Best Light Therapy Glasses and Wearables to End the Winter Blues

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Light therapy is a rapidly growing field, with many interesting use cases in areas as wide as health, beauty, sleep, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

One of the most popular SAD treatments is a lightbox that shines with 10,000 Lux of light. Many find these lights to be very powerful at erasing the winter doldrums. But you need to sit very close to these bright lights for up to a half hour to get the effects. That’s inconvenient if you need to move around.

Enter light therapy glasses.

These glasses don’t actually have any glass in them, but they are worn like typical glasses. They shine blue/green wavelength light that is the equivalent of 10,000 lux white light at a point very close to the eyes, and in a format that is portable.

So what are the best light therapy glasses?

In this article, we’ve taken a close look at five of the top choices, starting with our favorite: the PEGASI 2.

Say goodbye to tired eyes and fallow mood – it’s time to re-energize, rejuvenate and take control of your body!


Contents

Best Light Therapy Glasses

Preview
Top Choice!
PEGASI 2 - SAD Light Therapy Glasses, Improve Your Sleep Quality in 7 Days, Feather-Light, Research-Backed Blue-Green Light 30 min/Day (White)
Runner Up
luminette 3 Light Therapy Glasses - Wearable Happy Lamp - Blue Enriched White LED Sun Lamp - Natural Relief for Sleep Problems, Seasonal Mood Disorders and Jet lag - Portable Daylight Lamp
Re-Timer Portable Light Therapy Glasses – Australian Made, Research Backed. Change Your Sleep Pattern to Suit Your Lifestyle!
Name
Pegasi 2
Luminette 3
Re-Timer
Price on Amazon
$179.99
$199.00
$119.00
Top Choice!
Preview
PEGASI 2 - SAD Light Therapy Glasses, Improve Your Sleep Quality in 7 Days, Feather-Light, Research-Backed Blue-Green Light 30 min/Day (White)
Name
Pegasi 2
Price on Amazon
$179.99
View on Amazon
Runner Up
Preview
luminette 3 Light Therapy Glasses - Wearable Happy Lamp - Blue Enriched White LED Sun Lamp - Natural Relief for Sleep Problems, Seasonal Mood Disorders and Jet lag - Portable Daylight Lamp
Name
Luminette 3
Price on Amazon
$199.00
View on Amazon
Preview
Re-Timer Portable Light Therapy Glasses – Australian Made, Research Backed. Change Your Sleep Pattern to Suit Your Lifestyle!
Name
Re-Timer
Price on Amazon
$119.00
View on Amazon

1. PEGASI 2 SAD Light Therapy Glasses

PEGASI 2 SAD Light Therapy Glasses

The PEGASI 2 Light Therapy Glasses are a big hit on Amazon, and this system has many raving fans. The PEGASI system combines sci-fi light therapy glasses with an app that provides usage data and insight. They look very cool and futuristic, which is a good starting point.

This system is 97% effective in correcting circadian rhythm disorders of sleep, mood disorders, Seasonal Affective Disorder and difficulty falling asleep.

As the CES 2019 Innovation Awards Honoree, these glasses have made waves amongst celebrities like Shaquille O’ Neal and Brian Hecker!

PEGASI 2 Light Therapy Glasses

Charging the battery takes a little over an hour, and these glasses require surprisingly little power to run. You can often use them for 30 minutes per day for a full week before recharging. And the charge will last on standby for up to 90 days, which is great.

PEGASI 2 Features

Providing all of the benefits of light therapy in a compact gadget, these glasses emit gentle wavelengths in the blue/green spectrum. Research has found that light towad the in this spectrum provides similar benefits to broad-spectrum 10,000 lux lightboxes.

This light exposure stimulates the nervous system and helps regulate circadian rhythms. The body produces melatonin as needed, and sleep and wakefulness are improved.

Shift workers are especially happy to use this lightweight product, which helps to improve your sleep and the regulate body’s internal alarm clock.

Easy to use, thanks to the hassle-free one-button design, these UV and Infrared-free glasses allow users to take control of their moods.

