Why Eye Protection Matters in Infrared Saunas and What to Use?

Infrared saunas feel relaxing and healthy, but your eyes can face real risks if you skip protection. Strong infrared light can strain or even damage your eyes over time. 

Knowing why eye safety matters and how to protect yourself helps you enjoy the benefits without harm. Keep reading to discover simple, effective tips.

• Protect Your Eyes: Infrared light can strain or dry out your eyes over time.
  
  

• Use Proper Gear: Consider infrared-blocking glasses, goggles, or eye masks for comfort.
  
  

• Close Your Eyes: Keep them shut and avoid staring at heaters directly.
  
  

• Limit Session Length: Stick to 10–30 minutes depending on your experience and sensitivity.
  
  

• Stay Hydrated and Consult Professionals: Drink water and check with your doctor if you have existing eye conditions.

An infrared sauna is a modern type of sauna that heats your body directly rather than heating the air around you. 

It works by using infrared light waves, similar to the warmth you feel from the sun but without harmful UV rays, that penetrate the skin and muscles, raising your core body temperature from the inside out. 

Unlike traditional saunas, which heat rocks and hot air to very high temperatures, infrared saunas operate at a more comfortable range of about 110°F to 140°F, yet still promote a deep, satisfying sweat. 

Because of this gentler heat, sessions are often easier to tolerate and typically last 30 to 45 minutes, with beginners starting shorter. 

Research reviewed in the Canadian Family Physician Journal notes that while claims should be viewed carefully, there is moderate evidence supporting infrared sauna use for improving blood pressure and helping people with congestive heart failure, along with limited evidence for benefits in chronic pain and fatigue.

In an infrared sauna, protecting your eyes helps prevent strain, dryness, and long-term risks like cataracts. 

The heat and light can tire your eyes, dry out tears, and irritate sensitive eyes. To stay comfortable, keep your eyes closed, use protective eyewear if needed, remove contact lenses, stay hydrated, and consult a doctor if you have existing eye conditions before regular use.

If you want to protect your eyes in an infrared sauna, consider using infrared-blocking glasses, light-blocking goggles, eye masks, or tinted goggles based on your comfort. 

Keep your eyes closed, remove contacts, stay hydrated, and limit session length if sensitive. Protection is especially helpful for longer sessions or frequent use, and consult an eye doctor if you have existing eye conditions or take photosensitive medications.

If you have pre-existing eye conditions like glaucoma, dry eyes, or light sensitivity, you may be more vulnerable in an infrared sauna. 

The main risks come from heat, dehydration, and staring at panels, not the infrared light itself. To protect your eyes, close them, wear goggles, avoid facing heaters directly, stay hydrated, limit sessions, and consult your doctor if you have concerns.

For most people, infrared sauna sessions longer than 30 minutes without eye protection can cause eye strain and dryness. 

Keep sessions between 15 and 30 minutes, starting at 10 to 15 minutes if you are a beginner. Use goggles for longer sessions, avoid contact lenses, stay hydrated, and exit immediately if you feel discomfort. Consult a professional if you have existing eye issues.