Red Light Therapy & Eye Safety: Close Your Eyes or Not?

About the author

Evelyn Reed, M.S.

Health Science EducatorCertified Wellness Coach

Evelyn Reed, M.S., is a Health Science Educator and Certified Wellness Coach specializing in evidence-based, at-home wellness solutions. With a Master's degree in Health Science, she focuses on translating complex scientific research on cellular health and light therapy into practical, accessible protocols. Evelyn is dedicated to empowering individuals to manage pain, improve sleep, and enhance skin vitality. Her science-first, empathetic approach makes her a trusted advocate for achieving long-term health goals.

If you have ever sat in front of a red light panel or slipped on an LED face mask and wondered, “Should my eyes be open or closed right now?”, you are not alone. As interest in at-home red light therapy has exploded, questions about eye safety have become some of the most common and most important ones I hear.

Red and near-infrared light can support healing in skin, joints, and even some eye structures. At the same time, your retina is one of the most delicate, high‑energy tissues in your body. Getting the balance right between benefit and safety, especially for your vision, is essential.

This article walks you through what science and expert groups actually say about red light and your eyes, and then turns that into clear, practical advice about whether closing your eyes is enough, when you should add goggles, and when you should avoid eye exposure altogether.

A Quick Refresher: What Red Light Therapy Does

Most consumer devices marketed as red light therapy or photobiomodulation use low‑level red or near‑infrared light, generally in the range of about 600 to 900 nanometers. Sources include LED panels, handheld devices, and masks, and in medical settings, more precisely calibrated systems.

Medical centers such as Cleveland Clinic and Stanford Medicine describe red light therapy as non‑invasive and non‑thermal when used appropriately. It does not use ultraviolet light, so it does not tan the skin or cause sunburn. Instead, the light is absorbed by structures inside cells, particularly mitochondria, which are often called the cell’s power plants.

Laboratory and clinical research summarized by Cleveland Clinic, WebMD, and academic reviews in ophthalmology has shown that this kind of light can:

Increase cellular energy (ATP) production.
Modulate inflammation and oxidative stress.
Support tissue repair in skin, muscle, and nerves.
Stimulate collagen in the skin and improve hair density in certain types of hair loss.

Because the retina is so rich in mitochondria, especially in the photoreceptors that let you see color and fine detail, researchers have become very interested in whether carefully dosed red light might help aging eyes, dry eye disease, or retinal conditions such as macular degeneration. That has led to both promising data and serious safety questions.

How Red Light Interacts With Your Eyes

The back of your eye is lined with the retina, a thin tissue packed with rods and cones that convert light into electrical signals. These cells have very high energy demands and contain more mitochondria than any other tissue in the body, according to researchers cited by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmology Times.

Several small human studies led by groups at University College London, reported in Scientific Reports and discussed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association, have found that:

A single three‑minute exposure to deep red light at around 670 nanometers in the morning improved color contrast sensitivity in older adults, sometimes by roughly 15 to 20 percent.
In another study using three minutes of daily 670‑nanometer light over two weeks, older adults showed measurable improvements in color contrast vision and some rod (night‑vision) sensitivity.
These gains were most noticeable in people over about age forty and when light was delivered in the morning, suggesting a link with mitochondrial daily rhythms.

Animal and cell studies reviewed in ophthalmology journals and by organizations such as BrightFocus Foundation and Healthline have reported that red and near‑infrared light can:

Improve mitochondrial function in aging retinal cells.
Reduce markers of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Protect retinal cells in models of macular degeneration, glaucoma, and optic nerve injury.

At the same time, multiple expert sources stress that the retina is extremely sensitive to light injury. University of Houston researchers, for example, measured commercial low‑level red laser devices being used on children for myopia (nearsightedness) control. They found that three minutes of direct viewing could approach or exceed maximum permissible exposure limits, raising the risk of photochemical and thermal damage. They pointed out that even lasers labeled as Class 1 (considered safe for brief accidental exposure) are not meant to be stared into for extended periods.

Professional bodies such as the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists and reviews in ophthalmology journals echo two key points:

Red light therapy for eye diseases is promising but still experimental. There is no consensus yet on ideal wavelength, intensity, or dosing for the eye.
Safety for repeated, long‑term eye exposure has not been fully established, especially outside carefully monitored clinical trials.

In other words, light in the red and near‑infrared range can do real biological work in your eyes, for better and for worse, depending on how it is delivered.

Is Red Light Therapy Bad For Your Eyes?

