Table of Contents
- Introduction: Understanding Eye Safety in Red Light Therapy
- What is Red Light Therapy? How Does it Work?
- Red Light Therapy Eyes Open or Closed – Why It's a Common Question
- The Science Behind Red Light and Eye Exposure
- Scientific Research on the Effects of Red Light Therapy on Eye Health
- Clinical Studies on Red Light Therapy Applications for Vision and Eye Care
- Tips for Safe and Effective Red Light Therapy Sessions
- Why RLT Home Devices Are the Best Choice for Eye-Safe Red Light Therapy
- Conclusion: Best Practices for Eye Care During Therapy
- FAQs: Red Light Therapy Eyes Open or Closed
Introduction: Understanding Eye Safety in Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is a side-effect-free and non-invasive treatment that has become a sensation in both the clinical and cosmetic worlds. Individuals across the globe are applying it to naturally heal from various conditions and achieve smoother, more youthful, and firmer-looking skin, without the fear of side effects. Yes, red light therapy is generally safe and doesn't lead to side effects. But still, lots of users of red light therapy around the eyes, particularly for dark circles, keep asking: "Is red light therapy safe for the eyes?
" or "Do I really need to wear an eye protective mask? " It's a good question because, as you likely know, during laser treatments, you're always being told to wear eye protection. That's because the intense laser beams can hurt your eyes and even lead to permanent damage to the retina. But here's the catch: red and near-infrared light don't equal lasers. They're not the same intensity or as likely to be able to cause that kind of damage. Even with that, however, it's still vital to approach this therapy with caution to avoid any harm, particularly to your eyes. Here, we will discuss why eye protection is so crucial and what you should know before your session.
What is Red Light Therapy? How Does it Work?
Red light therapy, which is also called low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation, uses certain red and near-infrared wavelengths. These do not bother your skin and go deep into the cells. Red and near-infrared light stimulates the mitochondria, which are the parts of cells that make energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the cellular currency for energy, enabling cells to function effectively and facilitating faster healing and regeneration.
Red light therapy impacts at a cell level and, by activating higher energy production, it boosts your body's ability to stay well and heal naturally. It also enhances blood flow, ensuring cells have better access to oxygen and nutrients and are able to flush out toxins and waste. Red light therapy has achieved immense success due to its capability to ease pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress naturally.
Red light therapy is extremely beneficial and is healthy for your skin, hair, joints, muscles, and overall well-being. With all its benefits, it's not surprising that red light therapy keeps gaining popularity and motivating people to give it a shot. Yet, some people still ask themselves if red light therapy is eye-friendly or if they need to be extra careful when using it on the face.
Red Light Therapy Eyes Open or Closed – Why It's a Common Question
No wonder the following question arises in your mind as well: Is red light therapy safe for your eyes or not? Many individuals are still unsure and tend to compare the effects of lasers and tanning beds. The good news is that not all types of light are the same. Tanning beds and lasers are used for entirely different purposes, and red light therapy is for others.
People who use red light therapy on their face, especially around the eyes, are concerned because the eyes are the most sensitive sensory organs and are particularly vulnerable to irritants. This question, "Should I keep my eyes open or closed during red light therapy? "is relatively common. That's because in treatments like laser therapy or tanning beds, protective eye masks are a must, and skipping them would be gambling with your eyes. But since red light uses much more gentle wavelengths, people are left asking if the same rules apply.
The reason this question is so important is that it removes doubt and enables you to continue with your sessions both safely and confidently.
The Science Behind Red Light and Eye Exposure
As you know, red light therapy is a safe and gentle method that does not harm your skin. Similarly, it does not cause any harm to your eyes. You will not be advised by any medical professional to wear an eye protective mask before a red light therapy session because they understand how gentle and safe the therapeutic wavelengths of red and near-infrared light are, especially when using a high-quality device like those from RLT Home with low-intensity wavelengths. On the other hand, your medical advisor will always instruct you to wear eye protection during laser treatments because lasers have the potential to damage your eyes.
So, don't confuse red light therapy with tanning beds or laser treatments. When performed properly, red light therapy can help you achieve your desired results safely and effectively. In fact, studies have even suggested that certain wavelengths of red light may support eye health by improving mitochondrial function in retinal cells. However, remember that the eyes are among the most sensitive organs in the body. You should never compromise on their safety. Always use a good-quality device and avoid direct exposure if you are using a high intensity of near-infrared light.
Scientific Research on the Effects of Red Light Therapy on Eye Health
If you've been anxious about utilizing red light therapy without eye protection, you might be shocked to learn that it could be excellent for your eyes. Yes, truly! Researchers have shown that some wavelengths of red and near-infrared light can make your retinal cells' mitochondria work better. This helps these delicate cells recover and regenerate more effectively. Even more exciting, research suggests that red light therapy may also delay the development of myopia (nearsightedness) in kids and improve defective color vision in some cases.
Thankfully, through these amazing findings by doctors and scientists, what could have been thought of as a risk earlier can now be an eye-opener in itself—red light therapy could be your eyes' best friend and not worst enemy. Surely, the key lies in running a good machine and following instructions well so as to maximize this therapy in the safest possible manner.
Clinical Studies on Red Light Therapy Applications for Vision and Eye Care
Study 1: Safety of Low-Level Red Light Therapy in Children with Myopia: Study Findings.
Objective
The aim of the study was to see if repeated low-level red light treatment (LLLT) is safe to apply in myopic children. Researchers used a high-resolution imaging technique called optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to track how treatment affects the retinal thickness and small blood vessels within the eye.
