Red Light Therapy and Eye Health: Will It Affect Your Lens?

Red light therapy (RLT) — also known as low‑level laser therapy (LLLT) — has gained popularity for its potential benefits in skin health, pain relief, and even eye treatments. But one common question persists: Does long‑term exposure to red light affect the lens of the eye, possibly leading to cataracts or lens opacity?

In this article, we’ll review what the current research says, the potential benefits and risks, and what you should consider before using red light therapy near your eyes.

What We Know So Far: Red Light and Lens Opacity

Lens opacity, or cataract formation, occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to impaired vision. Theoretically, long‑term or intense exposure to certain light wavelengths might contribute to this condition. However:

• A 2020 review published in PMC examined the role of red light therapy in ophthalmology. While the review highlighted its therapeutic potential, it emphasized that long‑term effects — including lens opacity — remain largely unknown due to a lack of comprehensive studies.

• A 2023 study published in Lasers in Medical Science stated that RLT is generally safe, but called for more long‑term data to understand its impact on ocular structures like the lens.

Red Light Therapy and Potential Benefits

While concerns about lens health arise, it’s worth noting that some studies have found benefits for eye health:

• A 2021 study featured in New Scientist found that deep red or near‑infrared light (~670 nm) can support retinal mitochondrial function. This may help slow the progression of age‑related macular degeneration (AMD).

• These studies, however, focused exclusively on retinal benefits and didn’t investigate lens opacity.

Red Light Therapy and Potential Risks

Although generally regarded as safe for short‑term or low‑level use, the long‑term effects of red light therapy on ocular structures like the lens are not well defined:

• A 2024 article from the University of Houston warned against using low‑level red light therapy for childhood myopia, citing insufficient evidence about its long‑term safety, including its effects on the lens and retina.

• A 2023 review in PMC emphasized that, compared to blue or UV light, red light therapy appears less harmful. However, its long‑term effects remain understudied, and the review advocated for cautious use until more data emerges.

Factors Influencing Risk

The impact of red light therapy on the lens depends on a few critical variables:

• Wavelength and Intensity: Most studies have used wavelengths around 670 nm, which are generally considered safe. However, higher intensities or different wavelengths may carry increased risk.

• Duration of Exposure: Most available data focus on short‑term treatments. Chronic, long‑term exposure over months or years has not been thoroughly studied, leaving a knowledge gap about its effects on lens opacity.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line? Red light therapy shows promise for certain eye and skin conditions, and short‑term studies generally support its safety. However, its long‑term impact on lens health — including the risk of cataract development — has not been conclusively determined.

If you’re considering using red light therapy near your eyes, especially on a regular or intensive basis, it’s best to:

✅ Consult an eye care specialist.
✅ Discuss your medical history and risk factors.
✅ Stay updated with the latest clinical research.

With further peer‑reviewed studies, we’ll gain a clearer understanding of the long‑term benefits and risks of red light therapy for ocular health.