Sep
One of the most common concerns with red light therapy is the eye area. People want to use red lights on the skin of the face, but are worried that bright red light pointed there may not be optimal for their eyes. Is there anything to be worried about? Can red light damage the eyes? or can it actually be very beneficial and help to heal our eyes?
Contents
Introduction
Best type of light of eye benefits
How does red light work in the eyes?
Exact Ideal Wavelength for Eye Health
How Intense Should the Light be?
Type of light to avoid
References
Introduction
Eyes are perhaps the most vulnerable and precious parts of our bodies. Visual perception is a key part of our conscious experience, and something so integral to our day-to-day functioning. Human eyes are especially sensitive to light, being able to differentiate between up to 10 million individual colours. They can also detect light between the wavelengths of 400nm and 700nm.
We do not have the hardware to perceive near infrared light (as used in infrared light therapy), just as we do not perceive other wavelengths of EM radiation such as UV, Microwaves, etc. It has recently been proven that the eye can detect a single photon.1 Like elsewhere on the body, eyes are made up of cells, specialised cells, all performing unique functions. We have rod cells to detect light intensity, cone cells to detect colour, various epithelial cells, humor producing cells, collagen producing cells, etc. Some of these cells (and tissues) are vulnerable to some types of light. All of the cells receive benefits from some other types of light. Research in the area has increased significantly in the last 10 years.
Which Color/Wavelength of Light is Beneficial for eyes?
Most of the studies that point to beneficial effects use LEDs as the light source with the vast majority around the wavelength of 670nm (red). Wavelength and light type/source are not the only important factors though, as the light intensity and exposure time affect the results.
How does red light help the eyes?
Given that our eyes are the primary light-sensitive tissue in our body, one might think that the absorption of red light by our red cones has something to do with the effects seen in the research. This is not entirely the case.
The primary theory explaining the effects of red and near infrared light therapy, anywhere in the body, involves the interactions between light and the mitochondria. The core function of mitochondria is to produce energy for its cell – light therapy improves its ability to make energy.
The eyes of humans, and specifically the cells of the retina, have the highest metabolic requirements of any tissue in the entire body – they require a lot of energy. The only way to meet this high demand is for the cells to house many mitochondria – and so it is no surprise that cells in the eyes have the highest concentration of mitochondria anywhere in the body.
Seeing as light therapy works via interactions with the mitochondria, and the eyes have the richest source of mitochondria in the body, it is a reasonable assumption to hypothesise that the light will also have the most profound effects in the eyes compared to the rest of the body. On top of that, recent research has shown that degeneration of the eye and retina is directly linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. So a therapy that can potentially restore the mitochondria, of which there are many, in the eye is the perfect approach.
Best wavelength of light
670nm light, a deep red visible type of light, is by far the most studied for all eye conditions. Other wavelengths with positive results include 630nm, 780nm, 810nm & 830nm. Laser vs. LEDs – a note Red light from either lasers or LEDs can be used anywhere on the body, although there is one exception for lasers specifically – the eyes. Lasers are NOT suitable for light therapy of the eyes.
This is due to the parallel/coherent beam property of laser light, which can be focused by the lens of the eye to a tiny point. The entire beam of laser light can enter the eye and all of that energy is concentrated into an intense tiny spot on the retina, giving an extreme power density, and potentially burning/damaging after just a few seconds. LED light projects out at an angle and so does not have this issue.
Power density & dose
Red light passes through the eye with over 95% transmission. This is true for near infrared light and similar for other visible light such as blue/green/yellow. Given this high penetration of red light, the eyes only require a similar treatment modality to the skin. Studies use around 50mW/cm2 power density, with quite low doses of 10J/cm2 or less. For more information on light therapy dosing, see this post.
