It's not necessary, or even recommended, to stare into the light. The entire retina responds to light, so it's possible to get the full benefit of light therapy while reading, talking on the phone or even watching television. I have friends who swear by the light treatment. I personally feel better on sunny days. I doubt that standing in front of a searchlight would make a difference.
Some studies say yes, others show no difference.
The issues of duration and intensity of light exposure remain unanswered. And there is the problem of assessing light therapy against a placebo. I cannot imagine what would be used as a non-light source placebo. So we are left with a common-sense observation that lack of light seems to cause depression in winter. All rights reserved.