Red light therapy eye protection: which goggles and when
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- Opaque blackout goggles with an adjustable strap. Best for: Panel, bed and mat users. See options on Amazon
- Laser safety glasses labeled with OD and wavelength range. Best for: People using laser-based devices or who want to see during sessions. See options on Amazon
- Silicone eye shields for LED face masks. Best for: Face mask users whose mask leaves the eye area exposed. See options on Amazon
Why eyes need extra care with red light devices
Cleveland Clinic advises shielding your eyes with at-home red light devices, and warns that eyes can be damaged if they are not protected or if a device is misused.
Two facts explain why. First, OSHA's technical manual on laser hazards lists retinal injury as a hazard of visible light (about 400 to 780 nm) and retinal burns and cataract as hazards of near-infrared light (about 780 to 1,400 nm). Most red light devices work inside that range; one maker's panel lists 630, 660, 810 and 850 nm.
Second, your natural defense does not work well against near-infrared. OSHA describes the blink reflex, an aversion response of about 0.25 seconds to bright light, as a first line of defense. But near-infrared light is invisible. The same panel maker notes you may see only a faint pink glow from the near-infrared LEDs, which can make a strong source look harmless.
Which eye protection fits which device
| Device | What to use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Panel, tower or bed | Opaque blackout goggles with a snug seal | You face many LEDs at once, often with near-infrared on; panel makers say to wear eye protection when facing the lights |
| Mat used face-up | Opaque goggles | Same LEDs, just closer to the body |
| LED face mask | The shields or eye cutouts the maker provides, plus closed eyes | Follow the maker's directions, and check whether the mask's eye area is meant to be covered or open |
| Laser cap or laser panel | Laser safety eyewear labeled for the device's wavelengths | OSHA's technical manual says laser eyewear must be labeled with optical density (OD) and the wavelengths it protects against |
| Small wrap on a knee or back | Usually none, if it stays away from your face | Just never point it toward your eyes |
How to choose goggles
- Opaque, not tinted. Sunglasses are not labeled with the wavelengths they block. For full-body devices, you want goggles you cannot see through.
- A seal around the eye socket. Light leaking in at the sides defeats the purpose.
- Wavelength and OD labels for lasers. OSHA's technical manual says laser eyewear must be clearly labeled with optical density values and the wavelengths covered. Match those to your device's listed nanometers.
- Comfort for your session length. A soft, adjustable strap matters if sessions run 10 to 20 minutes, the range one panel maker gives.
- Easy to clean. Wipe goggles between users, especially at a gym or spa.
Habits that protect your eyes
- Put goggles on before you switch the device on, and take them off after it is off.
- Do not stare into the LEDs, even with goggles on. The panel manual says this directly.
- Close your eyes during face treatments unless the maker says otherwise.
- Do not assume a dim glow means low output. Near-infrared LEDs may show only a faint pink dot.
- Keep children and pets out of the beam. Makers say children should use devices only with adult supervision.
- Stop if you notice visual discomfort and see a healthcare professional, the advice given when the Neutrogena mask was recalled.
Who should see an eye doctor first
In 2019 Neutrogena recalled an LED light therapy acne mask in the UK and Ireland over a "theoretical risk" of eye injury. The Association of Optometrists reported that people with certain underlying eye conditions, and people taking medicines that make the eyes more sensitive to light, could be at risk. The company said vision effects were rare, mild and temporary.
One panel maker lists eye disease as a contraindication and says not to use its device while healing from LASIK without a doctor's clearance. If you have glaucoma, macular disease, a retinal condition, recent eye surgery, or take light-sensitizing medicine, ask your eye doctor before any red light therapy near your face. For device basics, see what red light therapy does.
What to look for when you buy
Opaque blackout goggles with an adjustable strap
Best for: Panel, bed and mat users
Near-infrared light is invisible and does not trigger the blink reflex OSHA describes, so a fully opaque, sealed goggle is the simplest way to block it.
Watch out: You cannot see while wearing them, so set your timer first.
See options on AmazonLaser safety glasses labeled with OD and wavelength range
Best for: People using laser-based devices or who want to see during sessions
OSHA's technical manual says laser eyewear must carry optical density and wavelength labels, which lets you match protection to a device's listed nanometers.
Watch out: Check that the labeled range covers both your red and near-infrared wavelengths, not just one.
See options on AmazonSilicone eye shields for LED face masks
Best for: Face mask users whose mask leaves the eye area exposed
Cleveland Clinic advises shielding the eyes with home devices, and small shields sit under a mask where goggles will not fit.
Watch out: Use only if your mask maker allows it; some masks are designed around their own eye covers.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Do you need eye protection for red light therapy?
- For panels, beds and mats you face, yes. Cleveland Clinic advises shielding your eyes with home devices, and panel makers say to wear the provided eye protection.
- Can red light therapy damage your eyes?
- It can if misused. OSHA's laser hazard manual lists retinal injury for visible light and retinal burns for near-infrared light, and near-infrared light is invisible, so it does not prompt the blink reflex that bright visible light does.
- Can I use sunglasses for red light therapy?
- They are a poor substitute. Sunglasses are not labeled with the wavelengths and optical density they block, which OSHA requires on laser eyewear, and most do not seal at the sides. Use opaque goggles or eyewear labeled for your device's wavelengths.
- Should I close my eyes during red light therapy?
- Closing your eyes is not a substitute for the eye protection makers tell you to wear when facing the light. Wear goggles or the maker's shields as directed.
- Is red light therapy safe for people with eye conditions?
- Ask an eye doctor first. One maker lists eye disease as a contraindication, and a 2019 mask recall cited risk for people with certain eye conditions or light-sensitizing medicines.
Sources
- OSHA Technical Manual, Section III: Chapter 6, Laser Hazards (osha.gov), Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- MitoADAPT XL Panel User Manual (mitoredlight.com), Mito Red Light
- Red Light Therapy: Benefits, Side Effects & Uses (my.clevelandclinic.org), Cleveland Clinic
- Eye injury risk prompts recall of Neutrogena light therapy acne mask (aop.org.uk), Association of Optometrists (UK)