Can You Look at Red Light Therapy? What You Need to Know

Red light therapy is getting a lot of attention for its skin and health benefits, but can you actually look at it safely? 

Many people wonder if it harms or helps the eyes. In this guide, you’ll learn the truth, safety tips, and how to protect your eyes while getting the best results.

• Red Light Therapy Is Generally Safe: When used correctly, it doesn’t cause permanent eye damage.
  
  

• Protect Your Eyes: Wear goggles or keep your eyes closed, especially with high-intensity devices.
  
  

• Follow Device Guidelines: Stick to recommended wavelength, intensity, and duration for safety.
  
  

• Potential Eye Benefits: Red light can improve mitochondrial function, visual acuity, and slow age-related retinal decline.
  
  

• Children Need Careful Monitoring: RLRL therapy may help manage myopia, but consult a pediatric eye specialist first.

Red light therapy, commonly using wavelengths between 630–660 nm and 810–850 nm, is generally considered safe for the eyes when used as directed. 

FDA-cleared at-home devices have not shown evidence of permanent eye damage, though staring directly into high-powered lights is discouraged. 

The International Journal of Medical Sciences explains that red and near-infrared light interacts with cellular photoreceptors, like cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, promoting beneficial effects such as improved metabolism and antioxidant activity without harming retinal cells. 

Clinical reviews, such as in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, report only temporary, minor side effects like brief afterimages, with no documented permanent vision loss even after months of repeated therapy. 

Despite these findings, eye protection, such as goggles or closed eyes, is recommended, especially for devices with higher irradiance that can approach maximum safe exposure limits. 

Consulting an eye care professional is advised for those with pre-existing conditions. Overall, red light therapy appears safe for the eyes when proper precautions and treatment guidelines are followed.

Red light therapy can be safe for the eyes when used correctly. Research shows that brief morning exposure to deep red light (around 670 nm) can even improve color contrast vision by about 17%, with effects lasting a week. 

Clinical studies involving thousands of participants have found no permanent vision loss or structural eye damage, though temporary afterimages lasting a few minutes are common. 

Rare cases of reversible vision changes have been reported, but these resolved after stopping treatment. Safety largely depends on wavelength, intensity, and exposure time. 

Red light in the 630–660 nm range is gentler on the eyes, while higher-powered or near-infrared devices require extra caution. 

Medical experts and device manufacturers strongly recommend using protective goggles designed for red light, as regular sunglasses are insufficient. 

Users should follow device instructions, avoid staring directly at diodes, and consult an eye professional if they have pre-existing conditions. With these precautions, red light therapy can be both effective and safe for eye health.

Red light therapy is generally considered safe for the eyes when used at low levels, with clinical studies showing no permanent vision loss or structural damage in healthy users. 

Temporary afterimages and mild eye fatigue are the most common side effects, usually resolving within minutes. 

However, the safety depends on intensity and duration: sessions longer than 10 minutes near the face, especially with panels above 40 mW/cm², may cause discomfort or dryness. 

People with light sensitivity, preexisting eye conditions, or a history of LASIK should be especially cautious. 

Although documented cases of eye damage exist, these are typically linked to high-powered lasers or improper use, and most issues are reversible once exposure stops. 

For these reasons, wearing protective goggles is recommended during longer or higher-intensity sessions, and simply closing your eyes can help if your eyes aren’t the treatment target. 

Following device instructions and consulting a professional can further minimize risks and ensure safe, effective therapy.

• General Safety: Red light therapy (RLT) is usually safe for most people.
  
  

• Risk of Direct Exposure: Looking directly at high-intensity red or near-infrared light can strain the eyes or harm sensitive retinal cells over time.
  
  

• Low-Level Exposure: Indirect or low-level exposure is generally harmless.
  
  

• High-Risk Individuals: People with eye conditions like macular degeneration or retinal sensitivity are more at risk of damage.
  
  

• Possible Symptoms of Overexposure: Blurred vision, headaches, or temporary light sensitivity.
  
  

• Safety Measures: Always wear protective goggles and avoid staring directly into the light during therapy sessions.

• Choose the Right Device: Use only devices specifically made for eye therapy. Standard red light panels may be too strong or unsafe.
  
  

• Start Small: Begin with short sessions, usually 1–3 minutes per eye.
  
  

• Maintain Safe Distance: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended distance from your eyes.
  
  

• Indirect Exposure: Don’t stare directly into the light. Let it reach your eyes indirectly. Eyes can be slightly open or closed as instructed.
  
  

• Use Protection if Needed: Wear protective eyewear if the device instructions recommend it.
  
  

• Follow Time and Intensity Guidelines: Never go beyond the suggested duration or brightness.
  
  

• Check With a Professional: If you have eye conditions, are sensitive to light, or take medications that increase light sensitivity, consult an eye care professional first.

Red light therapy has shown promising benefits for eye health, particularly in treating age-related retinal decline. 

As highlighted by the International Journal of Ophthalmology, this therapy uses specific wavelengths, typically between 630–800 nm, to target mitochondria in retinal cells, enhancing cellular energy and improving visual function. 

Research from the Journal of Neurobiology of Aging indicates that exposure to 670 nm light can restore mitochondrial function in aging retinal cells, boosting ATP production and reducing inflammation, which leads to measurable improvements in retinal responses. 

Furthermore, findings reported in the International Journal of Medical Sciences suggest that low-level red light not only protects photoreceptors from oxidative stress but also modulates inflammation, supporting retinal repair and slowing age-related functional decline. 

Collectively, these studies reveal that red light therapy can improve visual acuity, reduce retinal thickness, and enhance overall cellular health, making it a promising non-invasive approach for conditions such as macular degeneration and other age-related eye disorders.