For general at‑home devices used on the skin, major medical institutions and eye specialists draw a clear line between red LED therapy and more dangerous types of light.

Several themes show up repeatedly across sources like Cleveland Clinic, WebMD, Stanford Medicine, and dermatology and ophthalmology experts:

Red and near‑infrared LED devices used correctly on the skin have a favorable safety profile and a low risk of serious side effects.
Users should avoid shining bright devices directly into their eyes and should shield or close their eyes for facial treatments.
Lasers, even “low‑level” ones, can damage the retina if stared into, particularly over repeated or long exposures.

Beauty‑focused articles from companies such as CurrentBody, which cite consultant ophthalmologists, note that there is no credible evidence that regulated red LED beauty masks damage the eyes when used as directed. In fact, some wavelengths under study might even support retinal function in specific situations. These masks typically use LEDs, not laser diodes, and operate at power levels and distances designed to be eye safe in testing.

On the other hand, All About Vision has reported an FDA recall of at least one LED mask over eye safety concerns, and emphasizes that we still do not have enough high‑quality data to declare all red light devices around the eyes universally safe.

For medical eye diseases, the picture is more nuanced. BrightFocus Foundation describes the Valeda Light Delivery System, an FDA‑authorized red and near‑infrared light device for early to intermediate dry age‑related macular degeneration. Clinical trials showed some people gaining lines of vision and reduction in retinal deposits, and safety was acceptable when treatment was given by trained eye specialists. However:

This system is not approved for wet macular degeneration.
It is not the same as consumer panels or masks.
Home‑use eye devices sold online for macular degeneration or other retinal diseases are not FDA‑cleared and may be unsafe or ineffective.

Healthline, All About Vision, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology all stress that people should not self‑treat eye diseases with red light devices purchased online or in spas. Any eye‑directed photobiomodulation should be overseen by an ophthalmologist, ideally within a clinical trial or using an approved medical system.

So for typical at‑home red LED devices aimed at skin and general wellness, the main concern is not that they will silently destroy your vision, but that direct, intense exposure can cause eye strain, discomfort, and, with misuse, potential injury. For laser‑based devices aimed at the eyes, especially in children, safety concerns are more serious.

Closing Your Eyes: How Much Protection Does It Really Offer?

When you close your eyes during a red light therapy session, your eyelids act as a natural filter. Articles from companies such as Kineon describe this as a simple, built‑in barrier that reduces the amount of light reaching the sensitive tissues inside the eye.

Closing your eyes can:

Substantially cut the light intensity hitting the retina.
Reduce glare and discomfort for people who are sensitive to bright light.
Help you relax, which can make sessions feel more meditative.

However, closing the eyes is not the same as total darkness. Red light penetrates eyelid tissue quite well; that is why a bright red panel can still look like a glowing orange haze even when your eyes are closed. For long or intense sessions, some people describe lingering after‑images, eye strain, or headaches if they rely on closed eyelids alone.

The BlockBlueLight review on eye safety with red light panels notes that while red and near‑infrared light are far less energetic than ultraviolet rays, the sheer brightness of large panels can still provoke temporary eye symptoms such as strain, watery eyes, or migraines in some users. They recommend high‑quality goggles and advise against simply squeezing the eyes shut in front of very bright devices.

In addition, for longer sessions, it can be surprisingly hard to keep your eyes fully closed the entire time. Many people naturally open them briefly, especially if they are adjusting a device, checking a timer, or talking to someone. Kineon points out that this is one reason goggles can be more practical for longer sessions: they allow you to blink and see your environment without direct exposure to intense light.

So closing your eyes helps, but by itself it may not be enough when:

The device is very bright and very close to your face.
You are using it for extended periods.
You are prone to light sensitivity, headaches, or migraines.
The device manual specifically recommends eye protection.

Device Type Matters: How To Handle Your Eyes In Different Situations

The right approach for your eyes depends heavily on what kind of red light device you are using and how close it is to your face.

Full‑Body Panels And Targeted LED Devices

Large LED panels and smaller targeted devices are popular for athletic recovery, joint pain, and skin health. Medical overviews from Cleveland Clinic and WebMD describe these at‑home tools as generally safe when used according to instructions, but they consistently advise shielding the eyes and avoiding direct staring into the LEDs.

For this category of devices, a sensible approach is to treat your eyes as bystanders, not targets. That means:

Positioning the panel so that it is aimed at the body area you are treating, not deliberately at your eyes.
Turning your head slightly or closing your eyes when your face is in the light path.
Using comfortable protective goggles if the panel is bright or close to your face, especially during facial or neck treatments.

