Quick Start Glossary
Pro tip: Tap or click any lamp image to view its full testing breakdown. For now, here is a quick guide to the card metrics you’ll see:
🧠 m-EDI (Melanopic Illuminance)
What it is: The new gold standard for light therapy. It measures how much of the light actually reaches the specific receptors in your eyes that tell your brain it’s daytime.
Why it matters: Raw brightness isn’t enough. A high m-EDI score means the lamp is highly effective at resetting your circadian rhythm and boosting your energy.
☀️ Lux
What it is: The traditional measurement of raw, visible brightness—literally how much light hits a surface at a specific distance.
Why it matters: The classic recommendation for SAD is 10,000 Lux. While m-EDI is more accurate for health, Lux is still a great baseline to ensure a lamp is bright enough to be considered “clinical grade.”
🌡️ CCT (Color Temperature)
What it is: How “warm” (yellow/orange) or “cool” (blue/white) the light looks to your eye. It is measured in Kelvin (K).
Why it matters: For morning energy, look for a crisp, daylight-white color (usually between 5000K and 6500K). However, if cool light hurts your eyes, choosing a warmer CCT is better for your daily comfort.
🕶️ Glare
What it is: The harshness or intensity of the light source, measured in lux/in2
Why it matters: You have to sit in front of these lamps for up to 30 minutes a day. High-glare lamps can cause eye strain, fatigue, and headaches. Lower glare means a much more comfortable viewing experience.