Harmful light for eyes
Blue, violet and UV light wavelengths (200nm-480nm) are bad for the eyes, being linked to either retinal damage or damage in the cornea, humour, lens and optical nerve. This includes direct blue light, but also blue light as part of white lights such as household/street LED bulbs or computer/phone screens. Bright white lights, especially those with a high colour temperature (3000k+), have a large percentage of blue light and are not healthy for the eyes. Sunlight, especially midday sunlight being reflected off water, also contains a high percentage of blue, leading to eye damage over time. Luckily the earth’s atmosphere filters out (scatters) blue light to some extent – a process termed ‘rayleigh scattering’ – but midday sunlight still has a lot, as does sunlight in space seen by astronauts. Water absorbs red light more so than blue light, so the reflection of sunlight off lakes/oceans/etc is just a more concentrated source of blue. It’s not just reflected sunlight that can do harm though, as ‘surfer’s eye’ is a common issue related to UV light eye damage. Hikers, hunters and other outdoorsmen can develop this. Traditional sailors such as old navy officers and pirates would almost always develop vision issues after a few years, mainly due to sea-sunlight reflections, exacerbated by the nutritional issues. Far infrared wavelengths (and just heat in general) can be harmful for the eyes, as like with other cells of the body, functional damage occurs once the cells get too warm (46°C+ / 115°F+). Workers in old furnace related jobs such as engine management and glass blowing always developed eye issues (as the heat radiating from fires/furnaces is far infrared). Laser light is potentially harmful for the eyes, as mentioned above. Something like a blue or UV laser would be the most destructive, but green, yellow, red and near infrared lasers can still potentially cause harm.
Eye conditions helped
General vision – visual acuity, Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Degeneration – aka AMD or age-related macular degeration, Refractive Errors, Glaucoma, Dry Eye, floaters.
Practical applications
Using light therapy on the eyes before sun exposure (or exposure to bright white light). Daily/weekly use to prevent eye degeneration.
References
- Direct detection of a single photon by humans. Tinsley et al. 2016.
- Light transmission of the cornea in whole human eyes. Beems et al. 1990.
- Photostimulation of mitochondria as a treatment for retinal neurodegeneration. Beirne et al. 2017
- Light-Emitting Diode (LED) therapy improves occipital cortex damage by decreasing apoptosis and increasing BDNF-expressing cells in methanol-induced toxicity in rats. Ghanbari et al. 2017
- Aging retinal function is improved by near infrared light (670 nm) that is associated with corrected mitochondrial decline. Sivapathasuntharam et al. 2017
- Visual light effects on mitochondria: The potential implications in relation to glaucoma. Osborne et al. 2016
- Targeting mitochondrial function to treat optic neuropathy. Gueven et al. 2016
- Short-term effects of extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field and pulsed low-level laser therapy on rabbit model of corneal alkali burn. Rezaei Kanavi et al. 2016
- Red Light Treatment in an Axotomy Model of Neurodegeneration. Beirne et al. 2016
- Red light of the visual spectrum attenuates cell death in culture and retinal ganglion cell death in situ. Del Olmo-Aguado et al. 2016
- Photobiomodulation reduces drusen volume and improves visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in dry age-related macular degeneration. Merry et al. 2016
- Photobiomodulation for the treatment of retinal diseases: a review. Geneva II et al. 2016
- Optical monitoring of retinal respiration in real time: 670 nm light increases the redox state of mitochondria. Kaynezhad et al. 2016
- Near-Infrared Photobiomodulation in Retinal Injury and Disease. Eells et al. 2016
- Mechanistic Insights into Pathological Changes in the Diabetic Retina : Implications for Targeting Diabetic Retinopathy. Roy et al. 2016
- Efficacy of 670 nm Light Therapy to Protect against Photoreceptor Cell Death Is Dependent on the Severity of Damage. Chu-Tan et al. 2016
- Pre-exposure to low-power diode laser irradiation promotes cytoprotection in the rat retina. Sun et al. 2015
- Photobiomodulation with 670 nm light increased phagocytosis in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Fuma et al. 2015
- Photobiomodulation Mitigates Diabetes-Induced Retinopathy by Direct and Indirect Mechanisms: Evidence from Intervention Studies in Pigmented Mice. Saliba et al. 2015
- Mitochondrial decline precedes phenotype development in the complement factor H mouse model of retinal degeneration but can be corrected by near infrared light. Calaza et al. 2015
- Helium-neon laser therapy in the treatment of hydroxyapatite orbital implant exposure: A superior option. Xu et al. 2015
