Is Red Light Therapy Bad For Eyes?
In short, No! red light therapy does not damage the eyes. Research has proven red light to help fix a myriad of eye problems, including glaucoma, AMD, inflammation and Retinitis Pigmentosa.
What does the research say about red light therapy being damaging to eyes?
Research on red light therapy (RLT) and its potential for treating eye diseases is still in its early stages, but some promising findings have been reported. Here’s an overview of the eye diseases that red light therapy can potentially treat.
A study published in Neurobiology of Aging demonstrated that near-infrared light (670 nm) exposure improved mitochondrial function in aged mice retinas, indicating potential benefits for AMD.
Research published in Investigative Opthalmology & Visual Science found that RLT could reduce inflammation and apoptosis in retinal tissues, in patients with diabetic retinopathy, thus promoting cell survival.
Similarly, a study in the Journal of Personalized Medicine reported that RLT could provide neuroprotective effects for retinal ganglion cells, which are crucial in glaucoma management.
These positive outcomes are attributed to RLT’s ability to improve cellular energy production, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate inflammatory responses.
However, DO NOT attempt to self-diagnose and treat your eye issues with a red light panel yourself. Consult your doctor before beginning any treatment that involves light and your eyes.
But I thought shining light into your eyes could damage them?
First let’s get one thing clear, red and infrared light are not the same as Ultraviolet (UV) light. White light is composed of the 7 colours of the rainbow. On the far right, we have red and infrared light. And the far left, we have violet and ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light (such as from the sun), is harmful to the skin and eyes. Long-term exposure can cause photokeratitis, a painful condition like sunburn on the cornea, and can accelerate the formation of cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens that impairs vision.
Additionally, UVA light can penetrate deeper into the eye and potentially damage the retina, increasing the risk of macular degeneration and vision loss. That’s the reason doctors recommend you wear sunglasses and never look directly at the sun. UV light has shorter wavelengths (100-400nm) and carries higher energy. Its high energy can break chemical bonds, leading to molecular damage.
On the other hand, red and infrared light has longer wavelengths (600nm+) and thus carries lower energy compared to UV light. This lower energy is less likely to break chemical bonds or directly damage DNA. Infrared light primarily interacts with tissues by generating heat. This can lead to a warming effect but does not typically cause the same kind of cellular damage as UV light. So yes, shining a torch into your eyes or looking directly at the sun can damage the eyes, but red light typically does not have the same effects.
Do You Need Eye Protection When Getting Red Light Therapy?
Red light is not bad for the eyes, but do you still need to wear eye protection when using a red light therapy panel on your face, or other parts of the body? And why wear goggles if it’s safe?
At Fusion Therapeutics, we recommend that you wear safety goggles when using red light therapy panels to treat your face, scalp or any body part. Any responsible therapist would recommend the same.
Your eyes are sensitive and precious and if you’re not directly treating them for any illness or issue, there’s no need to expose them to red light therapy. If you want to use red light therapy for your eyes, you MUST consult with a healthcare professional before starting. DO NOT self-diagnose and try to treat eye issues yourself with a red light therapy panel.
However, if you’re treating other body parts, we recommend you wear goggles during the treatment. Here’s why:
- Red light therapy panels produce heat which could get uncomfortable for your eyes
- The high brightness can get uncomfortable and temporarily strain your eyes which can be annoying.
- If you have light sensitivity, prolonged exposure to the bright light can cause discomfort
- Even though it is minimal, wearing eye protection safeguards you from unnecessary risk
People Also Ask:
Do you need to wear eye protection when using red light therapy?
Yes, even though the risk is minimal, wearing eye protection during a RLT session is recommended. The prolonged, bright light can cause temporary eye strain and make the sessions uncomfortable. Use a pair of high-quality goggles such as the ones that we provide during your treatment session!
Can I just close my eyes when using red light therapy?
No, simply closing your eyes is not enough. Wear high-quality goggles during your RLT session which we supply during the treatment! Though red light is not inherently harmful, prolonged exposure to bright light can cause discomfort, eye strain or glare.
Are there any risks to red light therapy
Red light therapy is generally safe and can be administered at home. However, some customers report migraines, eye aches and skin redness after sessions. To avoid side effects, use protective goggles, don’t look directly into the slight and always set a timer before starting the session to prevent overexposure or falling asleep with the device on.
Does infrared light damage the eyes?
Infrared light isn’t harmful to the eyes. Research has proven red light to be beneficial for treating various eye problems such as AMD, cataracts and optic eye damage. However, DO NOT treat your eyes with red light therapy without consulting a doctor.
Is red light therapy good for under eyes?
Red light therapy can help to reduce dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines by stimulating collagen production and improving blood circulation. However, start treatment for the sensitive under-eye area in consultation with a healthcare professional.
Why do I have blurry vision after red light therapy?
