Updated November 2023
Red Light Therapy has been shown to improve energy, sleep, and inflammation. As more studies are published, newer applications for its intended use continue to arise. Just a few years ago, Red Light Therapy was proven to influence the gut microbiome and increase collagen production. And now, Red Light Therapy has been linked to eye health as we age past 40.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Red Light Therapy uses low levels of red or near-infrared light to help power your cells and promote healing and energy. The low-wavelength red light produced by our Red Light Therapy machines can be absorbed by the mitochondria in your body, which are responsible for many important processes in your day-to-day health, healing abilities, and energy production.
Red Light Therapy, also known as PBM or Photobiomodulation Therapy, is a painless and relaxing service that takes only ten minutes. Clients typically remove all or most of their clothes so the skin can soak up the maximum amount of light during their session.
Red Light Therapy Linked to Improved Vision
In a 2021 study, researchers asked their test subjects to use Red Light Therapy for three minutes a week. These researchers found that this exposure to Red Light Therapy led to a 17-20% improvement in visual acuity.
How Is This Possible?
Eyesight declines after the age of 40 due to a 70% reduction in ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which means that the cells lack the energy to function properly. Rods and cones, the most metabolically active cells in your entire body, require immense amounts of energy or ATP. Adenosine Triphosphate has a direct relationship with mitochondria which generate energy in your cells. Over time, your photoreceptors experience a build-up of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which limits the ability of mitochondria to use ATP.
For just 3 minutes a week, Red Light Therapy reduces reactive oxygen species and improves ATP production and utilization. This allows the photoreceptors to easily convert light information into electrical signals.
The study included males and females between the ages of 34 and 70 and measured improvements in the participants’ vision by scoring their color contrast vision or the ability to differentiate between colors. All the participants had normal color contrast vision at the start of the trial.
Some individuals were exposed to 3 minutes of deep red light in the morning and others in the afternoon. The color contrast vision of the participants was tested 3 hours after red light exposure and then again one week later. The color contrast vision of the participants who were exposed to red light in the morning improved by an average of 17%.
Red Light Therapy In The Morning
For the greatest improvement from Red Light Therapy, exposure should happen within 3 hours of waking. The researchers found no improvement in color contrast vision in the participants receiving light exposure in the afternoon. The timing is likely because mitochondria follow the body’s circadian rhythms, and according to Professor Glen Jeffery, “They are probably busy doing other things in the afternoon.”
Additionally, the study also found that improvements in vision lasted up to 1 week, so the researchers encouraged weekly use of Red Light Therapy to see continued improvements.
Experience The Benefits Of Right Light Therapy
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FAQs
By stimulating the activity of mitochondria, red light therapy can improve the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells. This increased energy production can improve the overall function of retinal cells, leading to improved vision.
What are the benefits of red light therapy restore hyper wellness? ›
Benefits of Red Light Therapy may include: Energy: Enhance cellular energy production and metabolism for an increased sense of vitality and endurance. Inflammation: Reduce inflammation in joints and muscles to help alleviate discomfort and pain.
What red light does Andrew Huberman use? ›
From Dr. Andrew Huberman. "Given the benefits of red light and near infrared light on muscle recovery, skin health, mitochondrial function, vision, and more, I've used Joovv panels daily for several years now. It is my preferred red light therapy device."
Does the red light therapy at Planet Fitness work? ›
The benefits of red light therapy at Planet Fitness include stimulating collagen production for improved skin health, aiding muscle recovery post-exercise, and potentially reducing the visibility of cellulite, contributing to overall skin rejuvenation.
How does red light therapy restore vision? ›
The color contrast vision of the participants was tested 3 hours after red light exposure and then again one week later. The color contrast vision of the participants who were exposed to red light in the morning improved by an average of 17%.
How long does it take to see improvement from red light therapy? ›
The good news is that red light therapy starts helping your body from the first session, but continued treatments help achieve more lasting results. You may see or feel minor effects immediately, but the best results are typically conducted over 3-6 months if you consistently visit Sculptology for treatments.
What happens if you use red light therapy everyday? ›
The long-term safety of red light therapy is not known. If you use red light therapy devices incorrectly or too often, you may damage your skin or eyes. Immediate results from red light therapy are possible, but it's more likely going to take weeks or months before you see improvements.
How much does it cost for red light therapy? ›
There's a high demand for anti-aging products, especially those that work in a non-invasive, effective way. The average cost of a general RLT session, which typically involves the use of some type of red light panel or enclosure with red LED lights, is between $20-$200.
How often should I do red light therapy? ›
“If you are using a handheld device, it can be used three to five times a week for 10-20 minutes each time.” Dr. Paulvin himself recommends undergoing red light therapy four to five times per week, ideally, as it takes consistency to get more noticeable results. “There is no maximum or limit to exposure,” he adds.
What red light therapy does Kim Kardashian use? ›
LED light therapy masks for the face, neck, and hands courtesy of the brands CurrentBody and Omnilux. "You can find me right here... Face, neck and hand red lights for the win!" wrote Kardashian via her Instagram Stories on Monday night.
Research shows that red light therapy may be useful for relieving some types of pain, particularly pain due to inflammation (irritation and swelling of body tissues).
How to use red light therapy for eyes? ›
In this study, red light was used to treat dry eye symptoms using a special red light-enhanced device. Patients placed the device over closed eyes for three minutes at a time at least twice a week. After three months of this practice, they reported relief from discomfort such as grittiness and burning sensations.
Do you need eye protection for red light therapy? ›
Should I keep my eyes open or closed during red light therapy? If you are using a low irradiance device or are a generous distance away from the device, then it is safe for you to keep your eyes open during the treatment. However, using protective goggles and shutting your eyes close is recommended.
What does the shaking in red light therapy do? ›
PLATFORM BODY VIBRATION
Tightens connective tissue. Relieves stress. Strengthens muscles. Enhances feeling of well-being.
Do you lose weight with red light therapy? ›
Red light therapy is also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT). It's a type of body sculpting that may help you get rid of stubborn fat. Most research shows that red light therapy removes some fat from your waist and arms, but results are modest at best.
How often should you use red light therapy for your eyes? ›
“If you are using a handheld device, it can be used three to five times a week for 10-20 minutes each time.” Dr. Paulvin himself recommends undergoing red light therapy four to five times per week, ideally, as it takes consistency to get more noticeable results. “There is no maximum or limit to exposure,” he adds.
What does red light therapy do for under eyes? ›
Red 660nm monochromatic light from a laser triggers the body to produce new skin cells and collagen causing the skin around the eye to become noticeably smoother. We use the Perfectio Plus Handheld device to decrease puffiness and improve the appearance of dark circles and fine lines.
What is the best light therapy for eyes? ›
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is another longstanding dermatology (skin-related) treatment that is now being used for dry eye. IPL targets inflammation using bright bursts of light that generate heat in your blood vessels. It likely helps with dry eye by warming the oil in your meibomian glands.
Are red light bulbs better for your eyes? ›
What Is The Best Color Light For Reading And Studying During The Nighttime? Amber light and red light from Blue Light Blocking Lightbulbs are the best color lights for reading and studying at nighttime because they don't affect your circadian rhythm or disrupt hormone balance.