- “Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: A Pilot Study. [RETRACTED ARTICLE]Ivandic & Ivandic et al. 2015″
- “Aplication of low-level Laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) [Abstract]Koev K et al. 2015″
- Recharging mitochondrial batteries in old eyes. Near infra-red increases ATP. Gkotsi et al. 2014
- Protective effect of light emitting diode phototherapy on fluorescent light induced retinal damage in Wistar strain albino rats. Ahamed Basha et al. 2014
- Photobiomodulation in the treatment of patients with non-center-involving diabetic macular oedema. Tang et al. 2014
- Low-level laser therapy improves vision in a patient with retinitis pigmentosa. Ivandic & Ivandic et al. 2014
- Differential effects of 670 and 830 nm red near infrared irradiation therapy: a comparative study of optic nerve injury, retinal degeneration, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. Giacci et al. 2014
- Combining neuroprotectants in a model of retinal degeneration: no additive benefit. Di Marco et al. 2014
- Treatment with 670 nm light up regulates cytochrome C oxidase expression and reduces inflammation in an age-related macular degeneration model. Begum et al. 2013
- The time course of action of two neuroprotectants, dietary saffron and photobiomodulation, assessed in the rat retina. Marco et al. 2013
- Paranode Abnormalities and Oxidative Stress in Optic Nerve Vulnerable to Secondary Degeneration: Modulation by 670 nm Light Treatment. Szymanski et al. 2013
- Low-intensity far-red light inhibits early lesions that contribute to diabetic retinopathy: in vivo and in vitro. Tang et al. 2013
- Laser photobiomodulation as a potential multi-hallmark therapy for age-related macular degeneration. Rodríguez-Santana & Santana-Blank et al. 2013
- Age-related retinal inflammation is reduced by 670 nm light via increased mitochondrial membrane potential. Kokkinopoulos et al. 2013
- 670nm photobiomodulation as a novel protection against retinopathy of prematurity: evidence from oxygen induced retinopathy models. Natoli et al. 2013
- 670 nm light mitigates oxygen-induced degeneration in C57BL/6J mouse retina. Albarracin et al. 2013
- 670 nm LED ameliorates inflammation in the CFH−/− mouse neural retina. Kokkinopoulos I et al. 2013
- “Two year follow-up of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) [ABSTRACT]Koev et al. 2012″
- Treatment with 670-nm light protects the cone photoreceptors from white light-induced degeneration. Albarracin & Valter et al. 2012
- Photobiomodulation in Inherited Retinal Degeneration. Gopalakrishnan S et al. 2012
- Low-level laser therapy improves visual acuity in adolescent and adult patients with amblyopia. Ivandic et al. 2012
- 670-nm light treatment reduces complement propagation following retinal degeneration. Rutar et al. 2012.
- 670 nm red light preconditioning supports Müller cell function: evidence from the white light-induced damage model in the rat retina. Albarracin R et al. 2012
- Photobiomodulation protects the retina from light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. Albarracin et al. 2011
- “He-Ne low level laser therapeutic applications for treatment of corneal trauma [Proceedings article]Koev et al. 2011″
- The influence of He-Ne laser on scar formation after trabeculectomy in rabbits. Hu et al. 2010
- Near-infrared light protect the photoreceptor from light-induced damage in rats. Qu et al. 2010
- Near infrared light reduces oxidative stress and preserves function in CNS tissue vulnerable to secondary degeneration following partial transection of the optic nerve. Fitzgerald et al. 2010
- Influence and mechanism of He-Ne laser on scar formation of filtration canal after trabeculectomy in rabbit. Wang et al. 2010
- He-Ne low level laser therapeutic applications for treatment of acute iridocyclitis. Koev et al. 2010
- Gene and noncoding RNA regulation underlying photoreceptor protection: microarray study of dietary antioxidant saffron and photobiomodulation in rat retina. Natoli et al. 2010
- Early diagnosis of ocular hypertension using a low-intensity laser irradiation test. Ivandic et al. 2009
- “[Effect of infrared low-intensity laser therapy on orbital blood circulation in children with progressive short sightedness]. [Article in Russian]Shurygina & Khadzhieva et al. 2009″
- Neuroprotective effects of near-infrared light in an in vivo model of mitochondrial optic neuropathy. Rojas et al. 2008
- Low-level laser therapy improves vision in patients with age-related macular degeneration. Ivandic et al. 2008
- GaAs laser treatment of bilateral eyelid ptosis due to complication of botulinum toxin type A injection. Majlesi G et al. 2008
- Increases in central retinal artery blood flow in humans following carotid artery and stellate ganglion irradiation with 0.6 to 1.6 microm irradiation. Mii et al. 2007
- Therapeutic photobiomodulation for methanol-induced retinal toxicity. Eells et al. 2003.