Results
The study involved 40 children aged between 7 to 14 years who were treated with LLLT and underwent regular eye examinations every six months. Inner and full retina thickness in the macula region increased marginally and remained unchanged for the subsequent months following a month of treatment. These findings were compared to readings before therapy and were found to be significant. However, there were no further extreme variations following the follow-ups (3 and 6 months). Notably, retinal blood vessel density did not change at any point in the study.
Conclusion
The results indicate that low-level red light therapy is safe for schoolchildren with myopia. Although the therapy resulted in mild thickening of the macula, it had no adverse influence on blood flow in the retina. It suggests that LLLT may be an option that can be taken as a safe measure for treating myopia in children.
Study 2: Photobiomodulation Therapy Using 650 nm Red Light: A Safe and Effective Approach for Childhood Myopia.
Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of short-term PBM therapy using a 650 nm low-energy semiconductor laser in children with low-to-moderate myopia. Researchers compared children treated with PBM for three months with a control group that received no treatment to see if PBM would halt myopia progression.
Results
The study consisted of 57 children (114 eyes) from October 2020 to September 2021. Of these, 28 children (56 eyes) were in the PBM group and 29 children (58 eyes) were in the control group. Children in the PBM group at three months showed a decrease in axial length (AL) by 0.07 ± 0.11 mm; however, spherical equivalent refractive error (SER) decreased insignificantly by -0.12 ± 0.39 D. In contrast, the control group saw their AL and SER increase over the same period of time. These were significantly different between groups (p < 0.01).
Safety measures revealed no significant difference in visual acuity, nerve fiber layer thickness, ganglion cell layer thickness, or retinal thickness between the PBM group. Although there was a slight decrease in superficial retinal vascular density (SCP) (p = 0.045) and a slight increase in central choroid thickness (CCT), these were not considered to be harmful.
Conclusion
This research indicates that photobiomodulation with 650 nm red light can decrease myopia progression in children over three months. It minimized eye elongation and change in refractive error significantly compared to no treatment. Significantly, no clinically significant adverse effects on visual function or the retina were found, suggesting that PBM is a safe and promising method of treatment for myopia in children.
Tips for Safe and Effective Red Light Therapy Sessions
Red light therapy is a drug-free and non-invasive approach that is safe and does not result in any side effects, even when applied near your eyes. Nevertheless, it should be used sensibly and appropriately so as not to result in small inconveniences such as redness, dryness, or discomfort in your eyes.
The initial step involves the selection of an appropriate device. Most devices available for sale are not safe to use at home and will irritate your skin and eyes. An effective device should produce the right wavelength of light: red light between 610–670 nm and near-infrared light between 810, 830, 850, 980, or 1064 nm. It must also be FDA-approved, so you can be certain that it is safe and effective. Check for features such as good quality LEDs, adjustable levels, auto turn-off, portability, and hands-free usage. To guarantee all these features, it is best to purchase from a reputable and established company.
Second, follow the instructions of the manufacturer precisely. Don't overuse the device, and don't put it too close to the skin. For new users, begin with sessions 3–5 times a week, for a period of 10–20 minutes, with the device held 6–12 inches away from the face. While red and near-infrared light are generally safe for your eyes, wearing protective goggles is recommended if you're using a high-intensity device on your face.
By following these easy tips, you can use all the advantages of red light therapy safely and effectively. And don't forget—consistency is the secret to experiencing improved and long-term results.
Why RLT Home Devices Are the Best Choice for Eye-Safe Red Light Therapy
If you want to invest in a superb device that also happens to be eye-safe—be it that you use it on your face, for dark circles, or even on or around your eyes—choose from RLT Home. This trusted brand creates well-made and classically stunning red light therapy devices that emit the therapeutic red and near-infrared wavelengths of light. All their devices are FDA-approved, meaning they are both safe and effective to use at home.
Their MINI and COMPACT models are perfect for treating your eyes and small areas of the body, such as hands, face, and feet. The models also have hands-free capability, which means you can get treated without constantly holding the device. The adjustable intensity levels enable you to discover the light setting that works best for your comfort and needs.
On top of that, RLT Home products are made convenient and hassle-free to use, ideal for daily home use or even mobility. With such reliable and user-friendly features, you can have faith in your well-being journey.
Conclusion: Best Practices for Eye Care During Therapy
Briefly, we can conclude that red light therapy is safe to use and works well, even near delicate areas such as the eyes. Most people wonder if it is possible to leave their eyes open during a red light therapy session, particularly those who like to perform the therapy at home and want to do it independently. For people like that, having their eyes open throughout the session is just a convenient option. The better news is that you do not have to be anxious since red light therapy is harmless for your eyes when applied correctly and with an appropriate device. This is especially the case if you are working with excellent, well-designed devices from RLT Home. Their FDA-approved products allow you to perform red light therapy in a safe and confident manner, knowing you are utilizing a product emitting therapeutic wavelengths and that it is safe for sensitive areas such as the eyes.
FAQs: Red Light Therapy Eyes Open or Closed
Should you cover your eyes when doing red light therapy?
You do not need to cover your eyes during red light therapy because it is a safe method that does not cause any discomfort to your eyes.
Does light therapy work if your eyes are closed?
Yes, light therapy still works even if your eyes are closed. The red and near-infrared light can penetrate your eyelids and reach the targeted areas. However, keeping your eyes open may help if you're treating areas around the eyes directly.
Can red light therapy affect your eyesight?
No, red light therapy does not negatively affect your eyesight when used properly.