BlockBlueLight recommends goggles rather than just closed eyes when using bright panels, to minimize glare, strain, and temporary blurry vision. This is especially helpful if you are sensitive to light or prone to eye fatigue from screens.

If you are treating areas below the neck, such as knees or lower back, simply looking away from the device or closing your eyes is usually enough, as your eyes are not in the direct beam.

LED Facial Masks For Skin

LED face masks designed for cosmetic skin benefits are a special case. CurrentBody and similar companies, citing consultant ophthalmologists, explain that regulated red LED masks for facial use are tested to be safe for the eyes at normal working distances and power levels. Expert commentary they reference states that there is no credible research showing eye damage from these red LED beauty masks when used correctly.

In fact, some of these masks have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or bear CE marking in Europe, indicating that their safety has been evaluated, including for eye exposure. Many such masks are designed so that you can keep your eyes open inside the mask, and some users watch TV or use a cell phone during sessions.

In practice, that means:

If your mask’s instructions explicitly say that additional eye protection is not required, keeping your eyes open or closed is considered acceptable under those tested conditions.
If the mask includes optional eye inserts or comfort goggles, using them can offer extra reassurance, especially if you are light sensitive.
If you have any eye disease or have had eye surgery, leaning toward keeping your eyes closed and using the optional protection is a cautious choice, and you should discuss any concerns with your eye doctor.

It is worth remembering that not all masks on the market are equally well regulated. All About Vision has highlighted that at least one LED mask was recalled over eye safety issues. Choosing devices with recognized approvals and following the exact instructions matters just as much as whether your eyes are open or closed.

Devices Designed For Dry Eye Or Eyelid Treatment

Some red or near‑infrared devices are built specifically for the area around the eyes, often for dry eye linked to meibomian gland dysfunction. All About Vision describes a clinical trial of such a device in which patients with this form of dry eye used a red‑light‑enhanced system over their closed eyes for three minutes at least twice a week for three months. About 90 percent reported symptom relief, including less gritty, burning discomfort.

In that study and similar small trials, the protocol purposely treated through closed eyelids. The eyes themselves remained shut, and the light targeted eyelid glands, not the retina directly.

For these eye‑area devices, best practice is to:

Use only products that are specifically intended and tested for periocular use.
Keep your eyes gently closed for the entire treatment, exactly as the protocol specifies.
Not add a general‑purpose red light panel in an attempt to “hack” the same effect. The devices in the studies are engineered for that distance, power, and treatment zone.

Even with the eyes closed, these treatments should be supervised by an eye‑care professional, especially given that the overall evidence base is still relatively small.

Clinical Eye Treatments For Macular Degeneration And Other Diseases

Light therapy for retinal diseases is an active research area. BrightFocus Foundation notes that the Valeda Light Delivery System, which uses carefully calibrated red and near‑infrared light, has been authorized by the FDA for treating early to intermediate dry age‑related macular degeneration. In clinical trials:

Treatments were given in an eye clinic by trained professionals.
Sessions were short, on the order of a few minutes per eye.
Some patients showed improved vision and decreased retinal deposits, and safety was acceptable in the trial setting.

In these medical procedures, the light must reach the retina, so patients keep their eyes open under guided conditions. Importantly, this happens with precise control of wavelength, intensity, exposure time, and beam delivery, plus monitoring for side effects.

Healthline, BrightFocus, and ophthalmology societies emphasize that:

These systems are not interchangeable with consumer devices.
Home‑use red light gadgets marketed for macular degeneration are not FDA‑cleared and should not be used to self‑treat.
Light therapy for the retina is an adjunct at best and does not replace standard treatments such as anti‑VEGF injections for wet macular degeneration or recommended lifestyle and vitamin protocols for dry disease.

In this setting, whether you close your eyes is not your decision; your retina specialist will manage your eye position, protection, and dosing on your behalf.

Red‑Light Myopia Control Devices In Children: A Clear Red Flag

Low‑level red light laser therapy for childhood myopia deserves special attention. A recent review in an ophthalmology journal and a safety study from the University of Houston College of Optometry describe devices that instruct children to look directly into a red light instrument for three minutes, twice a day, five days a week, sometimes for years.