- “[Effects of low-intensity infrared laser irradiation on the eye (an experimental study)]. [Article in Russian]Prokof’eva et al. 1996″
- Ophthalmic effects of low-energy laser irradiation. Belkin & Schwartz et al. 1994
- Dose and temporal parameters in delaying injured optic nerve degeneration by low-energy laser irradiation. Rosner et al. 1993
- Low-energy laser irradiation–a new measure for suppression of arachidonic acid metabolism in the optic nerve. Naveh et al. 1990
- “[The stimulating effect of helium-neon laser radiation on rabbit eyes]. [Article in Russian]Sokolovskii et al. 1990″
- “[Laser irradiation: study of general and local mechanisms of its action in irradiation of the eyeball. An experimental study.]. [Article in Russian] Kiselev et al. 1990″
- Temporal parameters of low energy laser irradiation for optimal delay of post-traumatic degeneration of rat optic nerve. Assia et al. 1989
- “[The mechanism of action of laser stimulation of the eye]. [Article in Russian] Shmyreva et al. 1989″
- Effects of low-energy He-Ne laser irradiation on posttraumatic degeneration of adult rabbit optic nerve. Schwartz et al. 1987
Thanks for a great post! For the studies using 670nm red light, do they assume eyes open or eyes closed?
I’ve been using full body red light therapy 50mw/cm2 for 20 minutes eyes closed but I’m guessing my eyes won’t get a sufficient dosage unless my eyes are open. Do the studies say anything about this?
A lot of the studies have eyes opened, but eyes closed is studied too.
Eyes closed actually makes more sense to me. The eyelid is a thin piece of tissue, fairly penetrable to red light. As the light passes through the eyelid tissue, it scatters, giving a much more even spread throughout the entire eyeball.
Hello Joe, I found a study by Professor Glen Jeffery (UCL Institute of Ophthalmology) College of London, the specs of the light they used were 10 670nm LED mounted behind a light diffuser embedded in a tube that was 4cm in diameter with Energy of 40mW/cm2. Do you sell such device? Greatly appreciate any guidance
Not exactly that, but similar 670nm devices.
Can you tell me which device you have that is 670 nm , my husband has macular degeneration I’ve read several studies that it helps?
Hi, Joe, this is a super blog you seem very informed. how near should you have red light therapy on your fae,should you make contact with skin
It depends on the light.
Does this mean I don’t have to use eye protection while using my 650 nm RLT facial mask?
Yes, and it wouldn’t be correct to call it eye ‘protection’, because it is only blocking benefits.
I am wondering if any studies are in the works for the application of red and near-infrared light to any other retinal diseases, such as gene-mediated retinopathies. It seems that if red light in these wavelengths strengthens the retinal cells’ own defenses by recharging the mitochondria then the beneficial effect might work with any number of other retinal diseases.
There will be upcoming studies, yes. It is a very active field, especially in the last few years. They’re not so easy to find, but you can get the good ones by starting on a Google search and when you find a relevant study, look at all of the references within that study.
Your extrapolation about uses on various other retinal diseases does make sense.
I own an LED pad that is made to be held over the body or wrapped around affected body part. It has 50 Infrared LEDs @880nm wavelength, approximately 100 mw output each diode and 40 Visible Red LEDs @650nm wavelength, approximately 50mw output each diode, totally 5200 mw (approximately) output/
Power density – approx. 100mW per square cm
I use it on my jaw for 30 minutes daily and worry about potential eye overexposure. WHat do you think?
You can’t calculate power density like that. For several reasons it has to be measured, not calculated.
50mW/100mW rated LEDs are extremely weak, far too weak for light therapy. You would just about get 100mW/cm2 power density at point blank range with 1000mW rated LEDs. The power density of your type of LEDs would be perhaps 5mW/cm2 max.
Regardless, no, don’t worry about eye issues. You can find concerns about light being maybe harmful for the eyes online, but it basically comes down to whether you are heating the eyes or not. It is the same thing as with your skin. Once the skin gets warm/hot, it is not beneficial anymore. The same applies for the eyes. Otherwise there is no harm specific to the eyes from light therapy. It is good for the eyes in the same way it is good for the rest of the body. You can’t improve one part of the body but harm the eyes at the same time – they would both be improved.
I am a bit confused about how much J/cm2 is needed for treatment of AMD if I get a unit giving 100mw/ cm2 at 10cm. Studies says 4 doses of 0.3 J/ cm2 were given 4 times ( twice a week) totalling 1.2J/ cm2 for the great results. That seems very low. I can get that much dose in 12 seconds using my unit then in just one session. That means if I do that every day, I am overdoing it and it could do unwanted damage?
