Circadian Health Glossary
Candela (Cd)
Candela is the unit of luminous intensity, a measure of the amount of light emitted in a particular direction. It's one of the seven base units in the International System of Units (SI).
What Does Candela Mean?
- Luminous intensity: This refers to the power of light emitted in a specific direction. It’s different from luminous flux, which measures the total amount of light emitted in all directions.
- Directionality: Candela is a measure of light intensity in a specific direction, unlike luminous flux, which is a measure of total light output.
Is Candela Used in Light Therapy?
When measuring the intensity of light used in light therapy devices, such as light boxes or light therapy glasses, candela is often used. This unit is crucial for ensuring that the device is providing the correct amount of light to effectively treat conditions like seasonal affective disorder (SAD).