Light therapy has not been shown to cause any eye disease. However, the UV rays posed a health problem with sunburn, eye damage and skin cancer. Recent studies have shown that the light's intensity is the key, not the UV rays. We use broad spectrum bulbs so our light does not produce any harmful UV rays. A ceiling light is located too far away from the user to give the needed light intensity and isn't orientated towards the user's eyes.
Therapeutic levels are five to twenty times higherthan the light provided by ordinary light fixture.
To achieve even 2,500 lux, you would need eight 4 foot fluorescent tubes. Fluorescent light diffused over a large surface is safer for the eyes than incandescent light that comes from a small source, such as that as a filament of an ordinary light bulb or halogen lamp. Yes, simply plug it into an electric timer and orient it towards your bed. Experiment to see what distance works for the level of brightness you prefer. Yes, an ever increasing number of insurance companies are reimbursing their clients for the purchase of light boxes for treatment of SAD, sleep disorders, PMS and maladaption to shift work.