I have one of your box combo lights IR and 830 I think. How would I use that for my eyes?
A low intensity is better for eyes. 40cm distance for 2 minutes per day.
Hi. Can you give more information re: cataracts? I noted the listing under “Eye conditions helped.” Specifically, cortical cataracts, which wavelength to use, and recommended course of therapy.
I s there such a thing as red light eyeglasses for Macular Degeneration for sale on the market, if so where can I find them? Thank You, Charlie
Very interesting
As you mentioned in the comments that LOW intensity light would be be better for eye use – what is the lowest intensity device ( and the item #) that I can purchase from your site?
Thank you !
As far as the products you carry are concerned, do you recommend the Red Light Device Mini for treating eye/vision or the Red light device? Also, do these products have specific instructions for using either of them to treat vision/eyes?
I want to thank you for the incredible effort you have put into educating us. The concern for being accurate is very apparent and much appreciated. I would have 100% confidence that your products perform as advertised. Thank you for the feedback.
Where can you purchase the LED flashlight that is mentioned in this article? My searches are turning up nothing. Thanks
Where can I buy a 670nm true red light source? I read that special 670nm true red flashlights were used in a study but all of the flashlights I’ve looked at online don’t give the nm value of the red light source.
I’m not sure which one to buy? I’m wanting it for my eyes(read the blog) wrinkles, muscles, joints.
Just received your 670 Device. I ordered it for eye therapy. It’s bright. At what distance from eye to device and at what usage frequency would you suggest. Compliments on a very well made device and prompt service. Thank you.
Thanks Woody, I use it at about 25-30cm from my eyes. So almost 12 inches. I use it several times a day for short 30 second sessions whenever I’m working with my eyes (screens/tv/phones/etc). If I only did it once a day, it would be 2-3 minutes total.
hi Joe – Thanks for posting about this research – I have the 670 Mini and have always wondered if these studies had eyes open or closed (I’ve always done closed, so thank you for clarifying that this can be effective)! Given the distribution of light on the mini (multiple lights vs a single source), is it still effective for eye therapy or does it need to be a single source like the Red 670? Thank you!
I have found a cree astronomy torch with a 630nm red light, would this be safe to use on the eyes
We are all looking for that flashlight and I believe it was specially made for the study. Looks like an ordinary maglite with a 670 nm LED attached to it.
Without a quality source for specific 660-670nm red light, how about using a 670nm bandpass filter and any standard visible light source? Bandpass filters are very specific to frequency.
will wavelength 660 work on the eyes or does it need to be 670?
I have also failed to find the the 679’m torch mentioned in the study. Can anyone say clearly where it can be purchased
i have a.m.d how can you help my eye sight on a budget
Hi Joe. Hope all is going well across the pond. Your’e the only game in town who certifies the frequency output of the devices offered. I’m looking to pick up a few more for eye health for myself, mother and a few friends.
This research has been making the rounds for the last few months or so. Pretty much the same story repeated:
“The second eyesight-saving strategy is to stare into a red light every day.
A small LED torch with a deep red beam will do the job, say researchers from University College London. Staring at it for three minutes every day can reverse eyesight that has started to deteriorate, a problem common among the over-40s.
Our vision’s colour contrast can improve by 20 percent by doing the exercise for even just a few weeks, the researchers discovered when they tested the technique on a group of 24 people, aged between 24 and 72 years.
The longwave light reboots the retina’s cells, which age faster than cells in any other part of the body. Over time, there can be a 70 percent reduction in the cells’ capabilities which causes a significant decline in the eyes’ photoreceptor functions.
The torches used for the experiments retail for around £12 ($15).”
Question: Which device? It appears the research only used 670nm. Probably the safest bet to stick with that frequency. Now which one? The lower powered 36w Red Mini 670 or the higher penetration 126w Red 670 Device? Distance from each device and treatment times would be nice to know. Also…the study suggests a “flashlight” type device you stare into. I’m assuming this prevents light from spreading out. I’m guessing the 126w Red 670 Device is way to powerful. I’ve got a few RLM products but unfortunately they also output in the 830nm range. Some mouse testicle studies showed cell abnormalities with exposure to this frequency.
How about people who have had an eye stroke? Does red light therapy work in these cases.
I haven’t seen that studied specifically.
Eye stroke damages blood vessels in the retina. In general red light therapy can enlarge blood vessels and improve circulation.