If your vision gets blurry vision after a red light therapy session for your face/body, it could be due to eye strain. Eyes can temporarily get strained when exposed to bright lights for an extended period. The discomfort is temporary. To avoid this, wear high-quality protective goggles and close your eyes during the treatment. Suspend sessions and consult a doctor if the issue persists.
References:
Does Red Light Therapy Work Through Clothes? All Your Questions Answered!
Red light therapy is quickly rising in popularity in the medical world, and rightfully so. Who wants expensive treatments and long-term pain problems when a simple solution can offer you results much more quickly?
Whether you’re dealing with persistent pain or frustrated by a stubborn skin condition, red light therapy could be the game-changer you need. More healthcare experts and patients are recognising its potential, making it an increasingly popular choice for treatment.
Although red light therapy devices are becoming popular, reliable information can be hard to find. What is red light therapy? Can red light therapy go through clothes? In this article, we cover all your burning questions about this innovative treatment, especially the pressing question: Does red light work through clothes?
What Is Red Light Therapy, and Why Should You Try It?
Red light therapy works by passing red and near-infrared light at low wavelengths to penetrate the skin, thereby boosting cellular activity and promoting healing.
For effective red light therapy, the light should include both red and infrared wavelengths. For red light, the ideal wavelengths are 630nm and 660nm. If you’re using near-infrared therapy, you’ll want wavelengths of 810nm, 830nm, or 850nm. These specific ranges have shown promising results, with many users reporting noticeable benefits.
Red light therapy offers a range of health perks—it can help relieve pain, speed up wound healing, and support recovery from sports injuries. It’s also great for skin health, helping to achieve a more youthful look. Some research even suggests it can aid in full-thickness skin graft healing.
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s dive into some of the most common questions people have about red light therapy!
Does Infrared Light Therapy Work Through Clothes?
Some people think that since clothes protect from UV light, it’s a good idea to wear them during a light therapy session. However, it’s quite the opposite because clothes may actually hinder the performance of red light therapy. Also, red light doesn’t contain UV light -it’s at the opposite end of the spectrum.
While red and infrared light therapy does penetrate clothes, it’s less efficient than when applied directly to the skin. This is because, depending on the type of fabric, the light scatters or absorbs to some degree, reducing the therapeutic effects of the therapy. Moreover, other factors, such as the fabric’s colour, stretch, and moisture level, may also come into play. These elements will work together to determine how far the light penetrates.
Since some issues may require deep light penetration, it’s best to apply the light directly to your skin for optimal results. Surface-level penetration may not offer the desired results, particularly for deep-rooted problems.
To experience the red light therapy’s full potential, it’s best to use the device without clothes.
What Clothing Can I Wear During Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT) uses low-level red wavelengths of light (600-650 nm for red light and 800-850 nm for near-infrared light) to promote healing and reduce inflammation. It’s popular for treating various issues, including skin conditions, pain relief, muscle recovery, joint healing, and hair regrowth.
A common question we receive is: “How often should I do red light therapy?”;
As with any treatment, it's important to understand how often you should use it to get the best results without causing harm. In this article, we’ll look at the research on how often you should use red light therapy to get the best results.
The therapy is generally considered safe, but if you overdo it, you won’t reap the maximum benefits. So, understanding how often to do red light therapy and the correct duration is key to avoiding overuse and maximizing benefits.
Red Light Therapy
While we recommend using red light therapy directly onto your skin, we also understand that sometimes, you may need to remain clothed for your session. In this case, you can ensure maximum penetration by choosing the right fabric.
- Pick light and breathable fabrics.
These are ideal for deeper penetration of red light. Linen and cotton are great examples. These clothes will not only make the therapy more efficient but also keep you comfortable throughout the session.
- Choose lighter colours and shades, such as white or light grey.
These do not absorb light as much as darker colours. This will allow most of the light to pass through your clothes.
- Avoid thick materials, dark colours, and shiny fabrics.
Dark and textured fabrics reflect light. You should also avoid tight-fitting clothing, which may limit the light that reaches your body.
In summary, if you’re opting for red light therapy while wearing clothes, it is better to choose loose-fitting, breathable, and light-coloured fabrics, which will help you receive the maximum benefits from the treatment.
How Often to use Red Light Therapy?
Several factors determine how often to use red light therapy for hair growth or any
other health concern:
Treatment Area:
The body area being treated influences the dosage. Superficial tissues like skin need a lower dose than deeper tissues like muscles or joints. If you want to know ‘How often should you use red light therapy on your face?’ the answer is that sensitive areas, such as the face, require lower dosages.
Age and Health:
Younger, healthier individuals might tolerate more frequent sessions than older adults or those with chronic conditions.
Skin Sensitivity:
If you have sensitive skin, start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration and frequency. Although there are no serious red light therapy dangers, overuse can cause redness or irritation.
