Red light therapy can be performed with your eyes open or closed, but using the right safety approach is essential for protecting your vision and ensuring comfort. While many people prefer to keep their eyes gently closed or wear quality protective eyewear to avoid light sensitivity, others choose to keep them open during specific treatments designed for the eye area. Both methods can be effective, as long as the correct wavelength, exposure time, and safety measures are followed.
In this simple, safe-use guide, we’ll break down when to choose eyes open vs. closed, how each method works, and practical tips to get the full benefits of red light therapy without putting your eyes at risk.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Eyes?
Red light therapy (RLT) is generally considered safe for the eyes when it is used as intended. This means avoiding direct, prolonged staring into bright LEDs or lasers, and always following the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some professional eye treatments in clinics use carefully controlled doses of red or near-infrared light to support specific eye conditions, showing that, under the right conditions, this type of light can be safely applied around the eyes.
However, safety depends greatly on how the light is used and the individual’s health. Misuse, such as exposure to excessively bright light, using devices longer than recommended, or positioning the light too close, can increase the risk of discomfort or harm. People who may be more sensitive, including children, individuals with existing eye diseases, or those taking medications or supplements that increase light sensitivity, should be especially cautious.
To reduce any potential risks, it’s a good idea to wear the protective goggles provided with the device, keep sessions within the recommended time and distance limits, and avoid direct eye exposure unless the treatment is specifically designed for ocular use under professional supervision. If you have any concerns or if you fall into a higher-risk group, consulting an eye doctor before starting red light therapy is the safest approach.
Eyes Open or Closed During Red Light Therapy?
Either way works. For most people, closing your eyes feels more relaxing, while keeping them open is fine if you’re treating areas away from the eyes or you’re multitasking. Choose what’s most comfortable, your results come from consistent use, not from whether your eyes are open or closed.
Red light therapy uses non-UV red and near-infrared light designed for at-home wellness. You don’t need to look into the LEDs for benefits, your skin and tissues absorb the light in the areas you’re treating. That means you can set up your session for comfort first.
Eyes Closed: What You’ll Notice (Expanded)
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More relaxing, spa-like feel. Closing your eyes helps your mind slow down, making the session feel like a mini break. Many people pair it with calm breathing to deepen that relaxed vibe.
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Softer, gentler glow. With eyes closed, the brightness feels more comfortable, especially during face sessions. You can sink into the moment without thinking about the light at all.
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Great for evening wind-down. If you like a soothing routine before bed, eyes-closed sessions set the tone. It’s a simple way to ease into quiet time while still getting your treatment in.
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No need to look at the LEDs. Your skin and tissues receive the light whether your eyes are open or closed. You can just relax and let the panel do the work.
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Optional spa shades for extra comfort. Some users enjoy soft eye shades to create a “lights-out” feel. They add to the ritual and can make face sessions feel extra cozy.
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Perfect for mindfulness moments. Closing your eyes makes it easy to add 5–10 slow breaths or a short meditation. This turns a quick session into a tiny self-care ritual.
Eyes Open: What You’ll Notice (Expanded)
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Bright, but easy to make comfy. With a good setup—slight angle, a bit of distance, gentle brightness—the light feels friendly even with eyes open. Most people naturally soft-gaze or look slightly away.
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Ideal for body treatments. When you’re treating legs, back, or shoulders, keeping your eyes open feels natural. You can position the panel, hit start, and carry on with your routine.
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Multitask while you glow. Read a few pages, check messages, or listen to a podcast. Eyes-open sessions fit smoothly into busy days without pausing everything else.
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Easy to adjust on the fly. If the light feels strong, you can step back a little or nudge the brightness down. Small tweaks help you find your sweet spot quickly.
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Great for midday energy. Many people enjoy a short daytime session with eyes open. It feels productive and effortless—treat and move on with your day.
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Consistent, convenient habit. Because it’s simple to do while doing other things, eyes-open sessions can help you stay consistent week after week.
Sample routines with Airvida
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Face refresh (8–10 min): Panel at a gentle angle, medium brightness, eyes closed with optional shades.
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Post-workout recovery (10–15 min): Treat quads or back, eyes open, catch up on a podcast.
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Evening unwind (8–10 min): Low brightness, eyes closed, slow breathing for a calm finish to the day.
If you’re light-sensitive or have specific eye concerns, choosing a softer brightness and comfortable distance is a great start. And as with any wellness routine, feel free to check in with your eye care professional if you’d like personalized guidance
Step-by-Step: Safe Face Sessions at Home
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Set distance: start around 15–30 cm from the device (per its manual).
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Prepare eyes: close your eyes before turning the light on. Use blackout goggles if you’re light-sensitive.
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Keep it brief: follow the device’s recommended session time; more is not always better.
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Don’t stare at the diodes: angle the panel so your eyes aren’t looking directly into emitters.
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Listen to your body: if you get eye strain, headaches, or lingering after-images, stop and shorten future sessions.