Because it looks like many people here are interested in self-administered light therapy for the eyes, since I’ve been doing it for over a year, just thought I’d share my experience. I have a 16.7 watt handheld “floodlight” style 670 nm LED bulb. When I do treatments, I do one eye at a time. I have a piece of cardboard cut so I can hold up the light and position it 10″ in front of the eye. Then I turn on the light, and cover my other eye with my hand while I’m treating the one eye. I keep the eye closed; trust me, plenty of the light gets through. I count off to 90 (or set my iPhone timer for 2 minutes) to get a 2 minute dose. For the light I’m using and the distance from the eye, this comes out to a dosage of around 4 – 5 joules.
Now, my experience: No side effects, other than that your color vision will be off for several minutes after you complete the treatment (you’ve really saturated the red cones and everything will look bluish green for a little while). I wouldn’t recommend doing the treatment with your eyes open; closed lids are much more comfortable and you’re going to get 95% of the dosage you’d get with your eye open anyway. I saw some improvement in the first month in clarity and color discernment in the affected eye and since then, have noticed no further visual deterioration.
My condition is more serious; I have wet macular degeneration which had its onset in April 2018 with a burst blood vessel leading to central serous retinopathy (I had a big fluid bubble under the center of the macula). This was initially resolved with anti-VEGF injections, but after that, I started to develop new, abnormal leaky vessels in the macular area, I suspect due to cell death and stress from the fluid bubble preventing cells from getting oxygen and nutrients. I can see where the vessels are leaking because in bright light, it looks like glitter or shimmering. I had my last injection in I think September of last year, about 6 weeks after I started doing the light therapy; I simply couldn’t afford to go back until I got insurance coverage, and then once I got that, before I could get back to the retinologist, COVID shut everything down. So I know that since last September, I have continued to have leaking – but I have not had a further perceptible deterioration in the vision in that eye. My calculus is that, fluid buildup under the retina places strain on RPE cells; the near-infrared treatment gives these cells the ability to survive the stress.
The bad news is that 670 nm does not seem to prevent the abnormal vessels from growing; I had hoped that it might downregulate VEGF production and so suppress their growth. It actually might discourage them, since at least one small study noted a reduction in exudate in patients with diabetic macular edema who used NIR therapy, but it doesn’t suppress them from growing entirely. I am going to start treating as well with a 590 nm light, since the LumiThera device currently in clinical studies includes this wavelength and there are indications that 590 nm IS effective in downregulating VEGF. So we shall see.
My takeaways is: a daily dose of 4 – 5 joules of 670 nm light through a closed eyelid is completely safe. You will not injure your eyes, and you will more likely see some improvement in clarity and color. But really – close your eyes. It won’t substantially affect the dosage you get to the retina, and if you don’t, you’re going to be seeing red dots for 20 minutes after you treat!
Thanks for sharing the information. Did your (or anyone’s) vision acuity improve with the light therapy? thx.
Hi there.
I have recently had an onset of floaters – been to eye doctor and can’t see anything wrong with eyes.
Wanting to try red light after reading this.
Which one of your devices do you recommend specifically for this?
Thanks
Anna
670nm is the wavelength most common studied and so proven to work for the eyes. Since the eye is small you don’t need a larger light.
Hello I have eye floaters in my left eye which ive had since the last 5 years I have had my eyes tested nothing wrong with my eyes or retina, I believe the head trauma I had led to vitreous debris floating in my eyes and I can’t seem to get rid of it, opthamologists can’t see my floaters so they can’t laser it or perform surgery because they think it’s harmless and will go away but it doesn’t its interfering with my central vision. Can you recommend the right red light device and how I should use it?
I have ocular hypertension ,is the red eye therapy suitable for me to use.
I purchased an LED device which have four lights of which I only use the RED one, I had no idea that it was ok or beneficial to take goggles off during the red light therapy. Thank you for your blog!
Can I use your 670 mini all day facing my eyes while working in front of my computer screen?
Hi Tony,
You could, but you shouldn’t. Besides being very bright and a significant distraction from working, it is a waste of time/electricity. You only need a few minutes exposure per day. The way I do it is intermittent 30 second sessions throughout the day. 30 seconds at 12 inches is enough to counteract 1 hour of screen time.
I have your Red Light Device. Is that to large of a light to use on the eyes? If not, how long and how far away do you recommend?
