Do You Need Eye Protection For Red Light Therapy?

Date

Updated Mar 13, 2025

Reading Time

8 Min

Article by

David Johnson

What Is Red Light Therapy？

Red light therapy (RLT) is also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM). RLT is the illumination of specific wavelengths of red light and near-infrared (NIR) light to stimulate cellular function.

Red light is between 600 and 700 nm, and NIR is between 800 and 900 nm.

Some of the purposes of red light therapy include:

● Improving skin health by eliminating fine lines and wrinkles.
● Pain relief.
● Muscle recovery.
● Wound healing.

How It Works

RLT delivers low-light energy wavelegths to the skin’s surface, penetrating about 5 mm deep. Tissues like hair follicles, blood vessels, and nerve endings exist this deep. These tissues have specialized cells that facilitate healing, growth, and blood circulation.

Red light energy gets into these cells’ powerhouse, the mitochondria. That’s the part that converts food into energy. The illumination hastens the food-to-energy conversion, triggering faster adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production(photobiomodulation). ATP is a cell’s energy molecule providing the mitochondrial energy needed for all cellular processes. Some of these processes include:

● Tissue repair and regeneration.
● Active transportation of nutrition.
● Muscle contraction.
● Protein synthesis, cell division, and other metabolic processes.

Therefore, the health benefits of red light therapy include:

● Reduced inflammation of tissues.
● Increased blood flow.
● Boosted collagen production.
● Faster pain relief.
● Faster wound healing.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Your Eyes？

When you apply red light therapy properly, it is safe for the eyes. Still, there are a few factors to keep in mind.

The three things to consider are the red light’s wavelength, exposure, and intensity. The type of device you use is also a factor. Here is how these matter when it comes to your eye’s safety:

1. Wavelength

A longer wavelength means lower energy and vice verse. Red light falls between 600–700 nm, a longer wavelength, meaning lower energy. This is safe for the eyes. It is even used to treat certain eye conditions like dry eye and retinal injuries.

NIR (800–900nm) is also a promising remedy for eye disease.

For context, a longer wavelength is 900 nm, and the shorter is 600 nm.

Now, here is the kicker:

Despite RLT’s safety, dosage and exposure are vital. Prolonged exposure could cause potential risks like eye damage. They could even harm the retinal cells and the cornea. Eye protection is mandatory when using any device that emits NIR.

2. Exposure

This is the duration you remain exposed to the red light. Ideally, red light therapy sessions take 15-20 minutes, but other settings also play in.

As a general rule of thumb, wear protective goggles if exposed for long. Shorter periods might not necessarily require it. But even so, consulting for guidance is needed.

3. Intensity

Intensity is a measure of energy passing through a given area over time. High intensity means more energy is concentrated in the area. Low intensity is low energy in the area.

In this regard, low-intensity red light therapy devices are safer than high-intensity devices. Hence, most at-home devices have light sources with lower intensities. High-intensity RLT devices are typically found in clinical settings.

Do You Need Eye Protection for Red Light Therapy？

To be safe, you should wear them. Here’s a table to help you know when to wear and when it’s not necessary.

Note: The FDA states that LED light therapy is universally safe. This means you can use a red light therapy device without eye protection. However, there is a catch: Not all devices are FDA-approved. So it is best practice to always wear them, even at home!

How to Choose the Right Glasses for Red Light Therapy

Now that we know eye protection is ideal, how do you select the best? Use this checklist to ensure you find the right fit.

● Ensure they block out specific wavelengths significantly beyond 700 nm.
● Ensure they are made explicitly for red light therapy.
● Select polycarbonate lenses. These are durable, lightweight, and sufficient for incense light.
● Go for coated lenses.
● Never use regular sunglasses on untested eyewear.
● Ensure the fit is snug to avoid light leakage. Wrap-around styles are ideal.
● Ensure the glasses meet eye safety and certification standards.
● Only use the glasses manufacturers give you if using red light therapy at home. These are specific to block out the light these devices produce.

If you are unsure of what to use, consult the device manufacturer. A healthcare professional trained in light treatment is also a valuable source to consult.

RedLiteX Series: Eye Protection Included

You get a pair of protective eyewear when you get any device under the RedLiteX Series. The manufacturer is committed to your safety as you use their device for any purpose. Be it to promote healing, pain relief, or cellular rejuvenation, your eyes will be safe.

To Wear Or Not To Wear Eye Protection During Red Light Therapy?

Wear your goggles, especially when using high intensity, longer wavelengths, and extended light exposure times.

Also, have them on if the device emits any NIR waves. They might not be necessary when you are on a low-intensity device. Also, it's not mandatory when you’re on low intensity with only a red light. But the final word should come from the manufacturer or doctor.

Most makers of these devices, like RedLiteX, will supply eye protection. So, when you find it in the package, it must be used. It wasn’t put there for decoration. You know the properties even when you get a red light therapy panel without one. Find and use it.

When you are getting your wellness up, protect your eyes. There’s no point in fixing one problem and creating another one. Gear up. Your skin, muscles, and, most importantly, your eye health will thank you.

Sources

1. Claudia Dompe, et al. (2020). Photobiomodulation—Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications.

2. Antoinette Antwi, et al. (2024 Aug 2). Effect of low-level light therapy in individuals with dry eye disease.

3. Qin Zhu, et al. (2023 Sep 4). Repeated Low-Level Red-Light Therapy for Controlling Onset and Progression of Myopia-a Review.

4. Qin Zhu, et al. (2021 Jan 1). Near Infrared (NIR) Light Therapy of Eye Diseases: A Review.

Article by

David Johnson

David Johnson is a co-founder of RedliteX and a healthcare professional with extensive experience in red light therapy. He specializes in the research and application of red light therapy panels for therapeutic and wellness purposes, with a deep understanding of the science behind light-based treatments. Committed to education and evidence-based insights, he focuses on how red light therapy can support healing, pain management, recovery, and overall well-being.

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