Early clinical trials have reported slower myopia progression with these protocols, and one company claims use in more than one hundred thousand pediatric patients. However, the University of Houston team measured two commercial devices and found that three minutes of continuous viewing approached or exceeded recommended maximum permissible exposure for retinal light dose. They concluded that:

Although the devices were labeled as Class 1 lasers, that classification only guarantees safety for brief accidental viewing, not deliberate, repeated staring.
The retina could be at risk of photochemical damage and thermal injury.
Thermal retinal injury can occur when local tissue temperature rises by roughly 18°F, causing protein denaturation and permanent blind spots.

Their recommendation was that clinicians should strongly reconsider the use of these red‑light laser therapies for myopia in children until safety standards are clearly confirmed. RANZCO’s position statement on retinal photobiomodulation likewise advises that such treatments be restricted to properly designed clinical trials.

In this scenario, closing the eyes would defeat the intended effect, because the therapy depends on light entering the eyes. Given the unresolved safety concerns and the availability of other evidence‑based myopia control options, parents should be very cautious about any device that requires a child to stare into a bright red light for prolonged periods.

Comparing Eye Strategies: Closed Eyes, Goggles, Or Open Eyes

Different eye strategies have different trade‑offs. The table below summarizes common approaches for at‑home use.

Eye approach	How it works	Potential benefits	Potential downsides	Best suited for
Eyes closed only	Eyelids act as a filter; no extra gear	Simple, no equipment, reduces glare and may feel relaxing	Red light still penetrates; may not prevent strain with bright panels	Body treatments away from face; brief, low‑intensity facial use
Eyes closed with protective goggles	Eyelids plus tinted goggles block most incoming light	Strongest reduction of brightness; helpful for sensitive users	Slightly less convenient; you cannot see surroundings clearly	Bright panels near face; long sessions; light‑sensitive users
Eyes open with protective goggles	Eyes open but shielded by goggles	Allows you to see and move while limiting direct eye exposure	Some residual light may enter; goggles must fit properly	At‑home panels when you need to look around; spa settings
Eyes open, no goggles	No barrier; relies on device design and distance	Convenient; compatible with some tested beauty masks	Highest exposure; may provoke strain; not appropriate for bright panels or lasers	Only for regulated LED masks explicitly cleared as eye safe, and even then with caution

For most home users with general wellness or skin devices, the combination of closed eyes plus goggles provides a strong safety margin without much inconvenience.

How To Build A Safe Eye Plan For Your Red Light Routine

The goal is not to make you afraid of your device, but to use it in a way that respects your eyes for the long haul. Based on the evidence summarized by Cleveland Clinic, Healthline, WebMD, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and safety‑focused research groups, a practical path looks like this.

Start by understanding your device. Identify whether it is an LED panel, a cosmetic mask, a targeted joint device, an eye‑area system, or a laser‑based product. Check whether the manufacturer lists specific approvals or clearances and whether the instructions mention eye protection.

Next, consider your personal eye history. If you have age‑related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, a history of retinal tears, eye surgery, severe dry eye, or significant light sensitivity, your threshold for caution should be very low. That usually means wearing goggles or avoiding facial exposure until you have discussed it with your ophthalmologist.

Then, match eye strategy to device intensity and distance. For bright panels or devices close to your face, lean toward closed eyes plus goggles. For regulated LED masks that explicitly state no eye protection is needed, decide whether you still prefer to close your eyes based on comfort. For devices aimed specifically at the eyes, such as dry eye systems or clinic‑based retinal therapy, follow the protocol exactly and only under professional supervision.

Finally, listen to your body. If you notice persistent glare, new floaters, halos around lights, worsening dry eye, headaches centered behind the eyes, or any change in vision after red light sessions, stop treatments around the eyes and arrange a comprehensive eye exam. Temporary mild after‑images can occur after bright light exposure, but anything that lasts or feels worrisome deserves attention.

When Closing Your Eyes Is Probably Enough

There are many everyday red light scenarios where simply closing your eyes and not staring into the device is a reasonable choice.

If you are using a panel on your knees, hips, or back while your face is turned away, closing your eyes or looking elsewhere will keep your retinal exposure low. The same is true if you are using a low‑intensity handheld device at a distance from your eyes and are not pointing it directly at your face.

With a well‑tested LED facial mask that has been cleared for eye safety, keeping your eyes closed inside the mask is a sensible, comfortable extra layer, even if the instructions allow open eyes. For many users, this strikes a good balance between benefit, ease, and safety.

In these situations, closing your eyes acts as a practical, low‑effort protective habit. It becomes one part of a broader safety mindset that includes following device instructions and honoring your own comfort level.

When You Need More Than Closed Eyes — Or Should Avoid Eye Exposure

There are also situations where relying solely on your eyelids is not enough.