And the app, while a little bit clunky, aids in tracking and recommending use.

The Bottom Line

Looking for a quick, convenient solution to your Winter Blues? The PEGASI 2 is the answer!

Futuristic-looking, popular among insomniacs, and very comfortable, these glasses allow you to reap the glorious benefits of LED light therapy. Use them for thirty minutes in the morning to see the power of blue-green light.

Totally safe, non-invasive, and with proven results, these light therapy glasses are the best available. Get yours now for better sleep and improved mood regulation.


2. Luminette 3 Light Therapy Glasses

Luminette 3 Light Therapy Glasses

Bringing its own patented illumination system, Luminette light therapy glasses work on three power levels so users can customize their experience as needed. Considered safe by European standards and posing zero risks, these light therapy glasses activate the body’s response to light and regulate the biological clock, correcting sleep disorders and mood irregularities.

These provide light in the blue/white wavelength, which is slightly different than the PEGASI lights. The wavelengths PEGASI 2 uses are more effective, but the PEGASI 2 system is more expensive. Still, these lights still work quite well too.

Luminette 3 Top Photo

Used daily for 20 – 40 minutes, these glasses can improve mood and reduce lethargy within a week. They are a favorite among those who prefer compact light therapy devices for their needs. Customers who experience the Winter Blues or symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder have found this product to significantly improve their mood with regular use.

This is especially true if they are used first thing in the morning.

Luminette 3 SAD Light Therapy Glasses

Like the PEGASI glasses mentioned above, these are pretty power-efficient. One charge (which takes a little over an hour) will power the glasses for up to six sessions. I wish my phone was that efficient! Like the PEGASI, the Luminette pairs with an app.

Lightweight and wearable even at work or school, these light therapy glasses perform extraordinarily.

The Bottom Line

The Luminette 3 glasses are a nice upgrade in function and style from the Luminette 2 from a couple of years ago. For those who are excited to try light therapy at home for the first time, these Luminette light therapy glasses are a great choice – they give you the benefits of a lightbox within minutes.

Note that some customers feel that the nose bridge could be a bit better when it comes to sturdiness. But that can be corrected by wearing the glasses while lying down or adding some padding.

luminette 3 Light Therapy Glasses - Wearable Happy Lamp - Blue Enriched White LED Sun Lamp - Natural Relief for Sleep Problems, Seasonal Mood Disorders and Jet lag - Portable Daylight Lamp
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3. PEGASI Smart Sleep Therapy Glasses

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From PEGASI comes our budget pair of light therapy glasses. These are the previous model to the PEGASI 2 mentioned above. They have a slightly different format and configuration, and definitely look clunkier than the newer PEGASI 2 model.

Like the 2nd generation, they use a system that pairs the Light Therapy Glasses with an app for powerful light exposure.

Made from the ultra-light materials, these glasses bring better-than-a-light-box experience to users who experience chronic sleep problems and have disrupted circadian rhythm. They can be worn while reading, working, and performing other daily routine tasks (but not driving).

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They are super convenient and portable, which makes them more effective than traditional light boxes.

Promising to deliver the maximum benefits of a full spectrum lightbox, these glasses produce a UV-free light to help boost melatonin secretion. This process helps to curb issues due to lack of sleep. It also re-energizes the body after a bout of jet lag or general fatigue.

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The bridge of the PEGASI light therapy glasses is designed to cater to all nose sizes, making it very versatile and universally liked.

Endorsed by those with sleeping issues, these glasses have shown significant improvement in sleep when used regularly for a few minutes.

The Bottom Line

PEGASI prides itself on its creations, and these light therapy glasses are a prized invention. The glasses can be used with or without the app, and have been a popular choice among those suffering from the draining effects of jet lag or fatigue due to seasonal changes.

Helping to increase general productivity, these glasses fit comfortably on any face structure and are easy to use. Customers have lauded the power of these glasses to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Symptoms have significantly reduced over prolonged use and customers note a difference in their emotional state and their energy levels.

For the most part, though, buyers would be best to stick with the newer PEGASI 2 series.