Specific Goals:
The intended outcome affects frequency. General wellness may need less frequent sessions compared to targeted medical conditions.
Doctor’s Advice:
Always follow your doctor’s recommendations, especially for specific health conditions.
Frequency Guidelines For RLT
Frequency:
Most people will need 3 sessions per week, each 20 minutes long. However, if you’re wondering how often to use red light therapy for pain, you may benefit from doing daily sessions initially and then decreasing the number to 3-5 sessions a week.
Here’s a general recommendation to answer the question; How often can you do red light therapy?
| Condition | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Skin Rejuvenation | 3-5 times per week |
| Pain Relief | Daily (initially) |
| Wound Healing | Daily (initially) |
| Hair Growth | Every other day |
Duration & Positioning:
Position yourself 10-15 cm away from the light source. The closer you are, the greater the irradiance and absorption, which can shorten session time. You may need to step back to cover the full area for larger treatment areas.
Time of Day:
There’s no fixed time for RLT. Choose a time that fits your schedule. Morning sessions can energize you, while evening sessions can relax you for sleep. You can also do RLT before or after workouts to enhance performance or recovery. Many of our customers multitask during their RLT sessions by reading a book, studying, doing their nails, etc., to save time.
Tips For Safe RLT Use
Start Slowly:
Begin with shorter sessions and gradually increase the time as your body adjusts.
Hydrate:
If you tend to have dry skin, apply moisturizer after your RLT session to minimize irritation. Look for hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic acid.
Monitor Your Skin:
Inspect any signs of irritation or adverse reactions. If you experience discomfort, reduce the frequency or duration of sessions.
Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Device
The effectiveness of RLT depends on the quality of your device. Many devices you see online are cheap simply because they are not as powerful as those used by doctors or other professionals and don’t emit the correct wavelengths.
When doing red light therapy, choose a device that has the qualities and power of clinical devices. Here’s what to look for:
Wavelength:
Choose a device with both red and NIR wavelengths. Red light (600 to 650 nanometers) treats skin-deep conditions like sun-related skin damage, while NIR (800 to 850 nm) light goes deeper to address inflammation and deep-tissue concerns like bone, joint, muscle, or brain health. Red and NIR wavelengths are used simultaneously to target every layer of tissue and deliver the best results. The most beneficial frequencies are 660 nm red light and 850 nm near-infrared light. Our therapy panel is optimised for this wavelength.
Power Density (Irradiance):
Irradiance measures the light energy delivered to the skin, usually in milliwatts per square centimetre (mW/cm²). The stronger the panel, the more power it delivers. If the irradiance is too low, the wavelengths won’t travel deeply into the skin and be absorbed into the body’s tissues.
No. of LEDs:
More LEDs mean more efficient light emission and uniform distribution.
Flicker & EMF-Free:
Avoid flickering lights and ensure low EMF emissions because flicker doesn’t just cause discomfort and eye strain; it can disrupt light distribution, reducing the panel’s effectiveness. Our red light panels remove all harmful flicker.
Safety Features. :
Our devices come equipped with timers to prevent the risk of leaving red light therapy (RLT) on for too long. RLT is very relaxing, and it’s not uncommon for people to fall asleep during a session, making the timer a crucial feature. Additionally, all our panels include safety goggles to protect your eyes from prolonged exposure to intense light.
People Also Ask
Can you do red light therapy every day?
Yes, you can do red light therapy daily, and your doctor may recommend it for the first week, especially if you’re recovering from an injury. However, it’s better to switch to every other day for long-term use. This helps prevent overstimulation and allows your body to absorb the benefits better. This approach is supported by anecdotal evidence suggesting a slight break can enhance overall treatment results.
Can you overuse red light therapy?
Yes, overusing red light therapy is possible. RLT follows a biphasic dose-response, meaning too little light has minimal effect, the optimal dose provides the best benefits, but excessive light can diminish those positive effects. To avoid overuse, follow the recommended guidelines: position yourself 15 to 50 cm from the light for 10 to 20 minutes per area. Pay attention to your skin’s response and your therapist to adjust your sessions accordingly. Everyone’s sensitivity to light varies, so find what works best for you.
Is 10 minutes of red light therapy enough?
Yes, 10 minutes of red light therapy can be effective, especially for superficial treatments like improving skin health. The general recommendation is 10-20 minutes, depending on your goals, the device’s power, and its distance from your skin.
Can you do red light therapy two days in a row?
Yes, you can do red light therapy two days in a row. For most people, 3-4 sessions a week with a day’s gap in between are recommended. However, if you miss a session, doing a session back-to-back is fine. Read the full article on doing red light therapy every day, here.
Can you do red light therapy twice a day?
No, we don’t recommend overdoing red light therapy by taking sessions twice a day. 3-5 times a week is the general recommendation for most health issues.