Who Should Use Extra Caution (or Ask a Doctor First)
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You’ve had recent eye surgery or have active eye disease
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You take photosensitizing medications
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You’re very light-sensitive or get migraines from bright light
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Children: only under specialist care; do not attempt DIY eye exposure.
Can Red Light Help Eye Conditions?
Red light may support certain eye conditions, but this applies only when it’s used with specialized, eye-safe devices under professional guidance. The red light therapy panels you use for skin, recovery, or wellness, like Airvida products, are not designed to treat eye diseases.
What Research Shows
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Age-related eye health: Some studies suggest that brief exposure to specific red wavelengths (like 670 nm) may help support retinal function in older adults. Research is still early, and results vary.
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Dry eye relief: Low-level light therapy targeting the eyelids has been shown to help improve tear quality and comfort in clinical settings. These treatments are done by eye professionals using devices made for eyelid application, not by looking into bright panels.
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Other conditions: In certain countries, specialized red light treatments have been explored for slowing the progression of nearsightedness in children or supporting vision in specific retinal conditions. These are regulated procedures and not intended for home panels.
Why Home Devices Are Different
Airvida red light therapy devices are designed for skin, muscle recovery and general wellness, not for direct eye treatment. While it’s fine to have your eyes open during body sessions, you shouldn’t stare directly into the LEDs—your skin benefits whether your eyes are open or closed.
If You’re Interested in Eye Therapy
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Consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist before starting any light-based eye treatment.
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Use only devices intended for eye applications, following professional instructions.
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Remember that the safest and most effective eye treatments happen in controlled clinical settings.
Bottom line: Red light can help certain eye conditions when it’s professionally administered with purpose-built devices. For at-home Airvida sessions, focus on your skin, wellness, and recovery goals, not direct eye treatment.
Find Your Perfect Session with Airvida Red Light Therapy Beds
Whether you prefer your sessions with eyes open for light activities or eyes closed for total relaxation, Airvida’s premium therapy beds make it easy to enjoy every moment.
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Airvida Radiance Red Light Therapy Bed for Home & Commercial Use – Designed for full-body light coverage and spa-like comfort. Perfect for creating a luxurious escape at home or offering professional-quality sessions in a wellness space.
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Airvida Aura Red Light Therapy Bed for Home & Commercial Use – Sleek, professional-grade, and built for efficiency and comfort, giving you a rejuvenating experience whether your eyes are open or closed.
Both beds feature even light distribution, adjustable settings, and a design that makes safety and comfort effortless, so you can simply lie back, choose your preferred eye position, and let the benefits unfold.
Experience the Comfort of Your Choice with the Airvida Red Light Therapy Bed
Whether you enjoy your red light therapy sessions with eyes open or eyes closed, the Airvida Red Light Therapy Bed for Home & Commercial Use makes it easy to create the perfect experience. Its full-body design delivers even, soothing light from head to toe, so you can relax deeply with your eyes closed, or keep them open for light activities like listening to music or meditating.
With adjustable settings and a comfortable, spa-like design, our therapy bed supports both comfort and consistency, which are the key factors in seeing great results. And because the light is evenly distributed, there’s no need to stare at bright points, just settle in, choose your preferred position, and enjoy your session.
Explore the Airvida Red Light Therapy Bed →
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to use red light therapy on eyes?
If you’re using red light therapy specifically for eye health, it should only be done with specialized, eye-safe devices designed for that purpose, and under the guidance of an eye care professional. Airvida panels are made for skin, recovery, and wellness, not for directly treating eyes. For face sessions, you can simply position the panel at a comfortable distance, close your eyes, or use soft shades, and let the light work on your skin.
Do your eyes need to be open for light therapy to work?
No, your eyes don’t have to be open for your skin or body to benefit. The light is absorbed by your skin and tissues in the targeted area, so you can keep your eyes open or closed depending on what feels more comfortable.
How long should I do red light therapy on my eyes?
For direct eye treatments, always follow the time and settings recommended by an eye doctor using a device designed for that purpose. If you’re doing a regular Airvida session near your face, follow your device’s general timing guidelines (usually 8–10 minutes) and keep comfort in mind, eyes closed or softly open works fine.
Can I open my eyes under red light therapy?
Yes, you can have your eyes open, just avoid staring directly into the LEDs. Many people choose to keep their eyes open for body treatments and their eyes closed for facial sessions to make it feel more relaxing.
Should eyes be covered during red light therapy?
Eye covering is optional for general wellness sessions. Some people like using soft shades for comfort during face treatments, while others simply close their eyes. For body treatments, most users skip eye coverings altogether.
Disclaimer
Airvida and partners' advice does not constitute medical advice and is intended for informative and educational purposes only, with no medical or non-medical claims being made. While research & studies show the potential of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Hyperbaric Air Therapy (HBAT) may have implied benefits, individual results may vary. It is required by Airvida & Partners to consult with doctors before being approved for Hyperbaric Therapy (HBOT & HBAT). Read More HERE