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4. Re-Timer Light Therapy Glasses Gen 2

Re-Timer Light Therapy Glasses 10000 Lux equivalent Gen 2

Designed for those who are always on the go, these light therapy glasses by Re-Timer are for those who can’t sit still and have an active lifestyle. They produce gentle light in the green and blue enriched light spectrum, similar to the PEGASI, these glasses provide equivalent light exposure to a 10,000 lux white light box in a high quality (but slight odd) package.

The blue wavelength light hits the eye at 500 lux, which is the optimal wavelength for bright light therapy.

Re-Timer SAD Light Therapy Glasses Gen 2

The Re-Timer glasses meet the eye safety regulation of the IEC and have proven efficient in treating issues like sleep disorders, seasonal affective disorder symptoms, and jet lag. They are sized to fit any facial structure.

Re-Timer Light Therapy Glasses

One way the Re-Timer glasses are fundamentally different than the others we’ve discussed so far is that they do not pair up with an app. If you don’t want to deal with an app, or with your phone, then the Re-Timer is an excellent choice for you.

The Re-Timer light therapy glasses have been popular across the UK and are sold in over 46 countries. With regular use, customers have noted a drastic change in their seasonal affective disorder symptoms.

Even those in night shift jobs have felt a significant improvement in their sleep regulation and energy levels, Many find that these these glasses help optimize sleep schedules and improve SAD symptoms during the dark winter months.

The Bottom Line

Known among the best light therapy glasses, the Re-Timer glasses emit safe light to correct the sleep patterns of highly active ones. Helping customers to take control of their sleep cycle and curb symptoms of mood disorders when fall and winter come around, these glasses are better than most lightboxes.

The Re-Timer Light Therapy Glasse are one of the cheapest options for light therapy glasses and don’t require any app to work. Great for beginners and those who prefer quick solutions, the Re-Timer model is a brilliant investment. Get your pair on Amazon at a great price for a more energetic and happier you.

Re-Timer Portable Light Therapy Glasses – Australian Made, Research Backed. Change Your Sleep Pattern to Suit Your Lifestyle!
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Hydraskincare’s light therapy glasses are a game-changer for those looking to up their energy levels and productivity on a budget. They are designed to alleviate eye discomfort arising from fatigue, long hours of screen time, gaming, and working under eye-straining fluorescent lights.

They also help with a good night’s sleep by easing circadian rhythm irregularities.

These light therapy glasses are portable, lightweight, and comfortable to wear, though they’re definitely not as stylish as some of the other therapy glasses on the market.

Hydraskincare’s glasses have two different modes, which is unusual for light glasses: a blue-enriched light mode for waking up, and a red light mode for getting ready for bed. When using red light at bedtime, users may find they go to sleep more easily.

That said, you will have more success going to sleep by keeping your phone or tablet out of the bedroom, rather than by using these glasses at bedtime.

These are quite popular due to their amazing price and the ability to correct sleeping disorders. Customers love the blue-red light combination that helps to regulate the body’s biological clock and relax the eyes.

Users have also noted an improvement in restorative sleep and as a result, have more energy and better functionality. And the best part is that it takes only 2 weeks for the light therapy glasses to work their magic!

The Bottom Line

Want a quick fix for tired eyes? This is your go-to pair!

For those who work long hours at a desk, screen, or at a night shift, the Hydraskincare light therapy glasses have shown a massive improvement in fatigue, eye strain, and sleep cycle. Get an energy boost in just 2 weeks!

The Hydraskincare glasses are the cheapest option for those looking to deal with circadian rhythm disruptions and those who struggle with treating SAD symptoms. They’re also great for those who have problems falling asleep.

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Light Therapy Glasses Buyer’s Guide

best light therapy glasses

Light therapy glasses are phototherapy products that deliver artificial light to ease various symptoms. Using limited wavelengths like blue and green, light therapy glasses work via timed exposure. Endorsed by reputed scientific bodies in the USA, light therapy is a great at-home solution for those suffering from the following:

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

A mood disorder characterized by low energy and depressive symptoms when the weather changes, especially around fall and winter. SAD can be combatted with sunlight, exercise, and artificial light.

