I live in Washington State and I have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Not surprising, the only treatment for SAD is light—natural light—the kind that is in short order in Western Washington. When I was first diagnosed 10 years ago, there were only a few places to buy full-spectrum lights and those were very expensive. The first one I purchased was $750 and was sent from Canada—I couldn’t get one in the US.

Times have changed. Now anyone can purchase a full-spectrum light at just about any home store. There are several brands, but the one that I purchased is an Ott-Lite. I still use my full-size light, but I needed one for the office. Putting a 4’ x 2’ light on my desk was not only unlikely, it would have been annoying for everyone else. The Ott-Lite task light is perfect for the job.

It’s small, lightweight, and can be moved easily. While most people would use it for a task light to shine on their work, mine is opened fully to shine into my eyes—more than once I’ve had someone mention how bright the light is. In an office of regular fluorescent light where everyone looks green, this bright white light stands out. Pleasingly this light adjusts to the use-flip it open and it turns on; close it and it’s off--put it anywhere in between.

I’ve owned mine for 3 years and use it a minimum of 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. I’ve never replaced the bulb (although I purchased a replacement when I purchased the light as they were new on the market and I was worried they’d be hard to find—turns out it isn’t a problem finding replacement bulbs, but it’s nice to know I have a back up). It’s never needed a repair and never disappointed me. It has a 5-foot plug which reaches nicely—not so short as to need an extension.

You don’t have to have a medical problem to need an Ott-Lite. They’ve become very popular with the hobbyists—in fact, if you watch “The Antique Road Show”, you’ve seen them—they’re the small desktop lights they use to examine jewels and other collectables under--as they’re truest to natural light. They’re very popular with quilters & people who do needlework as the light is a very white light, so color matching is nearly perfect. Beauty professionals are using them to mix and blend colors more accurately. Fly fisherman like them for added ability to see the close-up detailed work the do while tying. Used as a task light at the computer it reduces glare and thus eyestrain. As a reading light it doesn’t get any better—bright white without being blinding.

Its 13-watt compact fluorescent lamp provides light similar to that of a 60-watt incandescent bulb. The life of the bulb is rated at 10,000 hours. As I’ve said, mine has been 3 years, 40 hours a week, and hasn’t faltered yet. They are available in different wattages to suit your use.

How does it work? I haven’t a clue. Here’s what their site says, “A specially formulated blend of rare earth phosphors is used to create this unique illumination that looks and feels like natural daylight.” Those more technically inclined may understand it, but I’m just glad it works.
The Ott-Lite website is not very professional looking (http://www.ott-light.com), but it will give you background information on John Ott, the inventor, as well as all the reasons that natural-light is better to work under. The prices continue to fall and they’re marketing more that look like traditional lamps and not so utilitarian. Also, you no longer need to buy a lighting fixture—bulbs are available for many standard size fixtures so you can change ordinary fixtures into Ott-fixtures.

I love my light and will be buying bulbs for my standard fixtures soon. I believe the light is beneficial both physically and mentally—the difference for reading and working is amazing.

SPECS:
• Initial Light Output: 980 lumens
• Color Rendering Index: 85
• Color Temperature: 5000 degrees Kelvin
• Power Requirements: 118 volts AC, 60 HZ
• Dimensions: Up to 22.0" High, 3.5" Wide, 3.5" Deep
• Rated Lamp Life: 10,000 hours
• Warranty: One Year Manufacturer Warranty
• Manufacturer Model #: OTL13BRB
• Manufacturer: Environmental Lighting Concepts
• Origin: Taiwan

Recommended: Yes