for photographers depend on the size of both the tent or the tabletop light box you require. For instance, if you need to compare a number of slides, a larger light box will be necessary. Additionally, light tents must be large enough to accommodate the set-up you require for photographing your subjects.
Considerations
When using light boxes for any purpose it is important to address safety concerns before deciding which option is best for you. Most light boxes provide light that is free of harmful ultraviolet rays, which can cause eye and skin damage. Be sure that the bulbs used in your light box are UV-free. Additionally, light boxes should not be so bright as to cause damage to your vision.
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