Hi, I had a car accident almost 2 years ago, 4th concussion (…) presently struggling with different issues, including eye problems such as light sensitivity, mainly artificial ones (probably: colour because of blue light and type because of flickering). To cut this short, my question is: Is it safe for me to use? Would it help me heal? Thanks!
I would like an answer to your question also. So far I don’t see it posted. I also have a question about the red and infrared light mini, assuming it has both lights that come on together? Does anyone know if they offer a specific stand for the light? Thank you!
In the https://redlightman.com/product/red-infrared-combo-mini/ all of the different wavelengths of LED do come on together.
We don’t currently sell a specific stand for it, but it comes with a suitable cable (and plug for your country). If you google search for ‘minisun tasca clip on spot lamp’ – that’s the stand I use at my desk.
I may have a really stupid question. but i have a gaming keyboard (razer) with led lighting. I have set those leds to red (R100% G0% B%) now I can remove all my keys. and the red light coming from it is quite strong. it can at least straighten my entire room in the evening. Does anyone know if this also helps if I sit in front of it? or is it not strong enough?
Hi Quint,
A light can seem very bright to human eyes but still measure as weak in terms of power density.
I’ve measured lights that seem stunningly bright, but barely get 0.01 on the measuring tool. You just have to measure the intensity, otherwise you won’t know.
The red light of any intensity is appropriate for using at night in terms of your circadian rhythm. Avoiding the blue and bright white lights at night is important. Red house lighting (or from a keyboard) is ideal for use at night because it won’t affect your melatonin levels in a negative way.
Thankss for your command, what kind of red light do you recommend for me? Its only for the eyes👍
https://redlightman.com/product/red-mini-670/
You’re awesome! I think I’m gonna buy it.
Thx!
Do I need some special glasses or is it safe without glasses?
Safe without glasses. In fact it is beneficial to eye health, as this article above explains.
Thanksss. My final question,
I sometimes see flashes of light. I’ve been to several eye doctors and they say my eyes are good. I have my doubts and that’s why I want to try this out. have you heard stories from people where it has helped? I see on the internet that it really helps for the eyes, but I have not heard real practical stories yet. thanks!
Don’t freak out. I had eye flashes and my vitreous humor detached. There were giant floaters too. If you get this see your eye doctor immediately. It will be OK.
Man, I’m stoked I came across this website!! So much great information, kudos to your efforts. I first became interested in light therapy when a doctor treated me with acupuncture, but not with needles – it was with laser light! I was skeptical it would do anything, but 90mins later I felt great!
Months later I looked into red light therapy and I purchased the combo device (620 – 670 – 760 – 830) would that be safe to use 40cm from the face with no eye protection? Or only stick to devices in the 600 range when treating the face?
I have a bodylight that I lay under every morning at a distance of about 15cm for arthritis/etc. for about 15 minutes. I wear solid steel light blocking goggles, but figured if I took them off (with eyes closed) for 45-60 seconds a session, that should be safe enough. Any red flags to this dosing in your mind? I realize there’s no guarantees. It’s about 185mw per square cm at this distance (630-660 and 810-850 wavelengths simultaneously).
Nothing to worry about at all there.
There are some scare stories around about near infrared being bad for eyes but it is nonsense in my opinion. There are studies on the light therapy near infrared range for eyes (700-850nm) and it gives good results in the same way that red does.
Stick to devices in the red range – read that bit of the blog again. IR not good.
You’re not going to harm your eyes with near infrared around wavelengths 700-850nm.
It is the longer infrared range, like far infrared, that can heat the eyes. Near infrared shorter than 850nm is safe and beneficial for eye health.
Does red light therapy help with cataracts?
Most likely, yes. It is hard to give a definitive, evidence-backed, answer because cataracts specifically needs more photobiomodulation research. There are some studies that mention it such as: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18588438/ but we need more studies. Studies on other eye health issues all point to positive effects so it would be only logical that it helps with cataracts too.
Thanks for the great blog post and comments Joe. Really appreciate your effort. Based on this i started a bi-daily habit of shooting your Red-Infrared Combo Light into my eye through a 12,5″ long foam-roller. 3 minutes per eye, since i work on the computer almost all day, i have already diagnosed with some mild macular degeneration, and 23andme showed that i have an tendency for AMD. Does it sound about right or would you adjust something?
Hi Ari,
12,5 inches distance sounds good. Twice per day at 3 minutes per eye sound good.
