Keep your eyes closed during red light therapy. For most sessions, that’s enough to reduce the amount of bright light reaching your eyes. If you’re close to a red light panel, using a full-body bed, or sensitive to bright light, wear protective goggles as an added precaution.
Key Takeaways
- Keep your eyes closed or use appropriate eye protection, depending on the device.
- Full-body beds and face masks may require protective goggles because the light is close to your eyes.
- Always follow the device instructions or staff guidance at a red light therapy salon.
- Red light therapy is generally considered low-risk for the eyes, but avoid looking directly at bright LEDs.
- If you have an existing eye condition, check with a qualified healthcare professional before treatment near the eyes.
Should Your Eyes Be Open or Closed?
During Red Light Therapy, it’s best to keep your eyes closed or use appropriate eye protection. There’s no practical reason to keep your eyes open and look directly at the light.
Protective goggles are especially important when a device combines red light with near-infrared (NIR) light. Unlike visible red light, NIR wavelengths can penetrate deeper into tissue, so closing your eyelids may not provide the same level of protection as properly fitted goggles. Always follow the eye protection instructions provided for the specific device you’re using.
You may also want to learn what to wear for Red Light Therapy for the best results.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Your Eyes?
At the wavelengths and doses commonly used in red light therapy, eye exposure is generally considered low-risk, but that doesn’t mean every device or session should be treated the same.
Some devices use visible red light alone, while others combine it with near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. Check your device’s wavelengths and recommended eye protection before use. If you’re receiving red light therapy at a salon or wellness spa, follow the equipment guidelines and staff instructions for that specific session.
Research on red light and the eyes is still limited. One narrative review has even explored red and near-infrared light for potential applications in eye health, but this review focuses on specific wavelengths, doses, and treatment protocols. They shouldn’t be taken as evidence that staring directly into a bright red light therapy device is safe.
The best approach is to avoid staring directly at the light source, follow the device instructions, and use appropriate eye protection when recommended.
Do You Need Goggles, or Is Closing Your Eyes Enough?
Whether you need goggles depends on the device, its intensity, and how close the light is to your face. For some devices and shorter sessions, keeping your eyes closed may be sufficient when the manufacturer’s instructions allow it.
Goggles become necessary when you’re using a bright panel at close range or lying in a full-body red light therapy bed. They can reduce direct exposure and make an intense session more comfortable. If your device specifically requires eye protection, use it even if you plan to keep your eyes closed.
Don’t swap protective goggles for regular sunglasses. Sunglasses are primarily designed to filter ultraviolet (UV) light, which falls below 400 nm. Red and near-infrared light used by many RLT devices typically falls around 630 to 850 nm, outside that UV range. Sunglasses are not designed or rated as protective eyewear for red light therapy.
Where you use it also matters. A small home device aimed at your elbow, knee, or another area away from your face presents much less direct eye exposure than a full-body bed, facial mask, or panel positioned near your head.
| Device | Eye Exposure | Practical Approach |
| Full-body RLT bed | Potentially high or direct | Use the supplied eye protection when instructed. |
| Face mask | LEDs very close to the eyes | Follow the mask’s instructions and use built-in shields or goggles when specified. |
| Panel aimed at leg/back/abdomen | Little or no direct exposure | Goggles may be less relevant if the light isn’t directed toward your eyes. Avoid looking at the LEDs and follow the device instructions. |
Check out how many sessions of Red Light Therapy you need to see results.
Who Should Take Extra Care
If you have an existing eye condition, we recommend that you check with your ophthalmologist or another qualified healthcare professional before using red light therapy near your eyes. This includes people with:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Retinal conditions or previous retinal problems
- Medications that can cause photosensitivity
You may still be able to use red light therapy, but your healthcare professional can advise you on appropriate eye protection and whether exposure near the eyes is suitable for you.
What to Expect at SunsUp
At SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa, we offer full-body, medical-grade red light therapy beds.
Eye protection isn’t required during our red light therapy sessions, and many clients find the light comfortable with their eyes closed. If the light feels too bright, we have protective eyewear available for you to use during your session.
Here you can learn how much Red Light Therapy costs and what the most affordable options are.
Also, did you know that some people love to pair Red Light Therapy and a tanning routine? Check out the article to see why.
FAQ
Can red light therapy damage your eyes?
At typical therapeutic wavelengths and doses, red light therapy is generally considered low-risk, but research on eye exposure is still limited. Avoid staring directly into bright LEDs, use the recommended eye protection, and follow your device’s instructions.
Can you use regular sunglasses for red light therapy?
Regular sunglasses are not a substitute for red light therapy goggles. Sunglasses are primarily designed to filter UV light, while red and near-infrared therapy devices typically use wavelengths around 630 to 850 nm. Use eye protection designed or recommended for your specific device.
Should you close your eyes during a red light face mask?
Yes, keeping your eyes closed is a sensible precaution when using a red light face mask. Because the LEDs sit close to your eyes, follow the mask manufacturer’s instructions and use built-in shields or goggles if they’re recommended.
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