When choosing a safe red light therapy device for the eyes, understanding wavelength, power, and safety standards is crucial. 

Research shows that red (around 630–700 nm) and near-infrared light (up to 850 nm) can safely penetrate the retina, promoting cellular processes in conditions like age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and myopia. 

Clinical studies highlight that this therapy targets mitochondrial enzymes, boosting energy production without causing permanent damage. 

Devices should have recognized certifications such as FDA clearance, IEC 60601-2-57, and IEC 62471 to ensure photobiological and operational safety. 

Safe irradiance levels depend on wavelength and exposure time, generally remaining below 10 mW/cm² for short durations to avoid thermal or retinal injury. 

Studies on repeated low-level red light therapy report minimal side effects, mostly temporary afterimages, with no long-term vision loss documented. 

Following manufacturer instructions, using protective eyewear when necessary, and monitoring treatment outcomes are key steps. 

With proper use and validated devices, red light therapy offers promising, safe support for eye health.

You can generally keep your eyes open during red light therapy, especially for body treatments, but it’s best not to stare directly into the LEDs. Many people prefer closing their eyes during facial sessions for added relaxation. While red and near-infrared light is widely considered safe at typical therapy levels, some caution is warranted. Research highlighted in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology shows that prolonged exposure to infrared radiation can affect the eye’s lens, reducing soluble lens proteins and potentially contributing to cataract formation. The study on rabbits revealed that these changes become more pronounced with longer exposure, as the lens absorbs heat from IR light, which can damage its structure. Experts, including ophthalmologists and regulatory bodies like the FDA, generally recommend using eye protection when there’s a risk of direct or prolonged exposure, particularly with near-infrared wavelengths. So, while brief exposure with indirect light is usually fine, using protective eyewear or closing your eyes can help safeguard against any potential long-term effects.

LED lights are generally safe, but high-intensity or blue-rich types can cause eye strain, disrupt sleep, and increase the risk of retinal damage. Protect your eyes by using warmer LEDs, blue-light filters, the 20-20-20 rule, avoiding direct exposure, and choosing flicker-free lighting.

Can red light therapy improve eyesight? Emerging research suggests it might. Studies highlighted in the Journal of Mitochondrion show that red light, particularly in the 650–800 nm range, enhances mitochondrial function in retinal cells, boosting ATP production and reducing oxidative stress, which supports cell survival and may slow retinal degeneration. Blue light, in contrast, can damage these same mitochondria, making red light a potentially protective intervention. Clinical findings from the Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology also suggest measurable improvements: patients with persistent retinal issues experienced enhanced visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and retinal thickness after targeted therapies. Remarkably, research from University College London demonstrates that just a three-minute morning exposure to 670 nm deep red light can improve color contrast vision by an average of 17%, with effects lasting a week. These results indicate that precise wavelengths and timing are crucial, highlighting red light therapy as a simple, non-invasive approach with promising potential to preserve and even enhance vision as we age.

Red light therapy, especially when combined with intense pulsed light (IPL), has shown promising results in treating eye mites (Demodex) and related blepharitis. Research indicates that this approach can significantly reduce mite counts, decrease eyelid inflammation, and improve symptoms such as redness, irritation, and dry eye. IPL works by heating and eliminating the mites while also enhancing meibomian gland function, which restores proper tear oil secretion. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) using red and blue LEDs further boosts these effects, offering antimicrobial action and promoting tissue healing; studies in the Journal of Antibiotics highlight the potential of red LED light for microbial control and inflammation reduction. Clinical trials comparing light therapy to traditional treatments, like warm compresses and medications, show that IPL combined with LLLT can be more effective for persistent cases. Ophthalmologists and dermatologists consider this an evidence-based option, particularly for patients unresponsive to standard therapies. While promising, experts emphasize that light therapy works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under professional guidance.

Recent studies suggest that repeated low-level red light (RLRL) therapy may be a promising approach to slow or even reverse myopia progression. According to a large multicenter trial, children receiving red light therapy experienced a 76.6% reduction in myopia progression over 12 months, with nearly 22% showing actual axial shortening, a breakthrough in myopia management. Eye & Contact Lens: Science & Clinical Practice highlights that RLRL may work by improving retinal blood flow and metabolism while reducing scleral hypoxia, which is known to drive myopia. However, responses vary: some children see significant improvement, while others show minimal change, emphasizing the importance of baseline eye characteristics and treatment adherence. Data from Ophthalmology show that children aged 6–16 with high myopia benefit the most, with over half experiencing measurable axial shortening after a year of treatment. Compared to low-dose atropine, red light therapy appears more effective at controlling axial growth and improving ocular health, making it a compelling option for targeted myopia management.

Red light therapy, specifically repeated low-level red light (RLRL), has been studied as a way to slow down the progression of myopia, or nearsightedness, in children. Research involving over 2,600 children aged 3 to 16 shows that RLRL can reduce eye elongation and help preserve vision over periods of 6 to 24 months. Children receiving the therapy showed slower myopia progression and slight increases in choroidal thickness, a sign of healthier eyes. Despite these promising results, pediatric ophthalmologists urge caution. While short-term use appears safe with only minor, temporary effects like afterimages, the long-term impact on developing eyes is still uncertain, with some studies suggesting possible changes at the cellular level in the retina. Experts recommend that any child undergoing red light therapy be closely monitored with regular eye exams. Ultimately, while early results are encouraging, parents should weigh the potential benefits against unknown long-term risks and consult vision specialists before starting this treatment.

Closing your eyes isn’t enough to protect them. Harmful light, including UV and infrared, can penetrate eyelids, and stray reflections can still cause burns or vision damage. Always wear proper protective eyewear, follow safety instructions, and consult professionals for specific eye protection guidance.