Is Red Light Therapy Bad For Your Eyes?

Red light therapy has generated much interest, yet many are concerned if it’s harmful for their eyes. Fortunately, using a device specifically designed for eye treatment makes this safe to use – no risk at all!

Research has demonstrated that red light works by stimulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production within mitochondria of cells, helping rejuvenate them and regenerate damaged ones.

Does it damage your retina?

Red light therapy is a noninvasive solution for skin and health problems that may arise. It works by activating chromophores (part of the molecule responsible for giving something its color) inside cells to cause changes, while also stimulating mitochondria (the energy center of cells) to produce ATP and promote healing processes, according to the PBM Foundation.

Erum Ilyas, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology in Pennsylvania, believes that vitamin K helps stimulate collagen growth – an essential protein for skin and connective tissue health. Furthermore, it may reduce inflammation which is beneficial for skin and eye health.

Arany cautions that red light therapy may have negative consequences if used too frequently. This is especially true if the therapy is used for an extended period or with excessive power, which could damage your retina and other parts of your body.

Some studies suggest red light may help slow the progression of retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic condition which robs people of their vision – particularly central vision – at night and with color. Although rare and debilitating, this condition causes progressive vision impairment for those affected.

Researchers discovered that exposing volunteers’ eyes to weak deep red light improved their performance on a colour contrast test – which measures how well you can read words against a white background. Furthermore, researchers observed reduced inflammation and enhanced blood flow to the retina as a result of exposure.

Research is still needed, but researchers believe red light therapy could have an impact on conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. They advise people to try red light therapy only if done so in a doctor’s office or from an authorized device.

Arany notes that some studies suggest melatonin may be effective for other conditions, such as pain and fibromyalgia. He adds that certain cancer treatments may also lessen its side effects.

Red light therapy is generally safe for most people. However, if you have sensitive skin, diabetes, or are pregnant it’s best to consult your doctor before beginning a treatment plan.

Does it cause eye damage?

Red light therapy (photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy (LLLT)) is an ancient healing modality that beams red light wavelengths through the human body for various benefits such as muscle recovery, anti-aging and skin health.

Non-invasive and painless, this non-invasive treatment usually involves pressing a handheld device against the skin at the site of injury or discomfort. Then, a panel of red light is used for several seconds to minutes at a time with one day or two between treatments.

Research has demonstrated that red light enhances the functioning of mitochondria, located within cells and responsible for energy production. Particularly, cytochrome c oxidase in these mitochondria absorbs red light and releases nitric oxide which increases ATP and reduces oxidative stress.

Researchers believe that increasing ATP production can help slow or stop the progression of glaucoma and other eye conditions by strengthening the eyes’ capacity to keep blood vessels healthy. Furthermore, it may reduce inflammation which initially caused glaucoma.

However, the effectiveness of red light for eye health depends on how long it is exposed and its wavelength. Most studies involving red light for eye health have kept exposure at a minimum – between 30 and 90 seconds per session with at least a day or two between sessions.

Red light therapy’s beneficial effects on vision remain mysterious, but may be related to its antiinflammatory properties. Studies have demonstrated that red light therapy suppresses proinflammatory cytokines which may lead to nerve tissue damage.

Additionally, studies have demonstrated that exposure to deep red light for three minutes daily for two weeks can enhance color contrast sensitivity by up to 20%. These effects are especially useful when viewing in dim lighting environments. A study on people 40 or older found that when exposed to deep red light for three minutes daily over two weeks, people experienced improvements in color perception and rod sensitivity as well.

Another study on elderly laboratory mice demonstrated that red light therapy improved retina functions by 25%. These results suggest it may have a beneficial effect on aging eyes, though further research is necessary to pinpoint its exact cause.

Does it cause cataracts?

Red light therapy has a proven benefit for your eyes. Studies have demonstrated that it helps safeguard retinal cells, reduce inflammation, enhance vision and heal eye injuries.

Red light therapy is an all-natural, noninvasive solution to eye health and wellness that uses low levels of energy within certain wavelengths (400 nanometers to 1,200 nanometers). According to Erum Ilyas, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology in Pennsylvania, it works by stimulating different components of your cells with specific wavelengths of light.

Red light therapy not only reduces inflammation and improves your eyesight, but it also boosts the amount of ATP energy produced by your cells. This boosts their power and efficiency, potentially protecting against age-related changes in cell function that could lead to vision loss.

Though its efficacy has been established, more research needs to be done on this treatment. Furthermore, more human studies are necessary in order to verify its safety and efficacy across a range of conditions.

When determining if red light therapy is right for you, consult with your healthcare provider. Ask them if it could be an effective treatment and discuss both its advantages and potential risks before beginning it.

Red light therapy should be avoided for those with sensitive skin or diabetes, and pregnant women should consult their doctor before beginning it.

Clinical trials have demonstrated the potential benefits of red light therapy as a treatment for glaucoma, an eye disorder that leads to optic nerve damage and vision loss over time. The light therapy reduces pressure on your cornea by decreasing water accumulation that could harm optic nerve cells or cells in your eye, ultimately leading to vision impairment.

Light therapy has also been found to be a successful treatment for retinitis pigmentosa, an eye condition caused by defective mitochondria and oxidative stress. In some cases, this condition may result in night blindness or peripheral vision loss.

Does it cause glaucoma?

Red light therapy has been scientifically proven to be safe and beneficial in a number of conditions. Common benefits include decreasing inflammation, increasing energy levels, and stimulating cell regeneration.

Natural, non-invasive treatments like laser eye surgery offer a safe and natural option to treating eye disorders like glaucoma and macular degeneration. Not only can it slow the progression of these diseases down, but it may even prevent permanent vision loss if applied early enough.

Before embarking on red light therapy, there are a few things to consider:

First and foremost, this treatment should only be administered by a qualified healthcare provider. While there are some at-home devices you can try, they won’t be as powerful or efficient as professional instruments, so consulting a qualified professional before beginning this type of therapy is recommended.

Second, only use red light on clean skin and avoid the eyes. While red light isn’t typically known to burn your eyes, it can damage your retina if not used with caution.

Dr. Jagdeo, a dermatologist in New York City, advises against prolonged exposure to bright lights for photorejuvenation purposes. Therefore, using red light therapy devices should only be done once or twice per week at most; photorejuvenation should only be done more frequently when needed for maximum benefit.

Your retina requires a great deal of energy to function optimally, and as you age, your mitochondria decrease their capacity for producing this energy, leading to oxidative stress.

Reducing oxidative stress in your eyes is essential for slowing the deterioration of vision that accompanies aging. This occurs when too many reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulate, damaging lipids, proteins, DNA and RNA.

Red light therapy has been found to boost mitochondrial function and decrease ROS, helping you avoid these symptoms while maintaining your vision. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that red light therapy can heal optic nerve injuries which may reduce edema or hemorrhaging.

Red light therapy is also useful in reversing diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to retinal ganglion cell death and vision loss. Furthermore, it increases ATP production within cells for improved overall eye function and cellular health.