Bright white light is a common treatment for SAD symptoms, but new research has found that blue light at a wavelength of 468 nm can be effective at treating SAD symptoms.

Other Sleep Disorders

These include insomnia, inability to fall asleep, lack of restorative sleep.

Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome

When it takes over 2 hours to fall asleep.

Morning Lethargy

Jet Lag

Disturbed Circadian Rhythm


How Do Light Therapy Glasses Work?

Light therapy works by striking the retina to produce a domino effect of reactions. Melatonin is one of the hormones that is critical to healthy sleep. When issues like seasonal affective disorder or sleep problems arise, it’s usually due to irregularities in melatonin production, which can affect the body’s biological clock.

As a result, the body is exhausted, lacks energy, and becomes susceptible to the disorders listed above.

When you expose your skin and eyes to bright white or blue/green light, you can trick the body into thinking that it’s morning, and it should produce the morning hormones for wakefulness and energy.

Cautions about Light Therapy Glasses

Before you begin using light therapy glasses, there are some considerations to take note of. Light therapy glasses should not be used on young children and generally should not be worn alongside spectacles or sunglasses.

Light therapy should also be avoided if you are currently taking some medicines. If you take medication regularly, it’s best to speak to your doctor. It’s also wise to speak to your doctor if you are pregnant and plan to use these glasses.

These glasses should be used once a day, typically for 30 minutes. The results should begin to appear between the first and second week, after which you can dial in the perfect amount of light for your needs.

And most importantly, whichever light therapy glasses you purchase, be sure to read the manual and follow the instructions the manufacturer has provided!


SAD Lamps vs. Light Therapy Glasses

People who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or the other maladies mentioned above are likely familiar with LED Lightboxes, also known as SAD lamps or Happy Lights. These lights, along with Sunrise Simulators, are artificial lights designed to improve wakefulness and relieve depression, especially in winter.

The standard “dosage” of light is 10,000 lux, in a 20-30 minute exposure time. Most lightboxes provide 10,000 lux of white light, but often these measurements are made at 12″ or so from the box itself.

This means that you’re supposed to be sitting so that the light is one foot or less from your face, for a half-hour each morning.

If you sit further away, you need to sit for a longer time in order to achieve 10,000 lux exposure.

You’re supposed to be sitting so that the light is one foot or less from your face, for a half-hour each morning. If you sit further away, you need to sit for a longer time in order to achieve 10,000 lux exposure.

This is impractical in many cases, so people may not get as much light from their lightboxes as they think. Many are not using the lights as designed (due to poor design) and find they’re less effective than they hoped.

Light Therapy Glasses, on the other hand, are positioned literally 1-2″ from the eyes, and they can more easily provide the 10,000 lux-equivalent of illumination necessary.

Also, it’s much easier to move around in the morning while wearing glasses than it is while sitting in front of a lightbox. Need to get coffee? Put on your makeup? Answer an email?

You can easily do that with light therapy glasses on, but you typically can’t while using a happy light.


Can You Wear Light Therapy Glasses with Regular Glasses?

For the most part, you can wear light therapy glasses along with your regular glasses. You just have to make sure that the regular glasses aren’t blocking the light from the light therapy glasses. Even if it is being partially blocked, this may change the timing of the system.

Keep in mind that you cannot pair light therapy glasses with tinted glasses. Sunglasses and/or colored glasses will impact the frequency of the light and will reduce or eliminate the effectiveness of the light therapy glasses.


Can You Wear Light Therapy Glasses with Contact Lenses?

Yes, you can wear light therapy glasses with contact lenses. As with regular glasses, be sure that the contacts are not tinted or colored in any way.


Final Thoughts

Light therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years, first through Lightboxes and now through glasses.

Getting your light exposure with glasses is a much more effective solution than by using a lightbox or SAD light. Glasses are much more portable, you don’t need to sit super close to a light, and you can go through your morning routine while wearing the glasses.

So whether you choose the PEGASI 2, the Luminette, or another option on our list, it’s time to wake up better with Light Therapy glasses.

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).