If you are using a bright red or near‑infrared panel close to your face for skin treatments, especially for extended sessions several times a week, wearing properly fitting goggles in addition to closing your eyes significantly reduces eye strain and exposure. This is particularly important if you already find bright light uncomfortable or spend long hours on digital screens.

Any time a device manual explicitly instructs you to wear eye protection, treat that as non‑negotiable. This is common with higher‑intensity devices in clinics, and sometimes with more powerful at‑home tools.

If a product requires you to stare directly into a beam of red light, especially a laser, for several minutes at a time, be extremely cautious. The University of Houston study of laser‑based myopia control devices highlights that not all Class 1 lasers are safe for prolonged viewing, and that cumulative exposure over years could be risky. Until safety is clearly established, red‑light eye therapies that demand direct, repeated gaze should be limited to rigorously controlled clinical studies, particularly in children.

Finally, if you are being treated for an eye disease such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or optic nerve injury, do not start any eye‑directed red light therapy on your own. Healthline, BrightFocus Foundation, and ophthalmology societies all recommend that any such treatment be done within clinical trials or with approved systems under retina specialist supervision, and never as a replacement for established therapies.

Short FAQ: Common Questions About Eyes And Red Light Therapy

Can I watch TV or look at my phone under a red LED face mask?

If your mask has been tested and cleared as safe for eye exposure and the instructions say that goggles are not required, it is generally considered acceptable to keep your eyes open and, for example, glance at a screen. Many users do this with regulated beauty masks. That said, the light can still feel very bright, and some people prefer to keep their eyes closed or use optional eye inserts for comfort, especially if they are prone to headaches or glare.

Will red light therapy improve my vision so I can stop wearing glasses?

Current research suggests that red light may temporarily improve certain aspects of retinal function, such as color contrast sensitivity in older adults, and that it may support retinal health in some disease settings. However, there is no strong evidence that it can eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, and red‑light myopia control strategies in children are still under active safety investigation. Established treatments such as glasses, contact lenses, or specific myopia control methods should not be stopped in favor of red light therapy without the direct guidance of an eye specialist.

Are there warning signs that my eyes are not tolerating red light therapy well?

Yes. Persistent eye strain, burning, new or worsening dryness, headaches behind the eyes, lingering after‑images, flashes of light, new floaters, or any loss or distortion of vision are red flags. If you notice these after using a red light device, stop exposing your face and eyes, and arrange an eye exam promptly. Temporary mild visual after‑images right after a bright session can be normal, but anything that lasts or feels unusual deserves evaluation.

Is red light therapy around the eyes safe for children?

The bar for safety is much higher in children, whose eyes and visual systems are still developing. Laser‑based red light myopia devices that require children to look into a beam for several minutes twice a day are under scrutiny, and university researchers have raised concerns that some of these devices may exceed recommended retinal exposure limits. For now, eye‑directed red light therapy in children should only happen within formal clinical trials or under the close guidance of a pediatric ophthalmologist, not as a routine home treatment.

Closing Thoughts

Red light therapy can be a valuable part of a home wellness routine, but your eyes deserve special respect. For most at‑home uses, especially when you are treating skin or joints rather than the eyes themselves, closing your eyes and adding simple protective goggles around bright devices strikes a thoughtful balance between comfort and safety. When treatments move closer to the eyes, or when lasers are involved, professional guidance is essential. If you are ever in doubt, treat your vision as irreplaceable, and let your eye‑care professional help you tailor a red light plan that supports your whole‑body health without putting your sight at risk.

References

Cleveland Clinic – Red Light Therapy: Uses, Effectiveness, and Safety.

Stanford Medicine – Red light therapy: What the science says.

American Academy of Ophthalmology – Does Red Light Protect Aging Eyes?

Ophthalmology Times and American Optometric Association – Morning exposure to deep red light and retinal “recharging” studies.

University of Houston College of Optometry – Safety analysis of red light myopia therapy devices.

Healthline – Red Light Therapy for Macular Degeneration: What to Know.

BrightFocus Foundation – What to Know About Light Therapy for Dry Macular Degeneration.

All About Vision – Does Red Light Therapy Protect Eyes?

RANZCO – Position statement on red light photobiomodulation and the eye.

WebMD – Red Light Therapy: Effectiveness, Uses, and Risks.

CurrentBody and other LED mask safety discussions with consultant ophthalmologists.

BlockBlueLight and Kineon – Practical guidance and safety tips for at‑home red light eye protection.