Should You Keep Your Eyes Open or Closed during Red Light Therapy?

The question of whether to keep your red light therapy eyes open or closed is one of the most frequently asked in the photobiomodulation (PBM) community. It is a critical inquiry that balances the desire for comprehensive anti-ageing benefits with the necessity of eye safety.

The simple answer is that it depends entirely on the device you are using, its power output, and the goal of your treatment. For general cosmetic use of high-intensity panels, the prevailing wisdom is clear: keep your eyes closed and wear protective eyewear. 

However, the science of PBM is continually evolving, and highly controlled, low-level red light is now being investigated, and in some cases, administered professionally, specifically for eye health.

This article explores the nuanced relationship between red light therapy and ocular health, detailing the essential safety protocols for home use and the promising new research into direct eye treatment.

The Fundamentals of Eye Safety in PBM

Red light therapy utilises light in the red (630–700 nm) and near-infrared (NIR) (800–1000 nm) spectrums. 

Unlike ultraviolet (UV) light, which causes photochemical damage like sunburn, these longer wavelengths are generally considered non-ionising and do not carry the same risk of DNA damage to the skin, as detailed by Stanford Medicine in their overview of red light therapy.

However, the human eye is extremely sensitive. The retina, in particular, is composed of highly metabolic cells and can be vulnerable to concentrated or prolonged exposure to high-intensity light.

The Two Main Concerns

When using high-powered PBM devices near the face, safety experts cite two primary risks, both of which are addressed by the recommendation to close your eyes and use protection:

1. Photochemical Risk to the Retina: Although red light is generally beneficial, extremely high doses or prolonged exposure can, theoretically, overstimulate the photoreceptors and mitochondria in the retina. This is particularly true for NIR light, which penetrates deeper into the eye tissue, reaching the retina where it is absorbed by the cells' mitochondria, as explained in articles detailing Photobiomodulation as an Innovative and Promising Treatment for Retinal Disease. Uncontrolled exposure could pose a risk of photochemical damage, though more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of chronic, high-dose exposure, as noted in expert guides discussing whether Red Light Therapy Devices are safe for the eyes.
2. Discomfort and Temporary Strain: Even if the light is not causing permanent damage, the sheer brightness of high-intensity LED panels can cause discomfort, temporary eye strain, dryness, or a lingering afterimage. If you are using a powerful device designed to treat large areas of the body, the brightness alone is a good enough reason to shield your eyes for comfort and to maintain visual health, according to safety guides like those published by Kaiyan Medical on eye protection.

Why Closing Your Eyes is Often Not Enough

For low-intensity, FDA-cleared devices like many home-use LED facial masks, simply closing your eyes is often sufficient protection. The eyelids provide a natural barrier that attenuates a significant amount of light. 

For example, masks like the Maysama PRANA LED Light Therapy Mask are designed with diffused light and specific light-blocking eye contours, making closure adequate for safety and comfort, as outlined in Maysama's own safety tips.

However, when you are using a high-irradiance red light therapy panel, closing your eyes does not guarantee safety. This is because:

• Near-Infrared Penetration: Near-infrared light (810–850 nm) can penetrate the eyelids more easily than visible red light. While the visible red light is largely blocked, the invisible NIR wavelengths may still reach the retina.
• Irradiance Level: High-powered devices deliver a massive concentration of light energy (mW/cm2). Even the small amount of light that penetrates the eyelid can be significant enough to potentially cause irritation or overexposure in sensitive individuals.

For these reasons, manufacturers of large, high-output panels universally recommend wearing the specialised opaque or dark safety goggles provided with the device.

The Exciting Exception: Red Light for Eye Health

While general safety protocols mandate eye protection, a separate and growing field of ophthalmological research is focusing on the direct application of red light, or PBM, to the eye to treat various conditions.

In this context, the goal is not to avoid the light, but to deliver a precise, low-level dose directly to the mitochondria-rich cells of the retina, specifically the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium, as detailed in an overview of translational research from bench to bedside.

Ocular Conditions Under Investigation

Clinical studies are actively investigating the use of highly controlled red light for conditions including:

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): PBM, often delivered using specific wavelengths like 590 nm, 660 nm, and 850 nm, has shown potential in improving mitochondrial function, reducing inflammation, and slowing the progression of dry AMD, particularly in its early to intermediate stages, according to information from Hunter Eye Surgeons on Photobiomodulation. A professionally administered system, such as the Valeda Light Delivery System, has even received FDA authorisation for this purpose, as highlighted by the BrightFocus Foundation on light therapy for dry Macular Degeneration.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Repeated low-level red light (RLRL) therapy is being explored as a method to slow the progression of myopia in children. This area holds great promise for the future of ophthalmology, as discussed in an article illuminating the promise of red light therapy in ophthalmology. Crucially, this is a highly debated area. Experts from the University of Houston have warned that some devices may exceed safety limits for continuous viewing, putting the retina at risk of photochemical damage. This highlights the absolute necessity of clinical supervision and adherence to verified, standardised protocols for any direct eye treatment.
• Dry Eye Disease: PBM has been shown to potentially alleviate symptoms of dry eye by stimulating the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oily layer of tears.

The Difference Between Clinical and Home Use

The key distinction between these therapeutic applications and home cosmetic use is control and precision.

In clinical settings, devices are:

1. Medically Certified: They are regulated and authorised specifically for ocular use.
2. Precisely Calibrated: The wavelength, irradiance, and dose (Joules/cm2) are measured and controlled down to minute detail.
3. Administered by Professionals: The patient is monitored by a trained eye care provider.

The research showing the potential benefits of red light for eye health does not give users a green light to stare into a standard, high-powered facial or body panel at home. Attempting to self-treat chronic eye issues with an uncalibrated home device is highly discouraged by experts.

Final Guidance

When considering the question, "red light therapy eyes open or closed," prioritise safety and the type of device you own.

For the vast majority of at-home red light therapy used for skin rejuvenation, collagen production, or inflammation reduction on the face:

• Keep your eyes closed.
• Wear the protective goggles provided with your device, especially if you are using a high-intensity panel.
• Do not stare directly into the light source.

If you are considering red light therapy to treat a diagnosed eye condition, such as AMD or chronic dry eyes, you must:

• Consult a board-certified ophthalmologist or optometrist who specialises in PBM.
• Only undergo treatment using a medical-grade, clinically tested device, such as any of Maysama’s red light therapy devices.

By understanding the difference between high-output cosmetic devices and highly controlled clinical treatments, you can ensure your red light therapy sessions are both safe and effective.