Red Light Therapy Benefits: Best Wavelengths to For Eyes

Eye fatigue, digital strain, age-related degeneration. These aren’t just passing discomforts, but a potential indicator of underlying eye health concerns that deserve attention. Indeed, for professionals, ageing adults, and health-conscious individuals, avoiding these is becoming a growing priority in a heavily screen-dependent world. 

With that, many are looking into non-traditional approaches like red light therapy. But can red light therapy provide relief for the eyes? 

It’s a bold proposition, but surprisingly, research on the treatment’s effects on the eyes has produced countless positive outcomes over recent years. Whether we’re talking about age-related eye disorders or disease-related cases, the results give a lot of hope. 

Explore how red light therapy can help your eyes and what the best wavelengths to use for optimal results are with our experts at Rojo Light Therapy AUS.

How does Red Light Therapy Affect the Eyes?

Red light therapy interacts with the body at a cellular level through a mechanism known as photobiomodulation. When light at specific red and near-infrared frequencies is absorbed by the cells, it stimulates the mitochondria, the energy-producing components within our cells, to generate more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cellular energy currency.

In the context of eye health, this can be highly beneficial. 

The retina is one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body and is especially rich in mitochondria. As we age, mitochondrial function in retinal cells tends to decline, leading to reduced energy availability, increased oxidative stress, and the gradual deterioration of visual function.

By increasing ATP production, red light therapy can restore or boost mitochondrial function and improve cellular resilience, potentially slowing the progression of age-related degeneration.

Additionally, studies have found that red light therapy can help lower ocular inflammation and oxidative stress, a significant contributing factor to many eye diseases. 

It’s important to acknowledge, however, that while these mechanisms are well-documented in general tissue studies, their full application to ocular health is still being actively researched. While laboratory results are promising, the complete mechanism of how red light therapy affects the eyes isn’t fully understood yet. 

Is Red Light Therapy Benefits Safe for the Eyes

The eye is an incredibly sensitive and finely tuned organ, and even brief exposure to the wrong type or intensity of light can result in discomfort or long-term damage. However, current scientific literature suggests that low-level red light therapy, when applied within controlled parameters, is generally well-tolerated and safe for the eyes.

Key factors contributing to the safety of red light therapy for ocular use include:

• Low irradiance (light intensity): Unlike laser-based treatments, red light therapy uses diffused light at safe intensities designed to stimulate, not destroy, tissue.
• Short treatment times: Studies typically involve exposure times ranging from a few seconds to several minutes, minimising the risk of overstimulation or discomfort.
• Using the correct device: Clinical-grade devices with optimal wavelength and irradiance control are best used for optimal results.
• Adherence to clinical guidelines: Following tailored protocols from health care providers is paramount to safe and effective treatments.

Best Wavelengths to Use for Maximum Red Light Therapy Benefits for the Eyes

Most studies researching the red light therapy benefits for the eyes have been using wavelengths in the 500 - 1000 nm range. But the 600 - 700 nm range has the best evidence of success on what has been tested so far. 

Visible red light in this range is readily absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. This leads to improved cellular metabolism, reduced oxidative stress, and enhanced photoreceptor function.

Researchers have proven it effective against certain eye diseases, including:

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration: In 2018, a long-term study revealed that patients with an average age of 67 who received red light therapy consistently for five years experienced highly positive results. Some of the most noteworthy outcomes include a significant increase in visual sharpness and a significant decrease in oedema and haemorrhaging.

• Myopia: For myopia, low red wavelengths (620nm - 650nm) were seen to be the most effective. One study noted a 44% shortening of the eyeball in myopic eyes with the use of 620 nm red light. Another study, which used 650 nm, noted a 54.1% decrease in the incidence of myopia in children over a 12-month treatment period.

• Dry Eyes: Many studies use pulsed light and red light therapy for dry eye treatment. One study used 625 nm with four sessions over a week and found better tear film stability and less discomfort.

There were also several successful studies on conditions including diabetic macular oedema, corneal injury, glaucoma, retinopathy, and light-induced damage. 

Apart from the 600 - 700 nm range, recent scientific literature also noted that near-infrared light (NIR), particularly wavelengths between 730 nm and 850 nm, also generates positive effects for similar eye conditions. However, more clinical studies and comparison studies are needed to fully comprehend the difference in the effects of red and near-infrared light for the eyes. 

Can Red Light Therapy Benefits Extend Beyond Eye Conditions?

Absolutely! Red light therapy benefits for the eyes apply even to healthy individuals with no eye conditions. 

One study found that daily exposure to 670 nm red light for just three minutes over a two-week period led to measurable improvements in colour contrast sensitivity among healthy older adults.

While these findings are preliminary, they open up promising avenues for using light-based therapy as a non-invasive method to slow or even reverse early-stage visual fatigue and decline.

Support Your Vision with Rojo!

It’s important to clarify that red light therapy is not a substitute for routine eye exams or professional eye care. However, as a non-invasive and accessible modality, it may offer meaningful support for visual wellness, even in the absence of a formal diagnosis. 

At Rojo Light Therapy, our mission is to make this technology available to those who seek not only treatment but also proactive care for lifelong eye health. Our science-backed red light therapy devices are built for professionals, wellness enthusiasts, and everyday users alike, designed to deliver therapeutic light exactly where it’s needed, with clinical precision.

Explore our range today or contact us for more inquiries!