I’m not sure about the foam roller, it is completely unnecessary. I understand why this might seem like a good idea – focusing the light into your eye. However, unless the inner surface is highly reflective, such as being gloss white, aluminium foil, etc., the inside of the foam roller will just absorb some of the light, blocking it from reaching your eye.
The way I would suggest to do it is without the foam roller, same distance and time, but you’ll be covering both eyes at the same time, plus most of the skin on your face
Hi Joe, I am a little confused with your reply to Ari. I am usildg the 670 mini 12inches away for 2 mins covering 1 eye each time while the light is shining on the closed eye . I do not cover the rest of my face. Is that correct? I assume the red light is also good for the skin.
I think he means covering in the sense of exposing both eyes and facial skin to the light rather than covering them up
I have combo body light and I want to use it for toxoplasmosis throughout the body (I also have an inflammatory syndrome and helicobacter pilori) and especially in the head. Can it affect me if I use it from a distance of 7.5 cm for a period of 20 minutes? Can it affect my eyes or my brain? Can I do these sessions daily or even twice a day? How do you advise me to proceed? Thanks in advance.
A distance of 7.5cm is quite high intensity. This will be suitable for deeper penetration.
20 minutes is quite a long session. I wuld say 10 minutes is more than enough.
There should be some effects on the eyes and brain at that distance.
Daily sessions is better. No need to do twice daily.
This blog and comments and your responses, Joe, are extremely (!) helpful. Thank you so very much for your excellent products and the education you provide. Just something I have heard from Glen Jeffery who is doing a lot of clinical red light research in the UK; he says that the retinal mitochondria are much more receptive to the therapeutic effects of red light in the mornings earlier than 9AM. They have not seen the same level of benefit when using red light for the eyes in the afternoons.
Joe, also what seems to help the eyes is variety. Open, closed, looking at the red light, looking away, moving eyes while closed, moving eyes while open and moving head with eyes open and eyes closed for about a 2 minutes total at 660 nm treatment and a distance of 6-8 inches. And afterwords moving eyes while closed and open, as well as head eyes closed and open, for another minute or so. Have you done any of this?
I have the old style red light panels from TheLedMan and I love them. I lay them directly over my closed eyelids and remove them before they get too hot. It has taken my vision back to the clarity I had decades ago and reduced my crows feet too. I’m not sure if this method is appropriate for his new red light models.
Do you have a product you recommend for eye therapy? If so, can you advise on instructions? Thank you so much.
https://redlightman.com/product/red-670-light-device/ or https://redlightman.com/product/red-mini-670/
Used for 3 minutes daily. Morning sessions ideally. Distance of around 20-25 cm / 8 – 10 inches. Eyes closed.
Hello,
Can red light help to improve refraction errors such as myopia? Is there anyone with experience with this? Thank you very much!
Hi Maria, I am no doctor but have had vision issues since birth, including near blindness, improvement through childhood, and two hyperopic eyes from age 0-40 morphing to one hyperopic and one myopic (one near sighted eye) after age 40. I also have astigmatism. So I speak from this odd vision point of view.
I am just beginning to add red light therapy, after the past year of adding calcium pyruvate and also niacinamide supplementation (because of positive peer-reviewed published research for aging eyes). I am at 60 years of age, and the difference with this supplementation is marked. I have also noticed huge vision improvements in my aging eyes when I consume green vegetable powders (in other words, perhaps a dozen servings of greens a day in juice form). I notice a difference within two hours. There is research explaining what chlorophyll does to aid the eyes. I have been consuming green powder for a few years now. But its improvements are for the day, only, and do not contribute to improvement without consumption.
Regarding myopia: With children specifically, currently, studying the peer-reviewed research out there, it seems myopia can be improved with red light therapy. There are studies with children and animals with positive or intriguing results. I cannot find adult studies as of yet, with a focus on myopia. With children, there is the effect of growth on the muscle length, in other words, “growing into your muscle length” that can help with some vision issues.
Trying red light therapy for myopia cannot hurt, except for spending a few dollars for a good device and except for time expenditure. There is possibly at minimum a benefit of slowing myopia’s progression, the current hypothesis it seems. I am beginning my experiments now, to help my one myopic eye, and both eyes for their aging reversal or slowing, and hopefully also my color contrast perception, with red light.
Good luck.
Will this benefit other areas of my body as well? Any info on mouth health?
Hello. Thank you for that information. I am interested in the benefits of this red light during photoreceptor atrophy of retina, which was developed after cataract surgery. If there is any information during this condition how is working this light please answer me. Thank you in advance.