18 February 2025 · By Issy Luke

Is Red LED Light Therapy Bad for Your Eyes?

It’s no secret – LED light therapy is a skincare game-changer. A go-to treatment for skin rejuvenation, LED devices mainly use red light wavelengths to boost collagen production and reverse the signs of aging or blue light to eliminate bacteria and banish blemishes. Once only available in a clinical setting, LED light therapy treatments are now more accessible than ever, thanks to the new era of at-home LED devices. As Dr Elizabeth Hawkes, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Cadogan Clinic in London, explains, “Red light has been around in medicine for decades and its therapeutic benefits are well established and extensively published in the literature”.

However, as LED light therapy becomes more popular, it’s natural for concerns to pop up – especially around eye safety and the effect of LED light on eyes. 

As Dr Elizabeth states, “There's been a lot of negative publicity in the media about the harmful effects of light to the eyes so it's really important to clear this up. Overall, as an eye surgeon, I have a huge emphasis and really prioritise safety in my practice. I want to ensure that the light masks I'm recommending to my patients, that I have confidence in the science behind them."

After all, the skin around our eyes is delicate, and no one wants to risk their vision for better skin. So, is red light bad for your eyes? It’s one of the biggest myths of beauty tech – and one we’re here to clear up.

Are LED lights bad for your eyes?

Rest assured, the LED lights in beauty devices are perfectly safe when used correctly. While there isn’t any credible research linking red LED light to eye damage, research suggests that some red light wavelengths can actually be beneficial for eye health, helping to slow retinal aging and other age-related eye conditions and improving vision long-term.

“Red light therapy is actually now being used in human trials to treat patients with dry age-related macular degeneration, which is a condition affecting the retina, and also in patients in myopia. So its therapeutic benefits are well established, not just in the skin, and they're also establishing in the eyes.” says Dr Elizabeth. 

When it comes to blue light, with the light from our phones and laptop screens linked to premature aging and eye damage, you might be worried about whether blue LED beauty devices could have the same effect. But fear not – the two are not the same. While screens emit HEV light, which has a higher energy level enabling it to travel deeper into the eye, beauty devices use a weaker wavelength, optimal for killing blemish-causing bacteria.

As Dr Elizabeth confirms, “What we're talking about here is red light which is in the visible spectrum and it's so important not to confuse (red light therapy) with blue light, which does have harmful effects to the eyes. But saying that, blue light at the correct wavelength does also have therapeutic benefits in patients with acne.”

When shopping for LED face masks and devices, it’s important to look out for FDA approval, as this shows that it has been tested and verified to be safe and effective. The CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask, Anti-Blemish Mask and the Dermalux Flex MD device are all FDA-approved, meaning they're cleared as safe for your eyes. That said, if you have a specific eye condition, it's always a good idea to check with your healthcare professional first.

Dr Elizabeth advises “You don't want to choose a cheap device that may not meet the regulatory standards. FDA approval in the US and CE marking in Europe is a really important point when choosing red light masks at home. I want to make sure the light mask is safe and does not damage the eyes. For that reason, I always recommend the CurrentBody mask.

Should I wear eye protection with red light therapy?

While some clinic-strength treatments may require eye protection, most at-home red light therapy devices are designed to be safe without it. 

Not all LED devices are created equal. Always check the instructions before use, and if you have an existing eye condition or any concerns, you may feel that an extra layer of protection might be best.

“Firstly there are lots of different light wavelengths. You have x-rays, microwaves, UV light. You want to ensure that the light you're delivering to your skin is actually at the wavelength it says it is in the therapeutic range and not necessarily in the harmful range which we may not even know about.”

The CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask has been clinically tested and approved for use without goggles, operating between 633-1072nm. That said, we know that comfort and peace of mind matter, so this device comes with optional comfort goggles or eye inserts if you'd prefer to use them.

Can I keep my eyes open during red light therapy?

If your mask specifies that it does not require you to wear eye protection, it is safe to keep your eyes open so you can catch up on your favourite series or scroll without worry. But, if you want to be extra cautious, or use the treatment as an excuse to have a few minutes of shut-eye, go ahead and close your eyes. Your device will automatically shut off once the timed treatment is complete.

Expert Insight from our Resident Ophthalmologist

Watch the full video below to hear Consultant Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon, Dr. Elizabeth Hawkes, share her complete expert opinion on the safety of red LED light therapy for eyes, addressing common concerns and misconceptions from a clinical perspective.

“I'm going to be clearing up the misconception that red light LED masks are bad for the eyes - it is perfectly safe to use red light. Red light is well established for its therapeutic benefits and skin rejuvenation and is also being established in the eyes.”
– Dr. Elizabeth Hawkes, Consultant Ophthalmologist

So, is red light therapy bad for your eyes? The short answer: no. Red LED light is safe and can even support eye health. However, the blue HEV light from screens and devices in everyday life can be harmful. The key takeaway? Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and look out for FDA approval for extra peace of mind. Cue more superhero-esque selfies and mask-wearing multi-tasking – you’re good to go.

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Issy Luke Beauty Writer
As our Senior Brand (Product) Executive, Issy has extensive knowledge about beauty devices, industry technologies and clinical studies from around the globe. Her background in Commercial and Digital Marketing, along with her BSc in International Business has made Issy an epicentre of information. When she's not researching the newest technologies, you can find her in a Spin Class or enjoying an Aperol Spritz.#Beauty Editor
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